Upper Extremity and Hand Therapy- Module 1: Fundamentals- Part 1

Course Description:

This course is derived from the textbook by Cynthia Cooper “Fundamentals of Hand Therapy: Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Guidelines for Common Diagnoses of the Upper Extremity”. This illustrated text and reference emphasizes the fundamentals of hand therapy – for both specialists and non-specialists who encounter clients with hand issues. It provides a consistent format with tips and guidelines for hand therapy treatment. Coverage includes hand anatomy, key terms and concepts, and the evaluation process. A focus on professional issues includes clients with functional somatic syndromes and challenging behavior, client-therapist rapport, and the roles of therapy assistants. Providing many case studies, this text helps therapists think critically about clients' individual needs.

Module 1: Fundamentals-Part 1 covers chapters 1 through 3. 

• Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Clinical Reasoning: Hand Therapy Concepts and Treatment Techniques
• Chapter 2: Upper Extremity Anatomy
• Chapter 3: Edema Reduction Techniques: A Biologic Rationale for Selection 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Occupational Therapist Assistants 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize general hand therapy concepts
2. Identify positioning to counteract deforming forces
3. Identify intrinsic and extrinsic extensor muscle tightness
4. List several adjunct treatments
5. Identify cervical injuries and disorders and resulting impairment
6. Recognize neurovascular symptoms associated with upper body movement
7. List and differentiate between the muscles originating from the lateral epicondyle and the medical epicondyle
8. Identify the interstitial, venous and lymphatic capillaries
9. Identify reduction techniques for acute edema
10. List indications for manual edema mobilization
11. Identify reduction techniques for subacute and chronic edema based on  the lymphatic system
12. Identify other types of edema an appropriate treatment
13. Recognize edematous tissue
14. Identify MEM massage, drainage, and term definitions

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test