Actimove Rhizo Forte Thumb Brace, Left Hand, Medium

Hold the thumb steady and keep the hand working: the Actimove Rhizo Forte

The Actimove Professional Line Rhizo Forte Thumb Orthosis is a low-profile, open-frame brace that holds the thumb in a functional position. It immobilises the CMC joint (at the base of the thumb) and the first MCP joint (the big knuckle). The wrist and fingers stay free to move. An aluminium core inside the frame can be shaped to the individual hand. This listing is the left-hand brace in medium, in grey.

Made for everyday wear

Because the wrist and fingers aren't covered, you can keep cooking, writing and getting dressed while the thumb is held still. The brace is water resistant and dries quickly, so it can stay on while you wash your hands. Essity says it can also be worn in contact with food.

What's in the Actimove Rhizo Forte

A grey thermoplastic frame wraps the palm and the base of the thumb, with open windows so the hand isn't enclosed. A hook and loop strap closes around the thumb and two straps close across the back of the hand.

Features

• Immobilises the CMC and MCP1 joints and places the thumb in a functional position.
• Wrist and fingers stay free, so it suits everyday wear.
• Mouldable aluminium core across the palm, shaped for an individual fit.
• Anatomical shape with an open, low-profile design for comfort.
• One-handed closing with hook and loop straps.
• Water resistant, easy to clean and quick to dry after hand washing.
• Can be worn in contact with food, according to Essity.
• Not made with natural rubber latex.

How to put it on

1. Undo the wrist and thumb straps and slide the hand into the brace with the straps at the back of the hand, thumb through the thumb opening.
2. Close the strap around the thumb first.
3. Close the straps around the hand.
4. Shape the brace to the hand for the best fit. Don't pull the straps tight.

See the Rhizo Forte from every side

Essity's 360 view shows the frame, the thumb strap and the hand straps.

Is the Rhizo Forte right for you?

Essity designed it to immobilise the thumb. The indications it lists are:

• Usually suits: thumb osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis of the thumb, soft tissue injuries such as sprains, post-surgical and non-surgical treatment, ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the MCP1 joint (such as skier's thumb), instability of the CMC joint, traumatic thumb dislocation and ligament instabilities.
• Support level: strong support. The thumb is held still while the wrist and fingers move.
• Latex: not made with natural rubber latex, so it suits people with latex sensitivity.
• Fitting: the aluminium core is shaped to the individual hand, so ask your hand therapist to fit it if you can.

Every hand is different, so talk to your hand therapist or doctor about whether it's right for you and how to wear it safely.

Choosing the right size and side

Essity sizes the Rhizo Forte by the width of the palm, measured with a tape.

1. Measure: with a soft tape, measure the width of the palm, as shown.
2. Check the size: Medium fits a palm width of 8 to 9cm (3 to 3 1/2in).
3. Check the side: we stock the left-hand brace, for the left thumb.
4. Need a different size or the right hand? Essity also makes Small, Large and right-hand versions. Email us and we'll check what we can get.

Actimove Rhizo Forte specifications

Don't bleach, dry-clean, tumble dry or iron it, and skip fabric softener, brightener and stain remover. Make sure it's completely dry before you wear it.

Not sure which size or side? Email us

Email support@mobilityshopdirect.com.au with the answers below. Our team will check them and come back to you with the right brace, or a better match if this one isn't it.

1. Which thumb is the brace for, left or right?
2. What is the width of the palm, in cm?
3. Has a hand therapist or doctor recommended a thumb brace that holds the thumb still?
4. Is it for day-to-day wear or after surgery or an injury?
5. Will someone shape the brace to the hand, such as a hand therapist?
6. Is there any broken skin or swelling where it will sit?