FAQs

What is The Bamboo Brace?

The Bamboo Brace is a dynamic elbow splint for children and adults with motor impairments that encourages extension of the elbow at more favorable angles to facilitate the development of gross and fine motor skills, as well as managing unwanted stereotypies such as hand wringing, and repetitive interaction of the child’s hands with their head, neck and face. Each Bamboo Brace is sold with 5 flexible and interchangeable plastic supports of varying resistance offering more options for treatment and progression in therapy.

 

Why was The Bamboo Brace created?

The Bamboo Brace was created to promote motor skill development when the standard available braces were bulky, rigid, and inflexible, not allowing children to transition between developmental postures and acquire meaningful function.


How is The Bamboo Brace helpful?

With The Bamboo Brace applied to the elbow or knee, the user can isolate the remaining joints of the arm and leg without as much interference from unhelpful spastic patterns or generalized weakness. When paired with the principles of Dynamic Bracing Therapy, The Bamboo Brace supports users in better controlling each joint separately. This dynamic joint re-alignment enhances motor control, freedom of movement, strength, and overall function thereby making skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking and hand function more achievable. 



How does The Bamboo Brace work?

The Bamboo Brace was designed to support motor skill development in children with disabilities. When the elbow is positioned at less than 45° of flexion, the brace’s dynamic rebound helps to strengthen the weaker posterior muscle groups. At the same time, bracing the elbow allows the shoulder, scapula, and abdominal muscles to work more effectively without disruption from undesirable spastic patterns. By improving segmental control at both the shoulder and elbow, children can more easily practice, repeat, and master new motor skills. When used at the knee, The Bamboo Brace helps control the spastic patterns and assists in isolating the musculature of the hip improving control, strength and function in preparation for standing, cruising and walking.


In what situations and presentations if The Bamboo Brace most often used?

High Tone (Predominant Flexion Patterns)

Children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, head injury, stroke, and brachial plexus injury often present with predominant elbow and knee flexion patterns which can slow motor development. Dynamic bracing with The Bamboo Brace supports more functional movement by counteracting these spastic patterns.

Low Tone (Weakness and Instability)

Children with extremity weakness and joint instability, typically associated with lower muscle tone and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, Autism, Prader–Willi syndrome, and rare trisomies, also benefit from The Bamboo Brace. The brace provides support and stability while encouraging active use and strengthening in the arm, shoulder and core.

Stereotypy Management

Although designed for rehabilitation, The Bamboo Brace also assists in managing unwanted stereotypies such as hand wringing, repetitive interaction of the child’s hands with their head, neck and face, and self-harm behaviors. This is especially useful for users with conditions such as Rett syndrome, Autism and children recovering from facial surgeries.

Note:

  • The Bamboo Brace is designed to be used with appropriate supervision and is not intended for nighttime use.

  • The Bamboo Brace is not designed to manage joint contractures

 

What are the features of The Bamboo Brace?

  • Made of 4-way-stretch latex-free neoprene with a secure hook and loop enclosure

  • Available in 5 sizes, fitting ages from infancy through adulthood

  • 5 interchangeable plastic supports, each with different degrees of flexibility and resistance for treatment of varying diagnoses

  • An affordable option compared to heavy and bulky custom molded orthotics

  • Lightweight, durable and hand-washable with a sleek/snug design that can be worn under clothing

 

What are the benefits of The Bamboo Brace?

  • The Bamboo Brace promotes independent motor control of the trunk, shoulder, wrist and hand while decreasing spastic elbow interference, allowing the user to learn new and more functional ways to move

  • The Bamboo Brace encourages overall strengthening of the arm for learning of gross motor skills in children with lower muscle tone and weakness

  • The Bamboo Brace assists the arm(s) during weight bearing, crawling and transitions to standing and walking

  • The Bamboo Brace allows for easier and more effective use of assistive devices (walkers, canes and crutches) in addition to bikes, trikes, scooters, wheelchairs, sports equipment and anything with handle bars.

  • The Bamboo Brace improves equilibrium, balance and protective reactions within all developmental positions and upright activities like sitting, kneeling, standing, cruising, bridging and walking  

  • The Bamboo Brace was created and designed by practicing pediatric physical therapists

 

How is The Bamboo Brace different than other braces on the market?

