Essentials in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation and Essential Orthotic Fabrication

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Essentials in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner AND Essential Orthotic Fabrication - 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 in Distal UE Rehabilitation for the General Practitioner

1-Day Course Option:
“Essentials in Distal UE 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 a foundational knowledge and skillset 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 common diagnosis including fractures, nerve compression syndromes, ligamentous injuries, and rehabilitations strategies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify clinically-relevant bony anatomy and soft tissue structures of the upper extremity
  • Begin to relate the characteristics of structure to clinical concepts and pathology
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of:
    • Bone Anatomy
    • Joints/Articulations
    • Ligamentous Anatomy
    • Muscular Anatomy
    • Palpation & Surface Anatomy
  • Demonstrate understanding of kinematics of wrist movement
  • Recognize normal and abnormal differences in surface anatomy
  • Identify the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood supply of the hand
  • Apply anatomy and kinesiology to functional usage of the hand
  • Describe the process of a clinical examination of the upper extremity
  • Describe standardized measures for range of motion, sensibility, strength, and edema to perform the physical exam
  • Describe patient-reported outcomes used to evaluate the hand
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of ligament injuries
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sprains and dislocations of the hand
  • Demonstrate an understanding of tendinopathies of the hand and wrist
  • Describe the phases of fracture healing
  • Discuss fixation methods for fractures in the upper extremity
  • Describe rehabilitation progression after upper arm, elbow, wrist, and hand fractures
  • Differentiate between segmental involvement and symptoms in peripheral nerve distribution
  • Contrast the pathology and presentation of compression versus laceration in nerve injury
  • Evaluate historical and current concepts of sensibility retraining in nerve injury
  • Describe rehabilitation phases for UE nerve palsies
  • Select appropriate clinical examination techniques and therapeutic interventions for common nerve compression syndromes
  • Describe pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Describe principles of conservative interventions, surgical interventions for RA and OA
  • Apply anatomical and functional considerations for effective pre/post-operative rehabilitation

Essential Orthotic Fabrication

1-Day Course Option:
“Essential Orthotics Fabrication” focuses on a “Hands-on Orthotic” course which includes education of the basics of orthotic material properties, drawing patterns, key anatomical components of orthosis fabrication and fabricating the following orthosis:

  • Ulnar gutter
  • Thumb spica
  • Long arm orthosis
  • Static progressive PIP flexion orthosis
  • Radial nerve orthosis

Learning Objectives:

  • Verbalize theory and precautions for fabricating static, static progressive, and casting orthosis for orthotic fabrication
  • Demonstrate ability to fabricate seven custom immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity (five orthoses per module)
  • Describe indications, precautions and contraindications for the use of immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and practical applications of immobilization orthoses for the upper extremity

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.