Kidney Shield
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What is a kidney shield?
We have made a custom kidney shield to protect your child during sports and other activities. It provides extra protection to the kidney area (the mid- to low-back).
What sports can my child play?
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about playing contact sports. They will talk about the risk and benefits. Your child’s coach or physical education (PE) teacher may want a letter of clearance from your doctor before your child can take part in sports or other activities.
When should my child wear the shield?
Your child should wear the kidney shield during physical activity, sports, while riding in the car and while swimming with others.
How do we care for and clean the shield?
- Do not heat the plastic piece. It will melt. Keep it away from hair dryers, radiators and heaters.
- Remove the plastic piece to wash the belt. You can hand wash the belt or put it in the washing machine. You may place the belt in a mesh bag toprotect your other laundry from the Velcro on the shield.
- You can put the belt in the dryer, but it will last longer, and keep its elasticity better, if air dried. Be sure to reinsert the plastic piece after drying the belt.
Does my child need to come back for a return visit?
Your child will not need a new kidney shield unless it no longer fits or is in poor condition. If you have a problem with your new kidney shield, call us for an appointment to fix it.
Please contact your child's doctor when you need a new shield. They will have an occupational therapist make a new one.
To Learn More
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
206-987-2113 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
