Serial Casting
Gold Coast
We trained at the Queensland Children’s Hospital with the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service.
- Move Better
- Pain management
- Child-Friendly
- Trained Clinicians
Who We Are
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we know how joint stiffness, spasticity, or limited movement can affect everyday life. Our Serial Casting service gently improves flexibility, reduces discomfort, and supports better function—whether for children or adults—by focusing on each child’s unique needs through individualised care.
Delivering paediatric care while supporting clients across all ages, we are actively involved in planning and monitoring each child’s progress. We work closely with families, and our therapists collaborate to provide evidence-based therapy that builds independence, confidence, and long-term mobility. Serial casting can benefit children by improving the child’s walking pattern, muscle flexibility, and overall outcomes.
What is Serial Casting?
Serial casting is a gentle, non-invasive physical therapy technique designed to help children and adults improve their joint range of motion and overall function. This approach is especially beneficial for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and idiopathic toe walking. By gradually stretching tight muscles and tendons, serial casting can help address challenges like toe walking, where a child walks on their toes instead of their heels, and support a more natural walking pattern.
Over several rounds, this method can help:
- Lengthen tight muscles or tendons
- Improve joint range of motion
- Reduce contractures or stiffness
- Support ongoing functional goals
- Support walking, daily tasks, sitting
The casting process begins with a thorough assessment by a physical therapist, who measures your child’s current range of motion and muscle tone. The first cast is applied to the affected area—most commonly the ankle or foot—positioning the joint in a gentle stretch. Each cast is typically worn for about a week, allowing the muscles to adapt to the new, stretched position. At the end of each week, the cast is removed using a special tool called a cast saw, and a new cast is applied, further increasing the stretch and promoting an optimal position for the joint.
Throughout the casting period, most children continue to participate in regular activities such as standing, walking, and playing. This ongoing movement helps maintain the stretch and encourages increased range of motion. It’s important to keep the cast dry to protect your child’s skin and prevent irritation—using a plastic bag during showers or opting for sponge baths can help keep the cast dry and comfortable.
Serial casting is often combined with other therapies, such as physical therapy exercises and stretching, to maximise effectiveness and support your child’s team in achieving the best possible outcomes. After the casting process is complete, your child may be fitted with orthotics, like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), to help maintain the improved range of motion and support their feet and ankles as they continue to grow and develop.
The benefits of serial casting are significant: improved joint range, increased muscle length, reduced muscle tone, and better function. These gains can lead to greater independence, confidence, and participation in daily life. While some children may experience mild discomfort or frustration during the casting process, the long-term benefits—such as improved walking, standing, and overall mobility—make serial casting a valuable treatment option for many families. By working closely with your physical therapist and following a tailored treatment plan, your child can achieve meaningful progress and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Why Choose Ohana Physiotherapy for Serial Casting?
Child-Friendly, Family-Centred Approach
We believe therapy works best when you feel heard, safe, and involved. Our team uses a warm, gentle approach, especially important for children who may be anxious or uncomfortable. We support families every step of the way. We work closely with parents to ensure they are informed and actively involved in their child’s care.
Certified & Trained Clinicians
Our physiotherapists are trained in the latest techniques, and therapists play a key role in delivering and monitoring serial casting treatments. We work with you to set meaningful goals and monitor progress at each stage. We follow current research and frequent professional development to provide care you can trust.
Supports NDIS, Medicare & Private Clients
Whether your funding is NDIS, Medicare, private insurance, or self-managed, we’ll help you navigate it. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible.
Benefits of Serial Casting
- Children with cerebral palsy, hypertonia/hypotonia, developmental delay
- Neuromuscular or neurological conditions reducing joint flexibility
- Contractures following injury or surgery
- Older children or adults with stiffness, joint contracture or limited motion
More Information
Is serial casting painful?
How long will the whole process take?
The total time really depends on how much improvement we’re working toward. We usually apply several casts over a few weeks. After a full assessment, we can give you a more personalized estimate so you know what to expect.
Will serial casting affect daily life?
It might require a few temporary adjustments, but our goal is to help you integrate therapy into your life—not disrupt it. We’ll give you plenty of guidance on how to stay active and involved in your daily routine while wearing the cast. We want you to be able to live your life as normally as possible.
How do I care for the cast?
Keeping your cast clean and dry is key. We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to do this, including tips for showering and protecting it from moisture. It’s also important to check your skin around the edges of the cast daily for any redness or irritation. If you have any concerns, you can always reach out to us.
How to know if serial casting is working?
We’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll regularly check your progress and show you the improvements we’re seeing. The goal of serial casting is to achieve gradual, sustained improvement, so celebrating small victories together is a big part of the process.