Lesson 1Structured clinical interview and chart review: key surgical details, restrictions, and red flagsWe outline a structured patient interview and notes review, zeroing in on surgery details, precautions, other health issues, meds, and warning signs, for safe, targeted hand therapy right from the start.
Essential elements of the surgical historyIdentifying surgeon-imposed precautions and limitsScreening for systemic and psychosocial red flagsMedication review relevant to hand rehabilitationOrganizing findings into a clear problem listLesson 2Sensorial evaluation: static and moving two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, neurodynamic testingThis lesson explains hand sensation checks, covering static and moving two-point tests, Semmes-Weinstein filaments, and basic nerve tension tests, with focus on standard methods and safety first.
Static two-point discrimination proceduresMoving two-point discrimination and interpretationSemmes-Weinstein monofilament testing protocolMedian, ulnar, and radial neurodynamic screeningDocumenting sensory maps and clinical changesLesson 3Objective baseline metrics to record at first visit and appropriate documentation templatesWe define must-have starting measures for the first visit—like pain, swelling, movement range, strength, function, and daily activities—and show structured record templates for clear goals and billing.
Core baseline domains for hand therapy evaluationChoosing validated outcome measures and scalesCreating efficient electronic note templatesLinking baseline data to functional goal writingStrategies for reliable follow-up comparisonsLesson 4Standardized pain assessment: VAS/NRS, pain behavior observation, pain with specific tasksThis lesson reviews standard pain checks in hand therapy, including VAS/NRS scales, watching pain behaviours, and task-triggered pain, stressing consistent timing, patient teaching, and treatment links.
Administering VAS and NRS for hand painObserving and documenting pain behaviorsTask-specific pain testing for hand activitiesDifferentiating nociceptive and neuropathic painTracking pain trends across treatment sessionsLesson 5Range of motion measurement: goniometry for wrist and MCP/PIP/DIP joints and composite flexion testsWe detail movement range checks for wrist and MCP, PIP, DIP joints using goniometers and full flexion tests, with tips on positioning, steadying, end-feel, and records for reliable data.
Goniometer alignment for wrist flexion and extensionMeasuring MCP, PIP, and DIP joint motionComposite flexion and fingertip-to-palm distanceRecording active versus passive ROM valuesCommon sources of ROM error and how to avoid themLesson 6Fine motor and functional hand assessment tools: Purdue Pegboard, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Jebsen-Taylor subtests, timed functional tasks relevant to graphic designThis lesson covers standard tools for fine motor and hand function checks, like Purdue Pegboard, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Jebsen-Taylor parts, and timed design tasks, with scoring, norms, and clinic insights.
Standardized administration of Purdue PegboardNine-Hole Peg Test setup, timing, and scoringSelecting Jebsen-Taylor subtests for hand functionDesigning job-specific graphic design task simulationsInterpreting scores and documenting functional changeLesson 7Scar assessment: visual scar scales, pliability testing, adhesion testing, digital photographyWe tackle scar checks post-hand injury or surgery, including visual scales, flexibility tests, adhesion checks, sensation, and photos, with tips for steady scoring and tracking progress.
Using visual scar rating scales reliablyAssessing scar thickness, color, and texturePliability and adhesion testing techniquesEvaluating scar sensitivity and symptom reportsStandardized clinical scar photography methodsLesson 8Strength and endurance testing: dynamometry (grip, pinch), manual muscle testing protocols, endurance repetition testsThis lesson covers hand strength and stamina tests, including grip/pinch dynamometers, manual muscle tests, and repeat endurance tasks, with steps, safety, and records for planning treatment.
Calibrating and positioning for grip dynamometryPinch dynamometry for lateral and tripod pinchManual muscle testing grades for hand musclesDesigning functional endurance repetition testsRecording strength data and monitoring fatigueLesson 9Edema measurement techniques: circumferential measurement, volumetry, pitting scale, figure-of-eightWe explain main swelling measure methods, like tape around, water volume, pitting scales, and figure-of-eight, with advice on reliability, positioning, and steady records in hand therapy.
Landmarks for circumferential tape measuresWater volumetry setup, calibration, and hygieneUsing and grading a standardized pitting scaleFigure-of-eight method for wrist and hand edemaRecording edema data and minimizing measurement error
