OT Zone Inc.

10/02/2026

Mallet Finger Dynamic Taping

During therapy, we make use of dynamic tape to support the finger tip that is unable to straighten. It is used as a supplement to splinting - acting as a 'safety net' when the splint needs to be removed for personal hygiene.

Dynamic taping is different to kinesiology taping - dynamic tape provides greater support and is a more rigid tape that allows the finger to remain straight, thus restricting the tip from bending.

It is important to still adhere to all the precautions discussed during therapy.

09/02/2026

Introducing the Mallet Finger

A mallet finger usually presents when the tip of any of the fingers is unable to be straightened by it self.
This usually occurs when there is a force applied to a finger that is straight, forcing the finger to bend.
The terminal tendon, which is responsible for straightening the tip of the finger, can either rupture or detach from the insertion site.
Subsequently leading to the tip of the finger that droops down and cannot lift by itself.

Examples of cases where it can occur:
🟠Catching a ball during sports - cricket, netball, rugby, etc.
🟠Pulling up socks or pants
🟠Making the bed
🟠Caught in a door

So what are the solutions?
The finger tip needs to be placed in a straight position for optimal healing.

Conservative treatment involves splinting and dynamic taping. During this time, it is important to note the precautions of healing.
Any accidental or deliberate bending of the tip can cause the tendon to re-rupture, delaying the healing process.
This is all discussed during the session with health care professionals.

Surgical intervention is usually required for more severe cases such as large bony fragments, open injuries or if the conservative treatment has failed.

If a mallet finger is left untreated, the finger is at risk of forming a swanneck deformity.

20/01/2026

Does this look familiar?

This is a Swan Neck Deformity
This is identified by hyperextension at the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIPJ) and flexion of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint (DIPJ).

How it happens:
1️⃣PIPJ laxity/imbalance allows extensor force to dominate at the PIPJ.
This can occur with:
⭐️PIPJ instability
⭐️Volar plate rupture
⭐️FDS (Flexor Digitorum Superficialis) rupture
⭐️TRL(transverse retinacular ligament) rupture
2️⃣ Lateral bands migrate dorsally
3️⃣DIPJ cannot extend fully and stays in flexion posture

👉The untreated mallet deformity can also turn into a swan neck deformity over time.

👉A swan neck posture can be present without an injury - some people with hyper mobile joints have this posture in their fingers due to excess laxity in the PIP.

If you are struggling with a Swan Neck Deformity, you can contact your nearest hand therapist for treatment option or information.

079 491 6450 / 011 475 9480
hands@otzone.co.za

01/01/2026

22/12/2025

The end of the year is near and so we are all preparing for the festive season. 🎄

OT Zone Inc. will be closed from 25 December 2025 - 04 January 2026. We will re-open for the new year on 05 January 2026.

Thank you all for the continued support throughout 2025.🤩

Have a blessed and joyful festive season.

03/09/2025

Interesting fact:
Lymphoedema doesn't always present with swelling at first. 🤓
Some experience tingling, tightness or heaviness... before the swelling presents.


There are several stages of lymphoedema. If left untreated , it will progress to the next stage.
Swipe through to explore each stage and gain a greater understanding. ✨

28/07/2025

Let's make compression more comfortable.💪

💡Try these tips and tricks💡:
1. Wear grip gloves for easier application and prevent damage to the garments.

2. Use a grip pad/ mat to slip on the garment around the ankle - especially if you have poor grip strength to pull the garment around the ankle.

3. Use a slip on aid - usually included in the garment packaging. It facilitates easier application onto foot/ankle. It looks like a sock.

4.Moisturized skin - make sure that you apply lotions at night or a good amount of time before putting on your garments.

5. Silicone bordering will prevent the garment from sliding down.

6. Correct donning technique is important and each person should be taught how to apply their garments as independently as possible.

✨Compression does not have to be struggle. Incorporating the correct strategies will make your compression routine so much easier.

Reach out to an lymphoedema therapist for further information.

30/05/2025

IT'S SLIPPER DAY !✨

Today we are supporting the Reach for a Dream fundraiser.

What is Slipper Day?
Once a year we can wear slippers to work to show our support to this foundation. They aim to "bring joy to children with life-threatening illnesses." 🌟

"These simple acts of kindness serve as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by these brave children, many of whom spend their days in slippers while undergoing treatment. By purchasing a R20 Slipper Day sticker, you can help us turn their biggest dreams into realities, giving them precious moments of joy and hope when they need it the most."
https://reachforadream.org.za/slipper-day/

15/05/2025

Lympoedema🦵💪

Very few people know what lymphoedema is, yet so many struggle daily with this condition. 😫
Now what is lymphoedema?

It is abnormal, long-term swelling of any body part which is caused by the lymphatic build up. Therefore any dysfunction in the lymphatic system can lead to lymphoedema.
Primary lymphoedema means that it occurs on it's own , usually from birth. Secondary lymphoedema can be caused by another condition, damage (surgery, trauma, cancer, infection) or obstruction to the lymphatic system (vessels or nodes).

Fluid build up is observed in the tissue spaces and can lead to chronic inflammation and swelling. It can be observed in one or more limbs(arms/legs) and can involve the trunk, head, neck, breast and genitalia.

Even though it's not curable, it can be easily managed with therapy and early detections. 🤩
In therapy we make use of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This aims to reduce swelling and prepare you to manage and maintain it yourself.
The following pictures briefly indicates what lymphoedema looks and feels like as well as what components we use in therapy (CDT) to assist with treating and managing lymphoedema.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms please feel free to reach out to a certified lymphoedema therapist. 🤝
www.laosa.co.za

079 491 6450 / 011 475 9480
hands@otzone.co.za

20/01/2025

Have you ever heard someone mention a splint before?

A lot of the time, a doctor will refer you for a splint to assist you with your recovery , however you've probably never seen or heard of a splint before.

Here at OT Zone Inc. we fabricate and custom mould splints for your individual needs. We use it in therapy for various reasons during hand and upper limb therapy. Additionally, it can be made for any body part - fingers, thumb, wrist, elbow, etc. 👍🫳💪

Splints are quite interesting and you have so many options. If you'd like more information, please feel free to contact us.

079 491 6450 / 011 475 9480
hands@otzone.co.za