A wealth of clinical observation and evidence has shown that dynamic compression garments from our leading SDO® Original, Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ collection can offer therapeutic value to patients with a wide and diverse range of conditions. Specialised dynamic compression garments for improving posture, positioning, and function, especially in individuals with abnormal tone, are a valuable tool for clinicians.

SDO® Lite Shorts in beige

To enhance, augment and complement the SDO® Original range, Medigarments Ltd has created the SDO® Lite collection. These made-to-order garments can help bridge the gap between initial assessment and the potential need for more customised, made-to-measure solutions. SDO® Lite garments can demonstrate the effectiveness of increasing sensory and proprioceptive feedback in such patients.

By using SDO® Lite garments to provide measurable outcomes, clinicians can document the assessment process's results, which can be used to support applications for funding made-to-measure SDO® Original garments. This could be a game-changer in clinical settings, especially where evidence-based outcomes are critical for securing support for specific treatments or therapies.

The collection of SDO® Lite garments is divided into three sections: upper extremity, lower extremity and hand & arm.

Upper Extremity

• The SDO® Lite Vest is designed to support the shoulder and torso, helping to improve posture, stability, and overall trunk control. Ideal for patients with conditions that affect upper body tone or alignment, such as cerebral palsy, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis. In targeting the chest and ribcage, SDO® Lite helps encourage better alignment of the upper body while also assisting in the management of spasticity or rigidity in the trunk area. The SDO® Lite Vest can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience difficulty maintaining an upright posture or experience trunk instability, as it provides support that encourages proper posture without restricting natural movement.

• The SDO® Lite Lumbar Belt supports the lower back, offering relief and stability to patients experiencing pain or discomfort in the lumbar region. Ideal for individuals with conditions such as lower back strain, postural misalignment, or spasticity, this garment helps improve posture, reduce muscle tension, and enhance proprioception. The lumbar belt works by applying consistent, targeted compression, which can assist in managing abnormal tone and providing sensory feedback to improve movement control.

Lower Extremity

• SDO® Lite Shorts support the lower body, focusing on the hips, thighs, and pelvis. These garments are particularly effective for patients with conditions that impact lower extremity function and posture, such as spasticity, muscle weakness, or neurological disorders like stroke or cerebral palsy. By promoting optimal positioning and supporting the pelvic region, these shorts can improve gait, reduce discomfort,  and prevent the development of postural misalignments.

• SDO® Lite Socks are designed to support individuals with conditions that affect lower limb function, such as spasticity, poor circulation, neurological impairments, or footdrop. These socks gently compress the foot and ankle, promoting improved proprioception, reducing swelling, and enhancing stability. The SDO® Lite Socks are particularly helpful for patients with footdrop, as the compression helps manage muscle tightness and encourages better foot alignment. SDO® Lite socks reduce the risk of foot deformities or contractures while minimising the drag associated with footdrop, promoting a more natural gait.

Hand & Arm

• The SDO® Lite Gauntlet supports and improves function for patients with conditions that affect hand positioning, tone, or dexterity, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, or neurological disorders. This garment is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing tremors, as it helps manage abnormal muscle tone, reduce tremor intensity, and enhance control of hand movements. The SDO® Lite Gauntlet helps limit excessive wrist flexion, encourages thumb abduction (separation of the thumb from the palm), and promotes better finger alignment, all of which are crucial for patients with spasticity, tremors, or muscle imbalances. The SDO® Lite Gauntlet can also help reduce discomfort, prevent contractures, and improve grip strength for everyday tasks.

• The SDO® Lite Sleeve supports the arm from the shoulder to just above the wrist, making it an ideal solution for patients with conditions that affect arm function, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological impairments. This garment helps manage high muscle tone, reduce spasticity, and improve overall arm alignment and movement quality. The sleeve encourages better posture, enhances proprioception, and promotes smoother, more coordinated arm movements. By targeting the upper arm and forearm, the sleeve helps reduce involuntary muscle contractions, supports muscle relaxation, and improves the fluidity of motion, particularly for patients who experience stiff or rigid limbs. It also helps reduce the risk of joint deformities and contractures by maintaining the arm in a more functional position.

Designed and manufactured in the UK from breathable, premium Lycra® fabric, the SDO® Lite collection is designed for all-day comfort, ensuring that patients can wear the garments throughout their daily activities without discomfort. The lightweight material provides a snug, yet flexible fit, allowing for natural movement while delivering consistent dynamic compression. This combination of comfort and support helps to reduce abnormal tone, improve posture, and enhance proprioception. In addition to providing functional support, the garments also offer sensory feedback, which plays a crucial role in increasing awareness of body position and improving motor control. Whether worn during therapy sessions or throughout the day, the SDO® Lite collection offers therapeutic benefits and practical comfort, making it an essential tool for clinicians and patients. A full range of sizes is available with four colour options: Black, Beige, Red or Blue.

A clinicians tool

Incorporating these garments into a patient's treatment plan allows clinicians to gather valuable insights into how dynamic compression could improve function. The SDO® Lite garments are an excellent first step before moving to the made-to-measure SDO® Original garments, providing clinicians with the evidence they need to tailor interventions and possibly secure funding for long-term therapeutic solutions.

For more details about these garments, along with information about the complete SDO® Lite and SDO® Original collections, please browse our website. Please subscribe to our free newsletter to receive this article, along with lots of other updates and special features, direct to your email inbox. Please support us in spreading the word by liking and following us on LinkedIn,Facebook, X and Instagram.

SDO^® Original and SDO^® Lite are part of The World of SDO^® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra^® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO^® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.