  • Adjustable resistance provides the optimal level of flexibility, enhancing gross and fine motor skill development across a variety of diagnoses.

  • 4-way stretch neoprene design for greater usability and versatility during movement

  • Twin hook & loop tabs allowing a tapered and snug-fit across a wide range of arm sizes

  • Sleek and snug-fitting design easily worn under clothing

  • Provides a comfortable, easy-to-wear sensory and movement experience


Do you provide consultations for best practice using The Bamboo Brace?

Yes. Michael J. Workman, PT, C/NDT, brings over 33 years of experience treating patients with neuromuscular diagnoses and is the designer and primary developer of The Bamboo Brace and Dynamic Bracing Therapy. Consultations are available both virtually and in person. Each session is preceded by a thorough video review and movement analysis, ensuring that patient and family goals are carefully integrated into an individualized treatment plan. Michael’s background in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), serves as the foundation for sound movement planning and treatment solutions.

 

Is The Bamboo Brace distributed internationally?

Yes. We have relationships with a number of international distributors who you can purchase braces from locally:

Brace-Yourself (Exclusive United Kingdom Distributor): https://www.brace-yourself.co.uk/search/the-bamboo-brace
Representative: Clive Mitchell, enquiries@brace-yourself.co.uk

Remington Medical (Canada): https://www.remingtonmedical.com/product-category/pediatrics/the-bamboo-brace/
Representative: Janina Imhoff, janina@remingtonmedical.com

Milestones Therapy (Australia): http://www.milestonestherapy.com.au/the-bamboo-brace/
Representative: Erikka Hall OT   info@milestonestherapy.com.au

Scott Medical (Ireland/EU): http://www.scottmedical.com/
Representative: John Scott john@scottmedical.com

If you do not see your country listed, please send us an email to info@bamboobrace.com where we can calculate your shipping cost and prepare an invoice for you to pay by credit card.


If my country does not have an international distributor, can I still purchase The Bamboo Brace?

Yes! The following countries can purchase directly on our site, www.bamboobrace.com

Aruba, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.S. Outlying Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

 

Is The Bamboo Brace sold individually or in pairs?

Each Bamboo Brace is sold individually, as it is often used by children and adults with one-sided weakness. If a pair is needed for bilateral involvement, simply add two braces to your cart.

 

What motor skills can my child improve by using The Bamboo Brace?

The Bamboo Brace is designed to support better arm positioning, which in turn helps children build strength, coordination, and independence. Some of the key motor skills that can be improved include:

  • Early Movement Skills
     • Rolling between the stomach and back and progressing to belly crawling
     • Sitting with increased elbow extension to help prop and bear weight during
     play, eating, and daily tasks
     • Two-handed play and assisted play activities

  • Crawling and Kneeling
     • Transitioning to the hands-and-knees position from the floor as well as crawling and supported kneeling
     • Transitioning into half-kneeling and then to standing (such as pulling up at furniture or climbing stairs)

  • Walking and Standing Skills
     • Cruising (sideways walking) along furniture and bridging to other surfaces
     • Hand-held walking and use of assistive devices like walkers and push toys
     • Independent walking with improved trunk rotation, balance, and protective reactions

  • Advanced Play and Recreation
     • Climbing activities at the park and playground
     • Bike riding, racquet sports, and other age-appropriate play that requires coordinated use of one or both hands.

 

Should The Bamboo Brace be worn over clothing or directly on the skin?

The Bamboo Brace may be worn over clothing; however, optimal effectiveness is achieved when the brace is placed directly on the skin. The interior surface of the brace is designed with a non-slip silicone material that provides greater stability and alignment when in direct contact with the child’s arm. This ensures consistent positioning and maximizes therapeutic benefit.

 

What is Dynamic Bracing Therapy?

Dynamic Bracing Therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses flexible and resilient extremity supports to improve joint positioning for people with motor impairments and weakness. The goal is to promote motor skill development by allowing the braced joints to move in and out of functional ranges while the user remains actively engaged in meaningful activity. The improved distal joint alignment fosters improved motor control, stability, strength and coordination in proximal muscle groups providing the foundation for acquiring of more advanced gross and fine motor skills.

 

How does The Bamboo Brace aid in learning motor skills?

