Course Description
Proper wrist and hand function is integral to nearly all daily life functions. An
injury—whether due to repetitive stress, disease, or soft-tissue damage—makes
work, sports, household, or leisure activities both stressful and painful. The care
of the hand and upper extremities has long been a challenge to physicians and
therapists, and, in order to restore function and mobility, it is of paramount
importance to have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of
the wrist and hand. This relational understanding allows the therapist or clinician
to comprehend the intricate balance of the mechanics of the hand and wrist and
to suggest appropriate strategies for functional improvement. Such a framework
lends itself to designing treatment plans that increase patient lifestyle satisfaction
while improving clinical outcomes.
This course will cover the fundamental principles for evaluation and functional
progression treatment of the wrist and hand. The architectural framework of the
wrist and hand will be presented as the basis for treatment interventions designed
to improve function. Improving patient outcomes will be facilitated through
increasing the clinician’s core knowledge of the delicate and complex anatomy and
kinesiology of the wrist and hand. Recurrent hand and wrist conditions including
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, and complex regional
pain syndrome and their treatment will be presented through actual case studies.
Finally, a discussion will be held about the newest innovations in hand therapy
and the barriers to rehabilitation.
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