Hand Physical Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Ligamentous and Fascial Structures

Describes intrinsic ligaments, retinacular systems, and palmar fascia. Links structural integrity to stability and common pathological conditions.

Lesson 2 • Skeletal Structure of the Hand

Covers carpal, metacarpal, and phalangeal bones with joint articulations. Provides the anatomical baseline for understanding injury patterns and mobility.

Lesson 3 • Neurovascular Supply

Maps median, ulnar, and radial nerve distributions alongside arterial arches. Establishes the basis for sensory testing and vascular assessment.

Lesson 1 • Tendon Excursion and Force Transmission

Quantifies tendon glide distances and mechanical advantage of pulleys. Connects excursion data to exercise prescription and post-surgical protocols.

Lesson 2 • Wrist and Forearm Mechanics

Examines forearm rotation, carpal row mechanics, and load transfer. Establishes the proximal foundation for distal hand function.

Lesson 3 • Joint Kinematics and Range of Motion

Analyses motion at the wrist, MCP, PIP, and DIP joints. Provides the kinematic framework for measuring and interpreting mobility deficits.

Lesson 1 • Patient History and Subjective Assessment

Structures intake interviews to capture mechanism of injury, symptom behaviour, and functional limitations. Directs subsequent objective testing.

Lesson 2 • Special Tests and Differential Diagnosis

Applies condition-specific orthopaedic tests to differentiate pathologies. Integrates findings into a clinical hypothesis for treatment planning.

Lesson 3 • Range of Motion and Strength Testing

Applies goniometry and dynamometry to quantify mobility and force production. Establishes objective baselines for progress monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Observation and Palpation Techniques

Teaches systematic visual inspection and precise palpation of anatomical landmarks. Identifies deformity, swelling, and tissue tenderness.

Lesson 1 • Compression and Elevation Techniques

Applies retrograde massage, compressive wrapping, and elevation positioning. Reduces interstitial fluid accumulation and accelerates oedema resolution.

Lesson 2 • Scar Management Strategies

Addresses hypertrophic and adherent scar formation with massage, silicone, and pressure. Prevents scar-related contracture and functional restriction.

Lesson 3 • Wound Assessment and Dressing Selection

Evaluates wound bed characteristics, exudate, and infection signs. Matches dressing type to wound stage to optimise healing environment.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Orthotic Design

Establishes biomechanical and clinical rationale for immobilisation versus mobilisation orthoses. Links design choice to healing stage and therapeutic goals.

Lesson 2 • Dynamic and Serial Static Orthoses

Constructs dynamic traction and serial static orthoses to increase passive range of motion. Applies low-load prolonged stretch principles to contracture management.

Lesson 3 • Thermoplastic Materials and Tools

Compares low-temperature thermoplastic properties including conformability, rigidity, and working time. Guides material selection for specific clinical applications.

Lesson 4 • Orthosis Fitting and Patient Education

Checks pressure points, fit, and function after fabrication. Instructs patients in wearing schedules, hygiene, and signs of complications.

Lesson 1 • Functional Task-Based Exercise

Integrates hand exercises into simulated daily living and work tasks. Transfers isolated gains to meaningful occupational performance.

Lesson 2 • Tendon Gliding and Joint Mobilisation

Prescribes differential tendon gliding exercises and passive joint mobilisation techniques. Restores tendon excursion and joint mobility after immobilisation or surgery.

Lesson 3 • Strengthening Progression Principles

Applies progressive resistance principles to grip, pinch, and intrinsic muscle strengthening. Matches load and volume to healing stage and patient tolerance.

Lesson 1 • Soft Tissue and Overuse Conditions

Manages trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, Dupuytren contracture, and CRPS. Applies condition-specific orthotic, manual, and exercise interventions.

Lesson 2 • Tendon Injuries and Repairs

Covers flexor and extensor tendon laceration zones, repair protocols, and early motion programmes. Prevents adhesion formation whilst protecting repair integrity.

Lesson 3 • Nerve Compression Syndromes

Treats carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and Guyon canal syndromes with conservative and post-surgical approaches. Restores sensory and motor function through targeted interventions.

Lesson 4 • Fractures and Dislocations

Manages distal radius, metacarpal, and phalangeal fractures through immobilisation and early mobilisation. Addresses post-reduction stiffness and functional restoration.

Lesson 1 • Outcome Measurement and Discharge Planning

Selects and interprets standardised outcome measures to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Establishes discharge criteria and long-term self-management plans.

Lesson 2 • Pain Neuroscience and Sensitisation

Applies pain neuroscience education and graded motor imagery to chronic hand pain. Addresses central sensitisation limiting functional recovery.

Lesson 3 • Manual Therapy Techniques

Performs joint mobilisation, soft tissue mobilisation, and neural mobilisation for the hand and wrist. Augments exercise outcomes by restoring tissue extensibility and joint mobility.