Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness – Van Wert, OH

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Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness (CMMS): Changing the Way We Treat the Stiff Hand - Van Wert, OH 

Date: June 21-22, 2025

Time: 8 am – 5 pm each day

Location:
Van Wert Health Center
140 Fox Road
Suite 101
Van Wert, OH 45891

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. Participants will identify abnormal motor patterns in the stiff wrist and hand, and will identify patients who would benefit from the CMMS treatment technique. 
  2. Participants will be able to analyze maladaptive motor patterns in the stiff hand and differentiate between the intrinsic plus and intrinsic minus patterns of movement.
  3. Participants will determine the best CMMS cast position to treat maladaptive movement patterns of the stiff hand.
  4. Participants will integrate cortical remapping concepts using active redirection in treatment of the stiff hand.
  5. Participants will 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. Participants will identify contraindications for using the CMMS treatment technique.
  7. Participants will recognize when to initiate the weaning process used in the CMMS technique.
  8. Participants will integrate advanced CMMS techniques into a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient with the stiff hand.
  9. Participants will apply more advanced CMMS casting techniques.
  10. Participants will develop clinical reasoning skills in regards to cast progression and modification while using CMMS for the treatment of the stiff hand.
  11. Participants will progress the treatment plan through the CMMS cast weaning process.
  12. Participants will identity potential billing codes for reimbursement and documentation for the CMMS technique.
  13. Participants will discuss patient factors that may influence the outcome of CMMS.
  14. Participants will develop skills to 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.