Course curriculum

  • 1

    Weekly Sunday Registration & Syllabus

    • April 2026 Cohort Registration 3:30 pm ET

    • 2026 Syllabus & Mobile App Link

    • Weekly Opportunities

    • Handouts: Intended Use and Learning Approach
  • 2

    Orientation

    • Orientation
  • 3

    Baseline Exam

    • Baseline Exam Link
  • 4

    Mentorship

    • Mentorship Sessions

    • Periodic Check-In 1:1

    • Self Assessment: Critical Thinking in Hand Therapy

    • Mentorship Needs Assessment
  • 5

    1.1 Wrist & Hand Anatomy (part 1)

    • 1.1 Basic Anatomy of Wrist and Hand (part 1)

    • 1.1 Handout

    • 1.1 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.1 audio

    • 1.1 Case Study: Malunion Distal Radius Fracture

    • Quiz 1.1
  • 6

    Guest: Livia Strugari on 3D Printing in Hand Therapy

    • Livia Strugari: 3D printing in hand therapy
  • 7

    1.2 Wrist & Hand Anatomy (part 2)

    • 1.2 Basic Anatomy of Wrist and Hand part 2

    • 1.2 Handout

    • 1.2 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.2 audio

    • Case Study: Stiff Hand

    • 1.2 Quiz
  • 8

    Guest Speaker: Dr. David Miller on Common Hand Conditions

    • Dr. David Miller: 10 Common Conditions in Hand Surgery
  • 9

    1.3 Clinical Exam of the Wrist & Hand

    • 1.3 Clinical Assessment of the Wrist & Hand

    • 1.3 Handout

    • 1.3 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.3 audio

    • Case Study: Wrist Pain/Work Injury

    • 1.3 quiz
  • 10

    Week 3 Lab: Provocative Tests by Wrist Zone

    • Carpal Palpation

    • Dorsoradial Zone

    • Central Dorsal Zone

    • Ulnodorsal Zone

    • Radial & Ulnar Volar Zones

    • Ortho Hand Surgeon's Exam

  • 11

    1.4 Elbow Anatomy & Biomechanics

    • 1.4 Anatomy & Biomechanics of the Elbow

    • 1.4 Handout

    • 1.4 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.4 audio

    • 1.4 Case Study Olecranon Fracture

    • 1.4 Quiz
  • 12

    1.5 Clinical Exam of the Elbow

    • Clinical Exam of the Elbow

    • Handout

    • 1.5 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.5 audio

    • 1.5 Case Study: Lateral Tendinopathy

    • 1.5 Quiz
  • 13

    Week 5 Lab: Elbow Exam

    • Differential Tissue assessment

    • Varus & Valgus Stress Tests

    • Scratch Collapse

    • Elbow Exam

    • Joint Play: RH Anterior Glide

    • Joint Play: RH Posterior Glide

    • Joint Play: RH Inferior Glide

    • Joint Play: RH Superior Glide

    • Median Nerve Trajectory

    • Ulnar Nerve Trajectory

    • Radial Nerve Trajectory
  • 14

    Guest Speaker: Kris Valdes, OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Clinical Research in Hand Therapy

    • Kristin Valdes on Clinical Research
  • 15

    1.6 Shoulder Anatomy & Biomechanics

    • 1.6 Anatomy & Biomechanics of the Shoulder

    • 1.6 Handout

    • 1.6 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.6 audio

    • 1.6 Case Study: Shoulder Dislocation

    • 1.6 Quiz
  • 16

    1.7 Shoulder Clinical Exam

    • 1.7 Shoulder Clinical Exam

    • 1.7 Handout

    • 1.7 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.7 audio

    • Case Study: Shoulder Exam

    • 1.7 Quiz
  • 17

    Week 7 Lab: Shoulder Exam

    • Cervical Distraction/Compression

    • Spurlings

    • Myotomes

    • Shoulder RROM

    • Drop Arm

    • Empty Can

    • Lift Off

    • Belly Press

    • Lower Trap MMT

    • Middle Trap

    • Serratus Test- Plus Sign

    • Serratus: Resisted Functional Flexion

    • Neer Impingement Test

    • Hawkins Kennedy: Impingement

    • Sulcus Test

    • A/P Laxity

    • Clunk Test: Labrum

    • Crank: Labrum

    • Jerk Sign: Labrum
  • 18

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Aimee Ketchum, OTD, ORT/L, CNMI on Developmental Milestones of Upper Limb & Hand Function