In children with flexor spasticity, The Bamboo Brace allows users to learn how to utilize the separate joints of the arm, leg and trunk individually without as much interference from unhelpful spastic patterns.  As the user learns to control each joint separately, their freedom of motion, strength, and function improves as well as their ability to bear weight through their arms and legs.  This makes activities like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking more possible.

In children with lower muscle tone and weakness,the flexible brace allows them to better hold weight through their upper extremities during functional activities, By providing stability at the elbow joint and allowing movement in mid-ranges, The Bamboo Brace assists the user in gaining the strength while wearing the brace which enables the progression to motor function while unbraced.

 

What is the recommended wearing schedule for The Bamboo Brace?

Children with spasticity

When treating spasticity with the use of The Bamboo Brace, the goal is to learn function by dynamically extending and re-aligning the elbow while facilitating greater independent control and strength of the trunk and shoulder. To achieve this, the brace should be worn beyond therapy sessions as a home program tool. Once tolerance to bracing is established for about 30-60 minutes, we recommend a total of about 4-6 hours daily, broken up into 2-3 hour blocks while the user is active and engaged in function. The user’s skin should be periodically monitored at both the forearm and upper arm for any skin irritation or signs of circulatory compromise. Discontinue using The Bamboo Brace if either of these conditions arise.

Children with low muscle tone and weakness

Typically children with lower muscle tone and weakness have balanced and complete motor control at the shoulder/elbow but lack overall strength and stability. In this instance brace use is best focused on therapy sessions and structured exercise times rather than extended daily wear. The user’s skin should be periodically monitored at both the forearm and upper arm for any irritation or signs of circulatory compromise. Discontinue using The Bamboo Brace if either of these conditions arise.

For the management of stereotypies

In addition to the rehabilitation benefits, The Bamboo Brace may be used to limit often subconscious and nonfunctional movement such as hand-wringing, flapping and self interaction with the head, neck and face. In these cases, after 30-60 minute tolerance is achieved, The Bamboo Brace can be worn for longer daytime periods with intermittent supervision and scheduled breaks of 30-60 minutes from use. The user’s skin should be periodically monitored at both the forearm and upper arm for any irritation or signs of circulatory compromise. Discontinue using The Bamboo Brace if either of these conditions arise.

Note: 

  • The Bamboo Brace is not recommended for nighttime use.

  • The Bamboo Brace is not recommended for the management of joint contracture.

 

How tight should The Bamboo Brace be worn?

After positioning the plastic support in the channel, and the channel aligned along the radius the brace should be wrapped around the arm and secured with the hook & loop enclosure as per the directions. The fit should be snug enough to prevent movement along the arm, while avoiding excessive tightness that could impair circulation. Clinicians and caregivers should ensure there are no color changes to the skin, rashes, swelling, or compromised perfusion in the hand or fingers. To reduce gapping at the proximal and distal ends, excess material should be pulled through and smoothed before fastening the Velcro. The user’s skin should be periodically monitored at both the forearm and upper arm for any irritation or signs of circulatory compromise. Discontinue using The Bamboo Brace if either of these conditions arise.

Note:  The Bamboo Brace should not be worn over open, bandaged or healing wounds

 

How do the flexible plastic supports (stays) work and which one should I use?

The Bamboo Brace is supplied with five interchangeable plastic supports, each offering a different level of flexibility. The higher the number, the more rigid the support, the lower the number the more flexible the support. It is recommended to begin with plastic support #3 and adjust upward or downward in flexibility based on the child’s tolerance and therapeutic needs.

The selected plastic should be rigid enough to promote elbow extension and discourage dominant flexion patterns of 50-90°, while still flexible enough to allow the child to overcome the resistance for functional use. The therapeutic goal is to restore a more relaxed resting position of approximately 15–30° of elbow flexion during motor activities, enabling both gross and fine motor skill development. Regular monitoring of the plastic support effectiveness is advised, with adjustments made as the child progresses. As a general guideline, those using the brace for the management of sterotypies are often using the #4 and #5 whereas those with the goal of improved gross and fine motor skill are using the #3 support with the objective of moving to the #2 and occasionally the #1 over a period of months.

 

What are some common diagnoses where The Bamboo Brace is helpful?

