Soft Orthoses: Indications and Techniques
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Orthotic positioning of the hand is both an art and a science. ▪ A variety of upper extremity conditions may benefit from a soft orthosis. ▪ Soft…
Focal Hand Dystonia
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The etiology of focal hand dystonia is still considered idiopathic, but there is agreement that the condition is multifactorial. ▪ Focal hand dystonia includes involuntary end-range twisting…
Assessment and Treatment Principles for the Upper Extremities of Instrumental Musicians
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Performance-related issues are discussed, followed by assessment and treatment techniques for tendinopathies, hypermobility, and focal hand dystonia. ▪ Other conditions covered include nerve entrapment syndromes and ganglions….
Upper Limb Functional Capacity Evaluation
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The FCE format must be tailored based on the referral question and the evaluee. No single format fits all clients. ▪ The evaluator must conduct the FCE…
Analysis and Design of Jobs for Control of Work-Related Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders
CRITICAL POINTS Indications ▪ Ergonomic assessment indicates a concern because work includes repetitive exertions, forceful exertions, awkward postures, localized contact stress, and/or exposure to vibration or low temperatures. ▪ Workers…
Tissue Remodeling and Contracture Correction Using Serial Plaster Casting and Orthotic Positioning
CRITICAL POINT The technique of gentle extension, unfolding, and holding of tissues at the “ends of their elastic limit”—not stretching—results in “new growth” for soft tissue remodeling. Pathomechanics: Inevitability of…
The Geriatric Hand Patient: Special Treatment Considerations
Thanks to John L. Evarts for thoughtful recommendations and emotional and technical support and to Geri Richards Hall, PhD, ARNP, CNS, FAAN, for providing resources and expert input. This chapter…
Elastic Taping (Kinesio Taping Method)
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The Kinesio Taping Method is the foundation for many emerging elastic sports taping techniques. ▪ Traditional athletic taping encloses or encapsulates a joint to provide stability and…
Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity in Tetraplegia
CRITICAL POINTS Patient Evaluation ▪ Repeat exams are important to understanding an individual’s particular impairments, disabilities, and abilities. ▪ It is important to develop a relationship with the individual patient…
Work-Oriented Programs
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Clinicians should identify the patient’s work tasks early in the therapy process. ▪ Work-oriented activities facilitate the reinstatement of the injured person’s identity as a worker. ▪…
