Course Descriptions

Program Orientation Course and Resources: these are short introductory online modules and assignments that are completed prior to the Foundations in Upper Extremity course. Topics include:

• Introduction to Effective Technology and Online Learning
• Intro to Evidence-Based Practice in Hand Therapy
• Intro to Outcome Measures and Research Statistics in Hand Therapy
• Clinical Reasoning
• Case Studies and Scholarly Projects

Foundations in Upper Extremity Practice

This course provides the Fellow with a review in upper quarter anatomy and biomechanics, as well as assessment techniques and current best evidence in therapeutic management of common upper quarter injuries. This course will include a review of the management of wounds, infections, and burns; stiffness and edema; sensibility testing; therapeutic exercise principles, therapeutic use of modalities, an introduction to manual therapy techniques, pain management, and the introductory use of orthoses in upper extremity rehabilitation. The first of two weekend Orthosis Fabrication labs will occur during the course.

Upper Extremity Pathologies

This course reviews upper extremity pathologies and conditions that occur in bone and soft tissue systems from the shoulder to the hand, in greater depth. Current best evidence in assessment and therapeutic intervention management will be reviewed for commonly seen conservative and post-surgical conditions in the hand and upper extremity specialty. Topics include arthritic conditions, joint fractures and instabilities, tendinopathies, peripheral nerve conditions, Dupuytren’s disease and soft tissue tumors. A review of diagnostic imaging for typical upper extremity conditions will be included. A weekend lab series in UE manual therapy will begin during this course.

Upper Extremity Advanced Surgical and Therapeutic Interventions

This course reviews advanced upper extremity topics, particularly those involving surgical interventions in joint, nerve and tendon systems. Current best evidence in surgical techniques, assessments and therapeutic interventions will be reviewed for joint replacements, nerve repairs and transfers, tendon repairs, reconstruction and transfers, complex trauma and psychological conditions. Weekend labs will continue during this course. 

Upper Extremity Interventions in Special Populations

This course addresses the nature and treatment of upper extremity disorders in special populations: worker/industrial injuries, cumulative trauma, ergonomics, musicians, athletes/sports injuries, CVA/TBI, geriatrics and pediatric/congenital conditions. The Upper Extremity Manual Therapy Lab series will end with a live topic review and oral/written/practical exam. Fellows will present their case studies and/or scholarly projects live (schedule subject to change). Finally, studies will culminate in a mock CHT-style exam.

Five live, two-day Weekend Labs

Orthosis Fabrication and Management Labs (2)

Biomechanical and fitting principles, material selection, and assessment principles challenge the clinical reasoning skills of the clinician in custom orthosis fabrication, as well as in the selection and fitting of prefabricated orthoses. The orthoses reviewed coordinates with conditions studied throughout the program. Weekends 1 and 3: Orthosis Fabrication Lab 1 focuses on static/immobilization orthoses, and Lab 2 on dynamic/static progressive mobilization orthoses.

Upper Extremity Manual Therapy Certification Lab (3)

This lab series coordinates with didactic material covered in the program. Live, hands-on review of special tests, and joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques, combine with practical assessment skills to prepare the clinician to effectively screen the cervicothoracic region, and treat the shoulder complex through hand. Weekends 2 and 4: Upper Extremity Manual Therapy Lab 1 reviews cervicothoracic screening and shoulder, and Lab 2 focuses on the elbow, wrist and hand. 

Weekend Lab 5 includes the Upper Extremity Manual Therapy Review and Course Certification, and Case Study or Scholarly Project Presentations (as determined by the Program Director per cohort).