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Rett Syndrome

  • Generalized developmental motor delay

  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy

  • Muscular dystrophy

  • Generalized low muscle tone and weakness

  • Autism and Pervasive Development Disorder

  • Down Syndrome

  • Prader-Willi Syndrome

  • Undiagnosed genetic conditions

  • Post-surgical patients: cleft palate, plastics, eye, ear/nose/throat and dental 

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Brachial Plexus Injury

 

How do I know which size Bamboo Brace to order?

Please see our detailed sizing guide here. 

 

How do I apply and remove The Bamboo Brace? 

See our instructional video here 

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used on both arms at the same time? 

Yes. The Bamboo Brace is used both unilaterally (1 arm) and bilaterally (2 arms) and usually depends on the specific diagnosis, situation, and presentation of each user.

 

Can I use multiple stays in The Bamboo Brace at the same time? 

Yes. The channel on the inside of The Bamboo Brace is designed to accommodate more than one plastic support if clinically indicated. While maintaining a dynamic and flexible brace is preferred, in certain cases the combination of two supports can provide the additional resistance needed to optimize alignment and function. Clinical monitoring is recommended to ensure that the brace does not become overly rigid, which may reduce opportunities for active learning of gross and fine motor skill.

 

Can I use The Bamboo Brace without a plastic support? 

Absolutely!  Although it does not happen often, sometimes just the neoprene material of the brace can prevent unhelpful elbow flexion in users with more mild forms of cerebral palsy and genetic/sensory diagnoses that have lower muscle tone. Without considerable spasticity, you may be able to progress to not using a support in The Bamboo Brace.  As always, the general guideline is to keep children from flexing the elbow more than about 50-70 degrees during function and while bearing weight.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used to manage joint contractures at the elbow and knee? 

The Bamboo Brace is designed as a dynamic rehabilitation tool, best utilized during therapy and active exercise to promote gross and fine motor skill development. While it provides flexible support for re-alignment and functional strengthening, it is not intended as a corrective brace for established joint contractures. If flexion contractures at the elbow or knee exceed approximately 15-30°, The Bamboo Brace is not an appropriate device. In such cases, a custom-fitted, tension-adjustable orthosis specifically designed for contracture management should be considered.

 

In what situation would I consider cutting down the wrap-around portion of the M, L and XL Bamboo Brace?

Many people who use The Bamboo Brace—particularly those with cerebral palsy—present with longer yet thinner extremities. In these cases, a user may have the arm length required for a larger, more flexible size (M, L, or XL), but the smaller arm circumference can result in excess material when The Bamboo Brace is wrapped around and secured. Cutting down the wrap-around portion creates a closer, more secure fit. A snug fit not only improves comfort but also enhances the effectiveness of the brace by allowing a more flexible alignment and greater functional benefit during skill development and therapeutic activities.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used at the knee to help improve standing and walking? 

Yes. In addition to its established benefits at the elbow, The Bamboo Brace can be used dynamically at the knee to support younger children (generally under the age of 7–8 years) in standing, cruising, and bridging activities. By facilitating more knee extension, the brace improves joint alignment throughout the leg and allows for more effective isolation and strengthening of the hip, trunk and ankle musculature, thereby enhancing stability and postural control.

 

What are stereotypies and how does The Bamboo Brace help manage them? 

Stereotypies are repetitive, non-functional movements or postures often seen in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. These movements are typically rhythmic and patterned. While not inherently harmful, stereotypies can interfere with motor development, attention, and purposeful activity. In some cases, they may also contribute to self-injury or unwanted hand-to-face contact.

The Bamboo Brace helps manage stereotypies by offering flexible support that preserves as much natural movement as possible while gently limiting the unwanted repetitive patterns. By doing so, the brace allows the child to use their arms more effectively for functional tasks, promoting learning, strength, and skill development without reinforcing non-productive movements. Caregivers often report the snug-fitting sensory experience of The Bamboo Brace has a calming effect and helps reduce stress and anxiety in children with stereotypies. 

 

What is The Supinator Strap?

The Supinator Strap is a flexible spiraling band that works to dynamically re-align the forearm, wrist and hand for function in children and adults with neuromotor diagnoses. It is often used in combination with The Bamboo Brace which performs the same purpose at the elbow. 