    • Developmental Milestones for the Upper Limb & Hand
  • 19

    1.8 Soft Tissue Healing & Wound Care

    • 1.8 Soft Tissue Healing

    • 1.8 Handout

    • 1.8 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.8 audio

    • Case Study 2: Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

    • 1.8 Quiz
  • 20

    1.9 Bone Healing

    • 1.9 Bone Healing

    • 1.9 Handout

    • 1.9 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.9 Audio

    • Case Study: Fracture

    • Quiz 1.9
  • 21

    1.10 Biopsychosocial Model in Hand Therapy (Asynchronous)

    • 1.10 Biopsychosocial Model in Hand Therapy

    • 1.10 Handout

    • 1.10 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.10 audio

    • 1.10 Case Study: CRPS

    • Quiz 1.10
  • 22

    Guest Speaker: Dr. David Ring: Rethinking Common Elbow & Shoulder Conditions

    • Dr. David Ring: Bisopsychosocial: Rethinking Shoulder & Elbow Problems
  • 23

    1.11 Peripheral Nerve Compression

    • 1.11 Peripheral Nerve Compression

    • 1.11 Handout

    • 1.11 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.11 audio

    • Case Study: Neuropathy s/p Trauma

    • 1.11 Quiz
  • 24

    Dr. Elisabet Hagert: Peripheral Nerve Compression

    • Dr. Elisabet Hagert: Peripheral Nerve Compressions
  • 25

    1.12 Compression Neuropathies of the Wrist

    • Compression Neuropathies of the Wrist

    • 1.12 Handout

    • 1.12 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.12 audio

    • Case Study: Wrist-Level Neuropathy

    • Quiz 1.12
  • 26

    1.13 Compression Neuropathies of the Elbow

    • Compression Neuropathies of the Elbow

    • 1.13 Handout

    • 1.13 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.13 audio

    • Case Study: Elbow-Level Neuropathy

    • 1.13 Quiz
  • 27

    Alison Taylor: Pain and the 4 S's

    • Alison Taylor: Pain and the 4 S's
  • 28

    1.14 Brachial Plexus

    • Brachial Plexus Anatomy & Pathology

    • Handout

    • 1.14 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.14 audio

    • Case Study: Brachial Plexus Contusion

    • 1.14 Quiz
  • 29

    1.15 Treatment Techniques

    • Treatment Techniques

    • Handout

    • 1.15 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 1.15 Audio

    • Case Study: Amputation

    • 1.15 Quiz

  • 30

    Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization 101

    • IASTM Basics

    • IASTM Handout

    • IASTM audio
  • 31

    1.16 CHT Practice Exam

    • Trimester 1 Exam
  • 32

    Trimester 2 Sunday Sessions: Clinical Reasoning & Application to Practice

    • About Sunday Live Sessions: Clinical Reasoning & Application to Practice

    • Trimester 2 Registration Link
  • 33

    2.1 Advanced Anatomy & Kinesiology of the Wrist & Hand

    • 2.1 Advanced Anatomy Wrist & Hand

    • 2.1 Handout/Outline

    • 2.1 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.1 Audio

    • Case Study: Distal Radius Malunion

    • Quiz 2.1
  • 34

    2.2 Thumb CMC OA

    • Thumb CMC OA

    • 2.2 Handout/Outline

    • 2.2 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • Thumb CMC OA

    • Case Study: Thumb CMC OA

    • 2.2 Quiz
  • 35

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Jay Talsania on Thumb CMC OA Management

