University of New Mexico Hospital
1025 Medical Arts Avenue
Albuquerque, NM 87102
United States
Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness (CMMS): Changing the Way We Treat the Stiff Hand - Albuquerque, NM
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 8 am – approximately 5:30 pm
Location:
University of New Mexico Hospital
1025 Medical Arts Avenue
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Instructor: Amber Nivens, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Course Description:
The CMMS technique, developed by Judy Colditz, OT/L, CHT, FAOTA, integrates principles of neuroplasticity, therapeutic exercise and the art of plaster casting to simultaneously address poor CNS movement patterning, fibrotic edema, tissue tightness, and joint contractures. While it has been described in the literature and is clinically demonstrated to decrease hand stiffness, it remains an underutilized treatment technique. This course provides the therapist an opportunity to gain understanding into how CMMS mobilizes tissues in an effort to reactivate the brain’s motor pathways after injury. Using concepts from neuroscience, motor re-learning, and tissue healing, participants will learn to analyze abnormal movement patterns of the stiff hand and how to choose the most appropriate CMMS cast position. The opportunity to become familiar with Plaster of Paris cast application, removal and bi-valving of the cast, and open discussion of CMMS case examples and cast modifications will be provided. This course will not only improve the therapist’s clinical skills, but also provide insight on why we need to change the way we treat the stiff hand.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
1.Identify abnormal motor patterns in the stiff wrist and hand that limit patient participation in their occupations, and will identify patients who may benefit from the CMMS treatment technique.
2.Analyze maladaptive motor patterns in the stiff hand and differentiate between the intrinsic plus andintrinsic minus patterns of movement.
3.Determine the best CMMS cast position to treat maladaptive movement patterns of the stiff hand.
4.Integrate cortical remapping concepts using active redirection in treatment of the stiff hand to promote increased participation in daily activities.
5.Practice the steps of CMMS cast application, cast removal and how to bi-valve a cast using Plaster of Paris casting material and casting tools.
6.Identify contraindications for using the CMMS treatment technique.
7.Recognize when to initiate the weaning process used in the CMMS technique.
8.Select appropriate occupation-based interventions that support normal movement patterns throughout the CMMS intervention process
Continuing Education Credit:
The course has been approved for 8 contact hours, or 0.8 CEUs, from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Board of Certification of Certified Athletic Trainers (BOC-ATC).
Registration Fee:
Members $280
Non-Members $325
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited enrollment is planned to ensure quality of course and ample instructor-participant attention. Cancellation of registration up to two weeks prior to course date will result in a refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS ESTABLISHED DEADLINE. It is the responsibility of the registrant to notify ASHT of cancellation in writing or by email to education@asht.org. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of notification. In the unlikely event that a course is canceled, ASHT will provide full refund of the registration fee only.
All grievances may be directed to the ASHT Education Division by sending an email to education@asht.org.
For further information or questions regarding this course, contact education@asht.org.
Amber Nivens brings a high level of dedication and passion for her patients and for the field of hand therapy. She is a lifetime learner and enjoys learning new skills and techniques to improve outcomes. She has four children and enjoys cooking, boating, gardening, and hiking during her time off.
Amber completed a doctoral residency program at Valley Wise Medical Center, in outpatient orthopedic clinic. She has worked in outpatient hand therapy since 2018. She has presented case studies for both spaghetti wrist and distal radius fractures and dog bite using the CMMS (Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness) technique.
Amber’s education and certifications include a Bachelor in Biological Science, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Northern Arizona University, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, CHT Certification, Graston I/II certified (Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), Dry Needling Upper extremity, Active Release Technique (ART) for the Upper Extremity, and CMMS (Casting motion to mobilize stiffness).