The forearm refers to the lower half of the arm, from the elbow joint to the wrist. It is made up of two long bones; the ulna and radius. The ulna remains stable, while the radius rotates to supinate the forearm (palm up) or pronate the forearm (palm down). In neuromotor diagnoses it is also common for the wrist to deviate toward the ulna with pronation of the forearm. For more effective gross and fine motor function, the position of the forearm in more neutral supination with less wrist ulnar deviation is extremely helpful and is the functional purpose of the The Supinator Strap.

The Supinator Strap is also latex free, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free. 

Washing instructions are the same as The Bamboo Brace below.

 

How does The Supinator Strap work in combination with The Bamboo Brace? 

While The Bamboo Brace promotes dynamic extension at the elbow, The Supinator Strap provides dynamic assistance for forearm supination. Children with more involved forms of spastic cerebral palsy—such as quadriplegia—often present with a combined pattern of excessive elbow flexion and forearm pronation. These patterns limit functional use of the arm and reinforce non-productive movement.

When used together, The Bamboo Brace and The Supinator Strap gently re-align both the elbow and forearm into more functional positions. This dynamic and flexible correction often allows for a more flexible piece of plastic in The Bamboo Brace and makes it easier for the user to isolate movements, practice motor skills, and develop more effective arm function in daily activities.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used in conjunction with other braces? 

Yes. The Bamboo Brace is designed with a snug, sleek, and low-profile fit, which allows it to be used comfortably alongside other orthotic devices. In particular, wrist and hand splints can be applied without interference, since the brace does not add unnecessary bulk around the elbow or forearm. This compatibility enables comprehensive upper-limb positioning strategies, where the elbow is dynamically supported by The Bamboo Brace while the wrist and hand are stabilized or aligned by supplemental splints. Together, this combination supports more functional use of the entire upper limb, enhances therapy outcomes, and can be tailored to the user’s specific neuromuscular needs.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used in conjunction with NMES? 

Yes. The Bamboo Brace can be used alongside neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), regardless of the muscle groups being targeted. Its snug, sleek, and form-fitting design not only supports proper limb positioning and muscle spindle length, but can also help maintain electrode placement during therapy. For best practice, we recommend placing a thin, synthetic sleeve—such as spandex, lycra, or nylon—between the skin where electrodes are placed and The Bamboo Brace. This layer reduces friction, enhances comfort, and protects both the electrodes and the brace.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace be used with Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)? 

Yes. The Bamboo Brace can be effectively integrated into CIMT, particularly for users with spastic hemiplegia. Its greatest benefit is achieved when applied to the involved arm, where it provides dynamic re-alignment and facilitates functional use rather than serving as the constraint for the uninvolved arm. Because CIMT participants may become frustrated when challenged, the flexible and dynamic properties of The Bamboo Brace give the involved extremity the best opportunity for meaningful engagement and function. Meanwhile, the uninvolved arm is more appropriately constrained using traditional methods such as wraps or casting.

 

Can The Bamboo Brace and The Supinator Strap be used during imaging and diagnostic scans? 

The Bamboo Brace should not be used during diagnostic imaging procedures.
Users must remove the brace prior to undergoing MRI, X-ray, CT, or ultrasound examinations. The brace contains components that may interfere with imaging quality, cause artifacts in diagnostic scans, or pose safety risks within strong magnetic fields such as those produced by MRI equipment.

While the materials used in The Bamboo Brace are non-metallic and non-conductive, the neoprene brace body, hook & loop enclosure, and polycarbonate supports may distort imaging results or obscure anatomical structures under examination. For optimal image accuracy and patient safety, The Bamboo Brace should be removed prior to all medical imaging procedures and reapplied only after scans are complete.

 

How do I wash and care for The Bamboo Brace?

Do not machine wash or machine dry The Bamboo Brace. We recommend hand washing in warm water with the plastic support removed, using mild hypoallergenic soap.  After hand washing, The Bamboo Brace should be left to air dry and should not be worn until completely dry. There are complete washing and care instructions included in the package with every Bamboo Brace.

 

Does The Bamboo Brace contain latex, phthalates, or lead?

No. The Bamboo Brace is FDA approved, CE marked in The United Kingdom/Europe, and complies with the Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) of 2008. The Bamboo Brace is latex free, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free.

 

What is your return policy for The Bamboo Brace and The Supinator Strap?

You may return or exchange your Bamboo Brace within 30 days for any reason. Please find a link to our full return/refund/exchange policy here: (https://bamboobrace.com/pages/shipping-returns)