Instructional Concurrent Session 3

Hand therapists frequently treat more distal upper extremity conditions and report less comfort and competence with treatment of joints proximal to the shoulder, including the scapulothoracic region and cervical spine. The scapulae, thoracic spine, and cervical spine function in synergy as components of a dynamic biomechanical system. Their relationship influences both static and dynamic postures of the entire upper extremity during everyday function and performance at the highest levels. Consequently, evaluation and intervention of the cervical spine and scapulothoracic region should be routinely included in the treatment of shoulder, elbow, and hand conditions. Hand therapists may benefit from a deeper understanding of this regional interdependence to enhance their specialty practice. This instructional session will review assessment and intervention strategies for the interconnected myofascial, musculotendinous, and neurovascular structures of the cervical spine and scapulothoracic region. The session will also provide diverse case examples, including athletics, musical performance, and industry, for application of learning to everyday clinical practice. Mastery of this area of specialty upper extremity rehabilitation will support clinical excellence and improved outcomes for patients who seek our care.

Level: Advanced

In the context of today’s health care system, there is a growing urgency to deliver effective, efficient, person-centered, and equitable care. A learning health system leverages routinely collected data and external evidence to engage in continuous improvement. The concept of a learning health system is still new to our specialty and rehabilitation more generally, but this approach has tremendous potential to support our progress toward high-value care. Successful “learning” requires intentional capacity building and collaboration between multiple partners, including those with lived experience. While learning health systems are often discussed in large academic practices, concepts can be applied to various micro-systems, including an individual clinician’s practice. This session will include a brief presentation to set the stage and introduce all attendees to key concepts of a learning health system approach. However, it will primarily provide a space for purposeful dialogue. Join us if you are interested in contributing—via sharing and/or listening—to a future-oriented discussion on how we can improve the value of our care.

Level: Intermediate

Long term wrist pain and dysfunction plagues the hand surgeon and hand therapist in practice. There are many opinions and strategies employed for the treatment of these patients. This session will examine the decision making process for surgical and therapeutic intervention through the presentation of three separate case studies. Attendees are welcomed and encouraged to participate in discussion around this topic, including non-surgical intervention, resulting in effective management of chronic wrist pain.

Level: Intermediate