The Hand

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.