Instructional Concurrent Session 4

Musicians are elite athletes of the upper extremity, yet many struggle with performance-related musculoskeletal injuries that can limit their careers. Despite this, clinician training lacks a deep understanding of the unique physical demands placed on musicians, leaving a critical gap in injury prevention and treatment. This interactive session will equip participants with the tools to assess, prevent, and manage injuries in instrumentalists using an evidence-based approach. Learn how to identify faulty movement patterns, poor practice habits, and postural imbalances that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Through hands-on demonstrations and an interactive video analysis of playing posture, attendees will develop practical strategies to optimize movement, enhance performance, and support safe return to play. We will explore the Movement System Impairment (MSI) framework, ergonomic modifications, and targeted strengthening programs to address the physical demands of playing an instrument. Join us in bridging the gap in clinician training and help musicians play pain-free!

Level: Intermediate

This presentation will introduce attendees to the trail-blazing concept of bionic reconstruction for the non-functional hand and upper extremity either from a brachial plexus injury or severely mangled hand that was salvaged but has no function. The presentation will detail the ideal candidate selection process, as well as the pre-surgical rehabilitation and mental healthcare that is required before undergoing the elective amputation. We will discuss the surgical techniques and outcomes based on each level of amputation, the post-operative rehab, the prosthetic selection process, and prosthetic training.

Level: Intermediate

Learn how to identify the root cause of insidious hand pain in individuals with hypermobility and provide effective pain relief without stretching the ligaments. Explore comprehensive management strategies, from using functional splints to incorporating proprioception, postural exercises and managing nerve symptoms from neck to fingertips. Gain practical knowledge with case studies on taping techniques, effective splinting, and how to address the unique challenges of this population. Understand the PENTAD and its impact on therapy and make a compelling economic case for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of EDS to improve long-term outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Level: Intermediate

I never thought I'd look forward to having a brand new flexor tendon repair patient on my caseload and yet here I am. This is hands down my favorite diagnosis to treat. Do you want to understand the rationale behind the protocols, not only the "what" but also the "why"? Do you wish to apply your clinical reasoning in order to optimize your outcomes? Are you looking for flexor tendon rehabilitation hacks to prevent and address complications? Do you want to feel less intimidated and even excited, to meet your next flexor tendon patient? This presentation aims to make sense of the science as it applies to healing tendons, then take that understanding to implement the appropriate protocol as we develop and tweak our treatment of this fascinating and, at times, frustrating patient population.

Level: Intermediate