Instructional Concurrent Session 7

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

  • Collaborative Leadership for Sustainable Growth in Hand Therapy

    Description

    The session will examine the trend toward collaborative leadership and how this will impact healthcare and hand therapy. Those currently in leadership or management positions and aspiring to develop their leadership skills will gain insight into applying the collaborative leadership model in their practice setting. Participants will also explore how collaboration can sustain and grow the hand therapy profession. Participants will assess their collaborative leadership strengths and identify areas that require growth. Application of the collaborative leadership model will be provided through participant leadership activity, case studies, and panel discussions.

    Level: Intermediate

    Objectives

    1. Understand the concept and importance of collaborative leadership in hand therapy

    2. Identify personal strengths and areas for growth when using the collaborative leadership model

    3. Apply collaborative leadership skills to enhance interprofessional relationships in their practice

    Speakers
    Juliet Steffe, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
    Stephanie Strouse, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

  • Identifying Complex Pain in Upper Extremity Patients

    Description

    When treating patients with upper extremity pain, it's essential to distinguish between simple and complex acute pain, as the management and outcomes differ significantly. Acute upper extremity patients may present with medical and/or psychosocial yellow flags; early identification of these yellow flags is critical as their presence increases the risk for developing pain complexities such as complex regional pain syndrome. Attendees will gain resources and techniques to identify these risk factors through the use of patient reported outcomes meausre and a thorough subjective history. Pain has a significant impact on quality of life, the overall health of patients, and the cost to our healthcare system. As we transition to value-based care, it is essential to identify these risk factors to treat patients more effectively.

    Level: Intermediate

    Objectives

    1. Describe the prevalence, cost and complexity of chronic pain and CRPS

    2. Identify three strategies to obtain an in-depth assessment of the patient's pain state

    3. Illustrate how these three strategies can be implemented in clinical practice

    Speakers
    Karen Mainzer, OT, CHT
    Rhonda Marsh, OTR/L, CHT

  • Management of Extensor Tendon Injury Complications in Zones III Through Zone VII

    Description

    This course will provide a review of extensor tendon anatomy and biomechanics. Management of complications and deformities in these zones will be illustrated through lecture, case presentations and videos.

    Level: Intermediate

    Objectives

    1. Describe the extrinsic and intrinsic contributions to the extensor mechanism and how they affect surgical and therapy management for different zones of injury

    2. Recognize different finger deformities caused by injury to the extensor mechanism describe the biomechanical cause for the deformity

    3. Assess appropriate orthoses and rehabilitation techniques for postoperative management of extensor releases and reconstructions

    Speakers
    Rebecca Saunders, PT, CHT

  • Management of Upper Extremity Ballistic Injuries: A Surgeon and Hand Therapist's Perspective

    Description

    The news headlines of active shooter and gunshot victims have become an all-too-common reality in today’s society. Gunshot violence is a significant public health issue facing healthcare providers. This session will share multi-disciplinary perspectives from practitioners working in an urban center who treat a high volume of ballistic injuries to the upper extremity. We will explore multiple considerations affecting patients with a ballistic injury to the upper extremity. Using a case study format, participants will delve into the clinical decision-making process needed in the management from the acute, post-operative, and rehabilitative phases of recovery.

    Level: Intermediate

    Objectives

    1. Describe the types and severity of ballistic injuries and surgical interventions that dictate the post-operative treatment plan

    2. Describe how aspects of hand therapy can adapt to orthopedic restrictions, healing time frames, psychosocial implications following ballistic injuries

    3. Define barriers to recovery within the health care system and current strategies to address active patient participation such as compliance and access to intervention

    Speakers
    Nicole Bickhart, OT, CHT
    Alexander Hahn, MD