Review Series: Hand And Upper Extremity CEU Courses for OTs

This course discusses the anatomical structures and arthrokinematics of the shoulder joint, which are essential for successful rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty. Participants will gain insights into recognizing indications for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA), distinguishing between diverse pathologies, and understanding conditions warranting TSA intervention. Additionally, attendees will hone their skills in conducting thorough pre-operative assessments for patients slated for shoulder arthroplasty, enhancing their proficiency in guiding optimal patient care pathways. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.

A holistic occupational therapy approach to the treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), including a demonstration of breathing and progressive relaxation techniques to address multiple systems involved in EDS, will be discussed in this course. This course will also focus on assessing appropriate, functional, and practical hand orthoses for clients with hypermobile EDS who may require multiple orthoses to stabilize joints of the hand and digits.

Epidemiology, risk factors, and real-life clinical cases for treating the Terrible Triads of the elbow will be reviewed. Current evaluation processes, outcome measures from literature, and intervention ideas for this condition for the return to independence with meaningful occupations will be discussed.

Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. When it involves the shoulder, it presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This course will provide a comprehensive approach to managing shoulder pain in osteomyelitis, focusing on systemic and musculoskeletal (MSK) aspects. This course is designed for physiotherapists and occupational therapists who seek to deepen their understanding of shoulder pain, particularly when it is a complication of osteomyelitis. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective, evidence-based care to patients suffering from this challenging condition.

A review of epidemiology, risk factors, and current practices for the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease will be discussed in this course. It will review current practice evaluation processes, as well as conservative and/or surgical intervention ideas for this condition for the return to independence with all meaningful occupations.

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is widely used as the gold standard in stroke research. Therapists will learn how to administer this standardized neurorehabilitation assessment of motor impairment for the hemiparetic arm and hand through detailed instructions and video demonstrations.

Key considerations in the initial management, surgical interventions, and the essential role of occupational therapy in the comprehensive rehabilitation process for humeral fractures will be explored. Evidence-based approaches to maximize recovery, enhance mobility, and restore strength in patients with humeral fractures will also be discussed.

The anatomy of the humerus, the different types of fractures, and their underlying causes will be reviewed in this course.

Completing common bilateral tasks using one hand and an externally-powered prosthesis will be reviewed in part 3 of this upper extremity series.

Completing common bilateral tasks using one hand and a static prosthesis will be reviewed in part 4 of this upper extremity series.