Hand Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Neurovascular Supply of the Hand

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

Lesson 2 • Musculotendinous System Overview

Examines intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, tendon pulleys, and force transmission. Links muscle anatomy to grip and pinch function.

Lesson 3 • Functional Biomechanics of Grip and Pinch

Analyzes force vectors, joint positions, and muscle synergies during functional tasks. Connects anatomy to occupational performance demands.

Lesson 1 • Range of Motion Measurement

Covers goniometric technique for all hand and wrist joints using standardised protocols. Accurate measurement tracks progress and informs splinting decisions.

Lesson 2 • Functional and Outcome Measures

Reviews validated patient-reported and performance-based outcome tools. Outcome data supports clinical decision-making and programme evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Strength and Sensory Testing

Applies dynamometry, pinch gauges, and monofilament testing to quantify deficits. Results establish functional baselines and guide nerve injury classification.

Lesson 4 • Patient History and Subjective Evaluation

Teaches structured intake, pain profiling, and occupational history gathering. Subjective data directs objective test selection.

Lesson 1 • Compression Therapy Techniques

Covers retrograde massage, compression wrapping, and custom garment fitting. Compression selection depends on edema type, wound status, and patient tolerance.

Lesson 2 • Pathophysiology of Hand Edema

Explains inflammatory, lymphatic, and venous mechanisms driving hand swelling. Understanding etiology guides selection of appropriate management strategies.

Lesson 3 • Scar Management Interventions

Applies silicone, pressure, and massage techniques to hypertrophic and keloid scars. Early intervention reduces scar contracture and functional limitation.

Lesson 4 • Wound Healing Principles and Dressing Selection

Reviews wound healing phases and evidence-based dressing categories. Dressing choice matches wound moisture needs and infection risk.

Lesson 1 • Static Splint Fabrication Techniques

Guides pattern making, moulding, and finishing for common static splints. Hands-on fabrication builds precision and efficiency in clinical practice.

Lesson 2 • Splint Modification and Patient Education

Covers troubleshooting pressure areas, adjusting fit, and instructing patients in splint care. Proper education ensures compliance and prevents complications.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic and Serial Static Splinting

Introduces outrigger design, elastic traction, and serial casting for joint mobilisation. Dynamic splints address contracture and post-surgical mobilisation needs.

Lesson 4 • Biomechanical Principles of Splinting

Establishes lever arm, pressure distribution, and three-point force concepts. Biomechanical understanding prevents pressure injuries and improves splint efficacy.

Lesson 1 • Tendon Gliding and Differential Tendon Exercises

Teaches specific gliding sequences to maximise tendon excursion and prevent adhesion. Differential gliding targets flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus independently.

Lesson 2 • Home Exercise Programme Design

Structures individualised home programmes with clear instructions, frequency, and progression criteria. Adherence strategies maximise outcomes between clinic visits.

Lesson 3 • Range of Motion Exercise Progression

Sequences passive, active-assisted, and active ROM exercises for hand and wrist joints. Progression is guided by tissue healing stage and patient tolerance.

Lesson 4 • Strengthening Exercise Principles

Applies resistance training principles to intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles. Strengthening is timed to tissue healing and functional demands.

Lesson 1 • Desensitisation for Hypersensitivity

Reduces allodynia and hypersensitivity through graded tactile exposure and vibration. Desensitisation enables return to functional activities and work tasks.

Lesson 2 • Chronic Pain and Central Sensitisation

Addresses complex regional pain syndrome and central sensitisation with graded motor imagery and pain neuroscience education. Chronic pain management requires a biopsychosocial framework.

Lesson 3 • Sensory Impairment Classification

Classifies sensory loss by nerve injury level, type, and functional impact. Classification directs appropriate re-education and compensatory strategies.

Lesson 4 • Sensory Re-education Techniques

Applies early and late-phase sensory re-education using texture, vibration, and object recognition tasks. Structured progression restores cortical sensory mapping.

Lesson 1 • Tendon Injuries and Repair Protocols

Covers flexor and extensor tendon injury zones, repair techniques, and post-surgical protocols. Protocol selection balances tendon protection with early mobilisation benefits.

Lesson 2 • Cumulative Trauma and Overuse Conditions

Addresses de Quervain tenosynovitis, trigger finger, and repetitive strain injuries. Load management and ergonomic correction reduce symptom recurrence.

Lesson 3 • Nerve Compression and Injury Management

Examines carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and peripheral nerve injury rehabilitation. Nerve gliding, splinting, and activity modification address compression and laceration.

Lesson 4 • Arthritis and Joint Conditions

Manages osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related joint conditions through splinting, exercise, and joint protection. Intervention preserves function and reduces pain.

Lesson 1 • Work Hardening and Conditioning

Structures progressive work simulation programmes to restore physical capacity for job demands. Work hardening bridges clinical rehabilitation to occupational reintegration.

Lesson 2 • Discharge Planning and Long-Term Outcomes

Establishes discharge criteria, community resources, and self-management strategies. Long-term outcome monitoring ensures sustained functional gains.

Lesson 3 • Sport-Specific Hand Rehabilitation

Adapts protocols for athletes requiring high-load grip, throwing, and racket skills. Sport-specific demands require modified timelines and protective equipment.

Lesson 4 • Functional Task Analysis and Retraining

Breaks down daily living and work tasks to identify performance barriers and retrain skills. Task analysis links impairment-level gains to real-world function.