ASHT is proud to offer its latest offering - Essentials in Hand Therapy. This course is offered in multiple options. Sites have the option to host a 1-day course – Essentials in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner OR a 1-day course – Essential Orthotics Fabrication, OR a 2-Day course that includes both of these courses.
Essentials in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner
1-Day Course Option:
“Essentials in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner” is targeted to provide occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), physical therapists (PTs), and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) with a foundational knowledge and skillset for treating conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. It is generally geared toward those with minimal or no prior experience in this specialty. The course consists of a one-day theory application including anatomy, evaluation techniques, wound healing principles, and common diagnosis including fractures, nerve compression syndromes, ligamentous injuries, and rehabilitations strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify clinically-relevant bony anatomy and soft tissue structures of the upper extremity
- Begin to relate the characteristics of structure to clinical concepts and pathology
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of:
- Bone Anatomy
- Joints/Articulations
- Ligamentous Anatomy
- Muscular Anatomy
- Palpation & Surface Anatomy
- Demonstrate understanding of kinematics of wrist movement
- Recognize normal and abnormal differences in surface anatomy
- Identify the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood supply of the hand
- Apply anatomy and kinesiology to functional usage of the hand
- Describe the process of a clinical examination of the upper extremity
- Describe standardized measures for range of motion, sensibility, strength, and edema to perform the physical exam
- Describe patient-reported outcomes used to evaluate the hand
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of ligament injuries
- Demonstrate an understanding of sprains and dislocations of the hand
- Demonstrate an understanding of tendinopathies of the hand and wrist
- Describe the phases of fracture healing
- Discuss fixation methods for fractures in the upper extremity
- Describe rehabilitation progression after upper arm, elbow, wrist, and hand fractures
- Differentiate between segmental involvement and symptoms in peripheral nerve distribution
- Contrast the pathology and presentation of compression versus laceration in nerve injury
- Evaluate historical and current concepts of sensibility retraining in nerve injury
- Describe rehabilitation phases for UE nerve palsies
- Select appropriate clinical examination techniques and therapeutic interventions for common nerve compression syndromes
- Describe pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Describe principles of conservative interventions, surgical interventions for RA and OA
- Apply anatomical and functional considerations for effective pre/post-operative rehabilitation
Essential Orthotic Fabrication
1-Day Course Option:
“Essential Orthotics Fabrication” focuses on a “Hands-on Orthotic” course which includes education of the basics of orthotic material properties, drawing patterns, key anatomical components of orthosis fabrication and fabricating the following orthosis:
- Ulnar gutter
- Thumb spica
- Long arm orthosis
- Static progressive PIP flexion orthosis
- Radial nerve orthosis
Learning Objectives:
- Verbalize theory and precautions for fabricating static, static progressive, and casting orthosis for orthotic fabrication
- Demonstrate ability to fabricate seven custom immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity (five orthoses per module)
- Describe indications, precautions and contraindications for the use of immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity
- Demonstrate knowledge of and practical applications of immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity
Upcoming Schedule of Live (In-Person) Courses
Essentials in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner AND
Essential Orthotic Fabrication
Drexel University - Elkin's Park Campus
Elkins Park, PA
March 14-15, 2026
Registration to open soon
