Top 5 Questions About Saebo
What is a Saebo orthosis?
The orthosis is custom made for you by Saebo, Inc. and is effective for re-training movement of the arm and hand. Fitted to your hand, the orthosis uses a complex arrangement of tension springs to train opening and closing of the hand. This function is referred to as grasp-and-release. Saebo trained therapists are the only professionals qualified to fit, adjust, and provide this specialized therapy. The therapist’s equipment kit consists of Saebo approved balls and targets used in the Advanced Arm and Hand Training program that challenge you to perform repetitive task-directed grasp and release. Guided by the therapist, you’ll perform controlled movements of increasing complexity. The orthosis is a training tool that’s removed once you’ve regained the controlled grasp-and-release function. Learn more about SAEBO
Who is a good candidate for Saebo?
Candidates include children, adolescents, or adults who have arm and/or hand impairments due to a neurological condition such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain surgery, or multiple sclerosis. While treatment is most effective when started about six months after the onset of the impairment, research and experience has shown that useful results can be obtained even 20 years after onset (results vary). The program is intensive and results driven—clients who commit to the program achieve the best results.
What should I expect from my Saebo program?
Once the Saebo orthosis is properly fitted to your hand by our physical therapist, you will begin the Advanced Arm and Hand Training program. The frequency and duration of this training can vary depending on your hand and arm function. The average range is 5 to 15 days, 4 to 6 hours per day. Your level of function is filmed with a video camera on the first and last day of the program–this records improvement and provides you with visual feedback. Our physical therapist designs a unique program based on your functional ability and goals and works with you to achieve those goals. This includes behavioral techniques known as shaping and task practice, where you repeat timed exercises of increasing complexity and the therapist provides encouragement and feedback to improve each task. Task practice simulates a daily activity or movement–as you improve, the therapist progresses you to performing actual daily activity or movement in your home. Positive reinforcement and one-on-one interaction is a key component in the success of the program.
Your schedule is individualized to allow for rest breaks during the intensive 4-6 hour day. In addition to the training session, you will be asked to complete practice activities in the evenings. At the completion of your training, you’ll be given an individualized program to follow at home. During the first year you’ll be asked to complete quarterly self-evaluations that assist us in tracking your progress and help us make additional recommendations for improving your home program and the use of your hand in the home environment.
Each patient has a different way of measuring success. With our guidance, you can set realistic goals and work toward them, continuing long after your therapy is completed. Your success will positively affect you and those around you–it’s not uncommon for caregivers to be able to return to work as you gain independence and confidence.
What type of results can I expect?
In this STUDY you will read about the effectiveness of the Saebo orthosis. Watch actual patients using a Saebo orthosis in this VIDEO
What are the steps to obtain a Saebo orthosis?
1. Contact us by email or phone–a Saebo trained therapist will ask specific questions about your movement to determine if you’re a good candidate for physical therapy with a Saebo orthosis. If the answer is yes, we’ll supply the intake forms, help you fill them out, and submit them along with your insurance information to Saebo.
2. Saebo will determine your private insurance or Medicare coverage for a Saebo orthosis. You’ll be informed of coverage amounts.
3. For clients in our service area, the therapist can perform an in-person evaluation. For clients outside the service area, send us a video of your arm and hand movement–we’ll tell you specific movements to film. Our therapist will determine which Saebo orthosis is appropriate and provide a form for measuring your arm and hand for the custom Saebo orthosis.
4. Scheduling is done through our office. Therapy is performed in your home or work environment. Our therapist travels to your area and stays until the therapy sessions are completed. Our therapist will bring your Saebo orthosis (mailed to our office by Saebo) to the first therapy session for fitting and adjustments. Therapy programs can be hourly or 4-6 hours per day for 10 to 15 consecutive days.
5. To maintain the gains after therapy, you are strongly encouraged to perform the Saebo home exercises and complete the self-evaluation forms so we can track your progress. We offer follow-up services if you need guidance or a refresher session.