Proper wrist and hand function is integral to nearly all daily life functions. An injury-whether due to repetitive stress, disease, or soft-tissue damage-makes work, sports, household, or leisure activities both stressful and painful. The care of the hand and upper extremities has long been a challenge to physicians and therapists, and, in order to restore function and mobility, it is of paramount importance to have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the wrist and hand. This relational understanding allows the therapist or clinician to comprehend the intricate balance of the mechanics of the hand and wrist and to suggest appropriate strategies for functional improvement. Such a framework lends itself to designing treatment plans that increase patient lifestyle satisfaction while improving clinical outcomes. This course will cover the fundamental principles for evaluation and functional progression treatment of the wrist and hand. The architectural framework of the wrist and hand will be presented as the basis for treatment interventions designed to improve function. Improving patient outcomes will be facilitated through increasing the clinician's core knowledge of the delicate and complex anatomy and kinesiology of the wrist and hand. Recurrent hand and wrist conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, and complex regional pain syndrome and their treatment will be presented through actual case studies. Finally, a discussion will be held about the newest innovations in hand therapy and the barriers to rehabilitation.
About the Author: Caroline Joy Co, PT, DPT, CHT, CSFA, is a licensed physical therapist and certified hand therapist whose clinical experience includes acute, subacute, home health and outpatient settings. Her background includes Community Based Therapy designed to assist people with disabilities access therapy in their communities using predominantly local resources. She is the President and CEO of PTSponsor.com, an online resource for U.S. hospitals and clinics that seek to sponsor and hire foreign-trained rehabilitation therapists. She specializes in hand therapy through an integrated approach that includes education, counsel and exercise. She is also certified in functional assessment for work hardening and work conditioning. She is also the President of Rehabsurge, Inc. Rehabsurge, Inc. is a continuing education company and a contracting agency. Her past affiliations include Long Beach Medical Center, Horizon Health and Subacute Center, and Grandell Therapy and Nursing Center. She was a professional speaker for Summit Professional Education, Cross Country Education and Dogwood Institute. She received her transitional doctorate from A.T. Still University and her BS in Physical Therapy from University of the Philippines-College of Allied Medical Professions. She is licensed in California, Nevada and New York.