Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner AND Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Orthosis Fabrication

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Drexel University
Elkins, Park, PA

Date: March 14-15, 2026

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

Location:
Drexel University – Elkins Park Campus
8360 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027

Instructor:
Stephanie Strouse, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

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:

  1. Identify clinically relevant bony and soft tissue structures of the upper extremity
  2. Explain the relationship between anatomical structures, functional biomechanics, and common pathologies of the upper extremity
  3. Demonstrate understanding of wrist and hand kinematics
  4. Describe the components and sequence of a comprehensive upper extremity clinical examination
  5. Select and describe standardized measures for assessing range of motion, strength, sensibility, and edema
  6. Identify commonly used patient reported outcomes measures for evaluating hand and upper extremity function
  7. Demonstrate understanding of ligament injuries, including sprains and joint dislocations of the hand and wrist
  8. Explain the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of tendinopathies of the hand and wrist
  9. Outline the rehabilitation progression following fractures of the forearm, wrist, and hand
  10. Compare and contrast the presentation, pathology, and prognosis of nerve compression injuries versus lacerations
  11. Describe the rehabilitation phases for upper extremity nerve palsies
  12. 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:

  1. Explain the foundational principles, precautions, and clinical considerations involved in fabricating static orthoses and static progressive orthoses
  2. Fabricate six custom upper extremity orthoses, demonstrating competency in the required fabrication skills
  3. Identify and articulate the indications, precautions, and contraindications for the use of upper extremity orthoses
  4. 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

Continuing Education Credit:
The course is pending approval 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 $560

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.