On satisfactory completion of this course, the Occupational or Physical therapist will be able to:

1. Describe in detail the anatomic features of the bones forming the upper extremity.

2. Describe in detail the articulations between these bones including the articular surfaces, capsules, ligaments and normal mechanisms of motion, innervation and vascular supply.

3. Describe in detail the musculature of the upper extremity, including attachments, innervation, fiber orientation and classification, and action in normal motion of the extremity.

4. Describe the mechanical principles that are concerned with movements of the upper extremity, including force couples and vectors, pulley and lever systems and relate these to normal motion of the upper extremity joint regions.

5. Discuss the effects of altered mechanics on upper extremity movement.

6. Analyze a given normal movement of the upper extremity in terms of muscle action and applied forces.

7. Analyze a given abnormal motion of the upper extremity, deduce the abnormally functioning component and explain the mechanics producing this motion.

On satisfactory completion of this course, the Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist will be able to:

1. Describe applied histology of tissue healing and effects of immobilization

2. Explain functional impairment secondary to soft tissue trauma/disease

3. Describe diagnostic imaging techniques for the upper extremity

4. Describe etiology, pathology, diagnosis, prognosis, medical and surgical treatment for a variety of upper extremity problems and injuries including orthopaedic, muscular, neurological, integumentary and traumatic disorders, congenital anomalies and connective tissue conditions

On satisfactory completion of this course, the Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist will be able to:

1. Describe in detail techniques for measuring and recording range of motion of joint regions of the upper extremity and differentiate between these based on their reliability and validity.

2. Describe in detail techniques to assess articular function of the upper extremity joints and differentiate between limitations due to articular surface, capsule, ligamentous or muscular disorders.

3. Describe in detail techniques to assess the bones and soft tissues of the upper extremity for disorders.

4. Describe in detail techniques to assess the neck and cervical spine as a source of upper extremity pain.

5. Describe in detail the dermatomes, myotomes and sclerotomes of the upper extremity and their role in diagnosis.

6. Describe in detail physical examination techniques to assess neurologic and vascular function of the upper extremity and accurately determine level of impairment.

7. Describe in detail techniques to perform a screening examination of the upper quadrant and relate its role in the diagnosis of disorders affecting the upper extremity.

8. Describe in detail techniques to identify visceral or other sources of upper extremity pain that may not be responsive to occupational therapy or physical therapy interventions.

9. Describe in detail techniques for measuring and recording sensibility in the hand and differentiate between these based on their reliability and validity and relevance to hand safety and function.

10. Describe in detail techniques for measuring and recording manipulative dexterity of the hand and differentiate between these based on their reliability and validity and relevance to hand function.

11. Describe in detail techniques for measuring and recording functional capability of the upper extremity and differentiate between these based on their reliability and validity.

12. Describe the process for performing an electrodiagnostic examination of the upper extremity, including nerve conduction studies and electromyography

13. Identify normal and abnormal values from an electrodiagnostic examination and relate these to diagnoses affecting the upper extremity.

14. Differentiate between the uses of x-ray, CT scan and MRI imaging of the upper extremity.

15. Describe the process of examination of radiologic images of upper extremity regions for abnormalities.

16. Identify abnormalities on x-ray, CT scan and MRI images relating to upper extremity pathologies.

17. Accurately interpret given evaluation findings of an upper quadrant examination.

18. Relate the findings of an upper quadrant examination to appropriate treatment goals for that condition.

 Course 4:  Clinical reasoning and therapeutic management in upper extremity rehabilitation  

On satisfactory completion of this course, the Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist will be able to:

1. Describe use of therapeutic techniques commonly used to help resolve functional limitations caused by soft tissue involvement;

2. Discuss consequences of injury and psychosocial issues related to treatment of UE conditions for each of the patient’s life roles;

3. Apply clinical reasoning in selecting and designing orthotic devices;

4. Describe  the physiologic effects of thermal and electrical agents on specific tissues;

5. Select appropriate intervention techniques to restore range of motion and provide the rationales for the use of each;

6. Select activities to restore functional capabilities for patients;

7. Describe  post-surgical rehabilitation of upper extremity amputation including prosthetic considerations, training, and care;

8. Describe treatment of wounds based on knowledge of wound healing stages and select appropriate wound care materials and techniques for different categories of wounds;

9. Identifying types of scars and select appropriate treatment;

10. Describe the causes of edema and select the appropriate treatment to each;

11. Discuss the causes of pain and select appropriate clinical interventions;

12. Identify the classification of nerve injuries and the resulting deformities and deficits of various level of nerve injuries, manifestations, and specific treatments;

13. Relate limitations of dexterity to the pathomechanical problems and select appropriate treatment and intervention techniques.

These courses will be presented by the application of distance learning technology, through the use of Texas Woman’s University’s “Blackboard” program.  Depending on the participants in the class, their geographic and other logistical concerns, learning experiences may include any or all of the following:

• Presentation of content on-line in text, graphic and/or video formats.

• Guided learning by reading texts, journal articles or viewing video presentations.

• Assigned case studies, projects and presentations (individual or group).

• Approved independent learning and presentation of learned material.

• On-line problem-solving discussion of assigned material.

• Group discussion through conference call format.

• Instructor critique of video of treatment technique performance

• Online quizzes and exams

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