ASHT is proud to launch a new offering, "Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation," available in two options. Sites can host a one-day course of Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner OR Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Orthosis Fabrication, or a two-day option that includes both courses.
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner
1-Day Course Option:
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity 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 foundational knowledge and 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 rehabilitation strategies to address common diagnoses including fractures, nerve compression syndromes, and ligamentous injuries.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify clinically relevant bony and soft tissue structures of the upper extremity
- Explain the relationship between anatomical structures, functional biomechanics, and common pathologies of the upper extremity
- Demonstrate understanding of wrist and hand kinematics
- Describe the components and sequence of a comprehensive upper extremity clinical examination
- Select and describe standardized measures for assessing range of motion, strength, sensibility, and edema
- Identify commonly used patient reported outcomes measures for evaluating hand and upper extremity function
- Demonstrate understanding of ligament injuries, including sprains and joint dislocations of the hand and wrist
- Explain the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of tendinopathies of the hand and wrist
- Outline the rehabilitation progression following fractures of the forearm, wrist, and hand
- Compare and contrast the presentation, pathology, and prognosis of nerve compression injuries versus lacerations
- Describe the rehabilitation phases for upper extremity nerve palsies
- Describe principles for non-operative interventions for osteoarthritis of the wrist and hand
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Orthosis Fabrication
1-Day Course Option:
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Orthosis Fabrication is a hands-on, lab based course that provides a strong foundation in custom orthosis fabrication. The course begins with an introduction to fundamental principles of orthotic design, materials, and clinical decision-making. Each participant will have the opportunity to fabricate 5-7 custom orthoses.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the foundational principles, precautions, and clinical considerations involved in fabricating static orthoses and static progressive orthoses
- Fabricate six custom upper extremity orthoses, demonstrating competency in the required fabrication skills
- Identify and articulate the indications, precautions, and contraindications for the use of upper extremity orthoses
- Apply knowledge of orthoses by integrating clinical reasoning and hands-on skills during fabrication and case-based discussion
Orthoses to be fabricated (subject to change):
- Thumb spica (hand based or forearm based)
- Ulnar gutter (hand based or forearm based)
- Long arm orthosis (anterior or posterior)
- Resting hand orthosis
- Static progressive PIP flexion orthosis
- Radial nerve palsy orthosis
- Finger based orthoses: mallet, relative motion, gutter
Upcoming Schedule of Live (In-Person) Courses
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner AND
Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Orthosis Fabrication
Drexel University - Elkin's Park Campus
Elkins Park, PA
March 14-15, 2026
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