Upper Extremity Orthotic Fabrication

Orthotic development is a clinical skill which facilitates safe healing, joint protection, and functional mobilization for both post-surgical and conservative hand therapy patients. Developing strategies which facilitate cohesion betweenmobilization and tissue safety is crucial to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients as they return to function activities requiring gripping, object manipulation, tool use, andoccupation. Schofield and Schwartz (2018) highlighted the need for competent instructional video guides for therapistsnew to orthotic fabrication as many turn to the internet for guides which may not be authored by skilled instructors. This course aims to provide both written, video, and live demonstration guides on the complete orthotic fabrication process and uses for several common hand therapy patients entering clinics today. The goal of the course is to develop a functional "start to finish" understanding of how to developthe orthotics and apply them to your clinical course oftreatment.

Attendees will be guided through the fabrication process of many hand and wrist orthotics to develop and executetheir skills in fabrication and clinical application of functional orthotics in live labs. Participants will apply functional positioning requirements to orthotic fabrication to maximizeoutcome for return to activity performance (ADL, IADL, and Occupational tasks) following orthotic use. Participants will be able to identify needed materials and apply protocols for immediate in-clinic application and utilization.

Highlights

• Guidance through the live orthotic fabrication process to learn techniques in orthosis development to promote functional return of hand activities for ADL, IADL, andoccupation/work-related tasks.
• Improve your knowledge of what orthotics are needed for a variety of hand and wrist diagnoses with respect to functional positioning and tissue safety to achieve functional outcomes post orthosis wear.
• Develop fabrications skills with the use of thermoplastics to promote tissue integrity, comfort, and client satisfaction/compliance with orthotic use.
• Develop skills to differentiate positioning requirements inorthotic development to achieve optimal tissue healing for functional recovery.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants