immobilising

Immobilising is the act of rendering something immobile or unable to move. It can be achieved by mechanical devices, restraints, or procedural techniques. The term is used across medicine, industry, and biological or chemical processes to control movement or separation.

In medical practice, immobilisation protects injured tissues, supports fractures, and assists healing. Methods include splints, plaster or fiberglass casts, braces, and traction. Internal fixation devices such as plates and screws also immobilise bone during recovery, often paired with rehabilitation later.

In emergency care, spinal immobilisation aims to prevent secondary injury after trauma. A cervical collar and spinal backboard are used when spinal injury is suspected, with removal only after clinical clearance.

Complications from immobilisation include stiffness, loss of muscle strength, joint contractures, pressure ulcers, and circulation problems. Duration and method are chosen to balance healing with the risk of immobility, and regular assessment guides transition to mobilisation.

In industry and bioprocessing, immobilising refers to fixing components in place for safety or efficiency. Examples include lockout procedures to immobilise machinery during maintenance, or immobilised enzymes or cells on solid supports for continuous catalysis and easier product separation.

In chemistry and materials science, immobilised catalysts and reagents are anchored to solids to facilitate reuse and improve process control. This reduces catalyst loss and contamination, but may affect activity or selectivity depending on the support.