Partner Story – Going the extra mile for the client – Michel Wentink

Going the Extra Mile for the Client – The Story of Michel Wentink, Orthopaedic Technologist at Schmidt Medica

Meet Michel Wentink: 40 years old, 21 years of experience in orthopaedics, and for the past eight years, the familiar face of Schmidt Medica as an orthopaedic technologist. His passion? The diversity of clients and the wide range of tools he can use to help make daily life easier and less painful.

“The best part of my job? Treating people the way you'd want to be treated yourself. And when a client walks out satisfied, my day is made.”

Silversplints since 2009
Michel was first introduced to Silversplints in 2009. After attending a course by Wouter Engelshoven, he began fitting these unique devices for clients. Today, they are a permanent part of his toolkit.

“Silversplints are true medical aids. They’re custom-made, and you can even apply further customization to that. The beauty is: they can be used in nearly all daily activities.”

When do you use Silversplints?
Michel sees great added value in using Silversplints, especially for managing pain and preventing deformities caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypermobility (like EDS). Not just for pain relief or preventing joint issues, but also for improving day-to-day activities.

“The right Silversplint, tailored to both the condition and the individual, really makes a difference.”

What makes Silversplints so special?
The silver is antibacterial, it prevents perspiration, and the splints can get wet — something quite unique compared to other materials. Many models require no closures, making them quick and easy to put on and take off. That makes them not just functional, but also comfortable for daily use.

A case to remember
One of Michel’s most memorable cases involved a 25-year-old woman with EDS. She was fitted with Silversplints for almost every joint in her hand, including the wrist. While some models initially didn’t seem to work well together, Michel managed to adjust them so they could be worn in combination: the WE6008, WE6001, and WE6020 — along with the 5013 and 5033 for all fingers.

“For her, the key was flexibility — being able to scale up or down. She can choose what she needs depending on the activity and which joints need extra support. That really made the difference.”

Silversplints for everyone?
Michel is clear:
“Always. Because there are so many possibilities, there’s almost always a suitable solution.”

Schmidt Medica