Instructional Concurrent Session 1

As hand therapy advances, there is an increasing need to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles while also considering sustainability and innovation in orthotic design. Traditional beige thermoplastic orthoses have commonly been the standard, but their lack of aesthetic inclusivity and fabrication process can impact client dignity, adherence, and psychosocial well-being. This session will explore findings from a quasi-experimental feasibility clinical trial comparing 3D-printed finger orthoses to traditional thermoplastic versions. 3D-printed orthoses offer expanded color options (including nine different skin tones), cost-effectiveness, precise customization, and use biodegradable polylactic acid material, supporting both sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity in hand therapy. The session will discuss how integrating inclusive design principles with eco-conscious materials can enhance client-centered care while maintaining clinical efficacy. Attendees will gain insights into workflow integration, functional outcomes, and real-world implementation strategies for transitioning toward more sustainable and equitable.

Level: Entry

Sports and fitness participation is increasing for adults over the age of 60. Upper extremity injuries have increased with additional participation, and this requires additional skills for hand therapists to safely return seniors to sports and fitness. Therapists need to understand the physiology of aging and its impact on the whole body and performance to safely return patients to their desired level of function. This session will discuss the evaluation, treatment, loading progressions, exercise testing and selection, and return to play testing and programming for upper-extremity injuries in the older adult population. Patient cases of common post-operative and non-operative upper extremity injuries in the active older adult population will be presented throughout the session through the entire continuum of care.

Level: Advanced

Many breast cancer survivors experience musculoskeletal problems in their hands and wrists long after they finish surgeries, chemotherapy, and/or radiation treatments. Hand therapists can help! Come learn the skills to treat aromatase inhibitor induced musculoskeletal syndrome in the hands and wrists. Tips for connecting with your local oncology community will also be provided.

Level: Entry

This lecture provides an evidence-based overview of wrist pain, focusing on the importance of stabilization and proprioception exercises. It covers wrist anatomy, common injuries, and how instability contributes to pain. Participants will learn various exercises, progressing from isometric to strengthening, and see video demonstrations. A case study with interactive polling will reinforce learning objectives, enabling participants to create individualized wrist stabilization programs.

Level: Intermediate