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Sensory Dynamic Orthosis- SDO® Original

Sensory Dynamic Orthosis (SDO®). A made-to-measure Lycra® orthosis. A (Class 1) medical device by Medigarments Ltd

Role of dynamic compression in the management of tone

SDO® and SDO® Lite clinical trifoldPDF, 6.2 MB, V1 04/2022

The application of dynamic compression through the wearing of the Sensory Dynamic Orthosis can result in improved motor output, improved reciprocal muscle activity, and can be used to maintain soft tissue length and alignment. SDO® Original garments are designed and produced to provide constant and consistent compression for sensory and proprioceptive feedback. They also provide musculoskeletal alignment and resistance whilst allowing movement thus giving the propensity for motor learning and neural integration. This will then optimise and enhance functional performance by improving motor control and fluency of movement.

SDO® Original is a made-to-measure Lycra® garment (Class 1) medical device, designed and produced to the finest detail. It provides dynamic compression to increase sensory and proprioceptive feedback as well as provide musculoskeletal support. Through the use of an SDO® providing constant, consistent compression, stretch, support and sensory information, the patient is given the effect of therapeutic handling for the time that the garment is worn.

Clinical observations and the evidence available shows that wearing the SDO® leads to an improvement in positioning, posture and function because it provides musculoskeletal alignment, postural stability and sensory feedback. This is thought to be due to the stimulation of the somatosensory and musculoskeletal systems which give changes in tone and postural alignment. This will then lead to improved proximal stability and improved biomechanical advantage for muscle activation and enhancement of learning strategies.

How the garment works

Reinforcement panels

The SDO® garment can be customised to meet the musculoskeletal needs of the patient by using reinforcement panels. The decision will be made by the prescribing clinician dependent on the functional outcome anticipated. There is a selection of panels that can be used in isolation or in combination with other panels to achieve the goal in postural control and body alignment.

Base suit and panels together

A bespoke SDO® dynamic Lycra® garment can assist and lead to motor learning and neural integration. The base suit provides the neuro-physiological component by increasing proprioceptive and cutaneous feedback and enhancing normal movement. The reinforcement panels work bio-mechanically providing musculoskeletal realignment, joint stabilisation and resistance.

Improvement in

  • Improved posture and stability
  • Improved motor output
  • Normalisation of tone
  • Reduced involuntary movements
  • Improved dynamic function
  • Fluency of movement
  • Increased independence
  • Improved breathing and speech patterns
  • Calmness / improved concentration
  • Enhanced handling and transferring
  • Carry over effect

Abnormal tone in neurological conditions

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Acquired brain injury
  • Acquired spinal injury
  • Cerebellar ataxia
  • Spina bifida
  • CVA / Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Focal Dystonia

Joint instability and sensory deficit

  • Persistent low tone
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  • Hypermobility, joint laxity
  • Autism / ADHD
  • Hernia
  • Down Syndrome

By body part

More about Sensory Dynamic Orthosis - SDO® Original

Dynamic Lycra® orthoses are fabric devices made from premium-quality Lycra® and manufactured to the exact measurements of the patient.

The aim of Sensory Dynamic Orthosis (SDO®) Class 1 medical devices, is to deliver continuous and consistent therapeutic pressure to improve functional ability through the application of a Lycra® orthosis. In contrast to a rigid orthosis, SDO® Original orthosis are dynamic and apply pressure and resistance, whilst allowing functional movement.

SDO® Original dynamic Lycra® orthosis provide the propensity for motor learning and neural integration by:

  • Reducing tremors and improving fine motor skills, function and coordination
  • Improving sensory and proprioceptive feedback
  • Managing abnormal tone
  • Improving postural control and proximal stability
  • Improving musculo-skeletal stability and alignment
  • Enhancing functional performance
  • Improving fluency of movement and neural integration

In most cases, this has a positive effect on pain and increases independence and may even enhance handling and transferring with improved breathing and speech.

Role of Dynamic Compression in the Management of Tone

Clinical observations and the evidence available shows that wearing the SDO® leads to an improvement in positioning, posture and function because it provides musculoskeletal alignment, postural stability and sensory feedback. This is thought to be due to the stimulation of the somatosensory and musculoskeletal systems which give changes in tone and postural alignment. This will then lead to improved proximal stability and improved biomechanical advantage for muscle activation and enhancement of learning strategies.­ Through the use of an SDO® dynamic Lycra® orthosis, providing constant, consistent compression, stretch, support and sensory information, the patient is given the effect of therapeutic handling for the time that the orthosis is worn.

SDO® Original, Reinforcement Panels

The SDO® Original orthosis can be customised to meet the musculoskeletal needs of the patient by using reinforcement panels. The decision will be made by the prescribing clinician dependent on the functional outcome anticipated. There is a selection of panels that can be used in isolation or in combination with other panels to achieve the goal in postural control and body alignment.

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