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Hand Therapy Course
More than 2 million learners worldwide

Hand Therapy Course

4.5

Take your hand therapy practice to the next level with a comprehensive program covering anatomy, assessment, splinting, and rehabilitation. From acute injuries to complex post-surgical cases, you'll build the clinical skills to treat the full spectrum of hand and wrist conditions. This course equips occupational and physical therapists with the tools to deliver measurable, evidence-based outcomes.

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What you will learn:

This course covers the complete scope of hand therapy practice, from foundational anatomy and biomechanics to advanced rehabilitation and return-to-function protocols. You will learn how to assess edema, measure range of motion, and apply validated outcome tools to guide treatment decisions. Splint fabrication, therapeutic exercise progression, and sensory re-education are covered in clinical detail. You will also gain skills in managing common diagnoses including tendon injuries, nerve compression syndromes, fractures, and arthritis. Supplementary content addresses pediatric hand therapy, ergonomics, prosthetics, and evidence-based practice frameworks.

How you study in a practical way Hand Therapy Course

How you practice Hand Therapy Course

For companies who want to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Hand Anatomy and Function

  • 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 4 • Skeletal Architecture of the Hand

    Covers bones, joints, and articulations from the distal radius to the fingertips. Provides the structural baseline for understanding injury and dysfunction.

Chapter 2See details

Clinical Assessment of the Hand and Wrist

  • Lesson 1 • Range of Motion Measurement

    Covers goniometric technique for all hand and wrist joints using standardized 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 program 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 5 • Edema and Wound Assessment

    Introduces volumetric and circumferential edema measurement alongside wound staging. Integrates findings into treatment prioritization.

Chapter 3See details

Edema Management and Wound Care

  • 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 5 • Elevation and Positioning Strategies

    Teaches optimal limb positioning to reduce dependent edema and protect healing structures. Positioning integrates with splinting and exercise programs.

Chapter 4See details

Splinting Principles and Fabrication

  • Lesson 1 • Static Splint Fabrication Techniques

    Guides pattern making, molding, 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 mobilization. Dynamic splints address contracture and post-surgical mobilization 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 5 • Thermoplastic Material Properties

    Compares low-temperature thermoplastic types by conformability, rigidity, and working time. Material selection matches clinical requirements and patient factors.

Chapter 5See details

Therapeutic Exercise for the Hand

  • Lesson 1 • Tendon Gliding and Differential Tendon Exercises

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

  • Lesson 2 • Home Exercise Program Design

    Structures individualized home programs with clear instructions, frequency, and progression criteria. Adherence strategies maximize 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 5 • Coordination and Dexterity Training

    Introduces fine motor tasks, pegboards, and manipulation activities to restore dexterity. Dexterity training bridges strength gains to functional task performance.

Chapter 6See details

Sensory Rehabilitation and Pain Management

  • Lesson 1 • Desensitization for Hypersensitivity

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

  • Lesson 2 • Chronic Pain and Central Sensitization

    Addresses complex regional pain syndrome and central sensitization 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 5 • Acute Pain Management Strategies

    Applies thermal agents, TENS, and activity modification to manage acute hand pain. Pain control facilitates participation in therapeutic exercise.

Chapter 7See details

Management of Common Hand Conditions

  • 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 mobilization 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 5 • Fracture and Dislocation Rehabilitation

    Addresses distal radius, metacarpal, and phalangeal fracture management across healing phases. Intervention timing aligns with fracture stability and fixation type.

Chapter 8See details

Advanced Rehabilitation and Return to Function

  • Lesson 1 • Work Hardening and Conditioning

    Structures progressive work simulation programs 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.

  • Lesson 5 • Post-Surgical Reconstruction Protocols

    Manages rehabilitation after tendon transfer, joint arthroplasty, and replantation. Protocol adherence is critical to surgical outcome preservation.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Occupational therapist: seeking a structured pathway into hand therapy specialization.

  • Physical therapist: expanding orthopedic practice to include hand and wrist rehabilitation.

  • New graduate clinician: building confidence with complex upper extremity diagnoses early in career.

  • General rehab therapist: treating hand cases without formal specialty training or mentorship.

  • Hand therapy candidate: preparing clinical competencies required for certification examination eligibility.

  • Outpatient orthopedic therapist: adding splinting and nerve injury management to current skill set.

What our students say

Your classes are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of my interest without needing to change platforms... I thank you for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can switch chapters and skip content I don't need.
Mariana Ferres
Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
Luciana Alvarenga
Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast, simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
André Felipe
André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

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