Systematic Evaluation and Treatment of the Hand Chicago IL Sep 2022

15 Contact Hours/1.5 CCU

This course takes a deep dive into understanding the biomechanics of the thumb and digits, including joint, muscle and ligamentous contributions to assess and treat dysfunction commonly seen in the hand therapy clinic. Participants will learn to follow a systematic approach to identify and treat joint and soft tissue issues about the hand and gain a healthy appreciation of all of its complexity! This course gives you evaluation and treatment tools that can be used immediately in the clinic.

Target Audience: OT, COTA, PT, PTA
Educational Level: Intermediate

Course Agenda

Instructional Method

Our live courses are made up of lectures that are taught through audiovisual systems (Power Point / Keynote), and all course information is sent to participants before the starting day of the actual course for further review and discussion. The hands-on section is carried out through demonstration of techniques performed by the instructors, and then replicated by the participants under instructors’ supervision, guidance, and feedback. The hands-on section is evaluated by the instructors using an observable skills rubric.

• Financial: The instructor(s) receive an honorarium for presenting this course.
• Non-financial: The instructor(s) have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
• We will not offer partial credit. Online courses: Passing an online exam and completing a course evaluation will be required to earn continuing education credit. Live courses: Participants must attend all the activities. Attendees must sign an attendance sheet for the course, placing their name, license number and state, and signature for both morning and afternoon attendance..
• Continuing Education Accreditations & Approvals Requested and/or Received by Organization: PDF File

• Determine when it is appropriate to perform joint mobilization techniques directly to the thumb CMC joint.
• Assess and treat limitations in the radial column, which can contribute to issues at the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.
• Explain the key muscles to recruit for dynamic stability of the thumb CMC joint.
• Perform a systematic approach to addressing stiffness to the hand: assessing joint mobility and addressing intrinsic versus extrinsic tightness.
• Perform joint specific techniques to improve mobility of the MP, PIP and DIP joints of the fingers.