The complexity of the human thumb is not lost on hand therapists. Yet, our standard evaluation techniques have been relatively stagnant for decades. Transforming practice to align with emerging evidence is a challenge across healthcare disciplines. After reviewing fundamental concepts of thumb function, this course will offer novel methods for evaluating and rationalizing treatment decisions surrounding thumb instabilities and arthritis. There will be one interactive breakout session, but participants will be encouraged to engage in dialogue and ask questions openly throughout the course.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Demonstrate understanding of the thumb’s kinetic chain
- Apply anatomical and biomechanics principles of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint to treatment planning
- Demonstrate competence in performing a thorough clinical evaluation of thumb pain and ruling out other common diagnoses
- Synthesize surgical perspectives, healing timelines and therapeutic management techniques surrounding the first CMC joint to rationalize clinical decisions
- Demonstrate understanding of principles in designing and fabricating custom orthoses for thumb arthritis.
Who Should Attend
AUDIENCE: OT, PT, CHT, OTA, PTA
Instructor
Nicole A. Hoover, MS, OTR, CHT, is an expert in upper extremity rehabilitation. She graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Masters in Occupational Therapy (OT) in 2011 and has since dedicated her career to advances in hand therapy. She began teaching… read more