Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness – Minneapolis, MN

Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness (CMMS): Changing the Way We Treat the Stiff Hand - Minneapolis, MN 

Date: October 24-25, 2026

Time: 8 am – approximately 5:30 pm each day

Location:
St. Catherine University
Mendel Hall - Lab #213
2004 Randolph Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105

Instructor:
Kantessa Stewart, 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. Fabricate an MP blocking cast
2. Demonstrate additional CMMS cast(s)
3. Identify maladaptive motor patterns in the stiff wrist and hand to be able to identify patients who would benefit from the CMMS treatment technique
4. Analyze maladaptive motor patterns in the stiff hand to be able to differentiate between the dominant interossei flexion and dominant extrinsic flexion grasp patterns
5. Determine the best CMMS cast position to treat maladaptive movement patterns of the stiff hand
6. Integrate cortical remapping concepts using active redirection in treatment of the stiff hand to promote increased participation in daily activities
7. 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
8. Identify contraindications for using the CMMS treatment technique
9. Recognize when to initiate the weaning process used in the CMMS technique
10. Select appropriate occupation-based interventions that support normal movement patterns throughout the CMMS intervention process
11. Fabricate MP blocking cast, MP flexion cast with a hood, thumb spica
12. Opportunity for fabrication of additional cast designs
13. Integrate advanced CMMS techniques into a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient with the stiff hand
14. Apply advanced CMMS casting techniques for complex cases  
15. Use clinical reasoning skills for cast progression and modification while using CMMS for the treatment of the stiff hand
16. Progress a treatment plan through the CMMS cast weaning process
17. Select appropriate billing codes for the CMMS treatment and create documentation to support the use of CMMS during therapy
18. Discuss patient factors that may influence the outcome of CMMS
19. Advocate and promote the CMMS techniques to colleagues and referring providers

Continuing Education Credit:
The course has been approved for 16 contact hours, or 1.6 CEUS, from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Board of Certification of Certified Athletic Trainers (BOC-ATC).

Registration Fee:
Members $450
Non-Members $510

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.