    • Dr. Jay Talsania: Thumb CMC OA
  • 36

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Meals & panel on Thumb CMC OA

    • VHSF & Doctors Demystify Replay

    • Course PDF
  • 37

    2.3 Lateral Tendinopathy

    • 2.3 Elbow Tendinopathy

    • 2.3 Handout/Outline

    • 2.3 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.3 Elbow Tendinopathy

    • 2.3 Case Study: Lateral Tendinopathy

    • 2.3 Quiz
  • 38

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul Sibley on Elbow Tendinopathies

    • Guest Speaker Dr. Paul Sibley: Lateral Epicondylosis
  • 39

    Guest: Rothman Orthopaedics on Medial Elbow Injuries of the Overhead Athlete

    • Dr. Michael Rivlin & Mike Mueller, OTR/L, CHT

    • Dr. Rivlin & Mike Mueller, OTR/L, CHT
  • 40

    2.4 Wrist & Hand Tendinopathies

    • Wrist & Hand Tendinopathies

    • 2.4 Handout/Outline

    • 2.4 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.4 audio

    • Case Discussion: Trigger Finger Conservative & Post-op

    • 2.4 Quiz
  • 41

    Guest Speaker: Aviva Wolff, EdD, OT, CHT on the Injured Musician

    • Guest Speaker Aviva Wolff, EdD, OT, CHT
  • 42

    2.5 Flexor Tendon Injuries: Surgery

    • Flexor Tendon Injuries: Surgery

    • 2.5 Handout/Outline

    • 2.5 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.5 audio

    • Case Study: FPL Repair

    • 2.5 Quiz
  • 43

    2.6 Therapy Management of Flexor Tendon Injuries

    • 2.6 Therapy Management for Flexor Tendon Injuries

    • 2.6 Handout/Outline

    • 2.6 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.6 Audio

    • Case Study: Flexor Tendon Repair

    • 2.6 Critical Thinking & Application

    • 2.6 Quiz
  • 44

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Donald Lalonde: What's new in therapy because of WALANT

    • Dr. Lalonde: "Whats New in WALANT"

  • 45

    2.7 Extensor Tendon Injuries: Surgical

    • 2.7 Extensor Tendon Injury: Surgical Management

    • 2.7 Handout/Outline

    • 2.7 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.7 Audio

    • 2.7 Case Study: Sagittal Band Injury

    • 2.7 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.7 Quiz
  • 46

    2.8 Extensor Tendon Injuries: Therapy Management

    • 2.8 Therapy Management for Extensor Tendon Injuries

    • 2.8 Handouts/Outline

    • 2.8 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.8 Audio

    • Case Study: Zone III Repair

    • 2.8 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.8 Quiz
  • 47

    2.9 Therapy Management of Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Repairs

    • Lecture: Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Repairs

    • 2.9 Handout/Outline

    • 2.9 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.9 audio

    • 2.9 Case Study: Radial Nerve Palsy

    • 2.9 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.9 Quiz
  • 48

    Guest Speaker: Dr Sibley with Mirella Deisher on Complications s/p Distal Radius Fractures

    • Complications s/p Distal Radius Fracture
  • 49

    2.10 Distal Radius Fractures

    • 2.10 Distal Radius Fractures

    • 2.10 Handout/Outline

    • 2.10 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.10 audio

    • 2.10 Case Study: DR Fracture

    • 2.10 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.10 Quiz
  • 50

    Guest Speaker: Christos Karagianopolous MPT, PhD, ATC, CHT on Wrist Sensori-motor Control

    • Guest Speaker on Wrist Sensori-motor control
  • 51

    2.11 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome & Management of the Stiff Hand

    • 2.11 CRPS & Managing the Stiff Hand

    • 2.11 Handout/Outline

    • 2.11 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.11 audio

    • 2.11 Case Study: CRPS

    • 2.11 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • Quiz 2.11
  • 52

    Joe Basante: Understanding Pain for the Hand Specialist

    • Joe Basante: Understanding Pain for the Hand Therapy Practitioner
  • 53

    Kantessa Stewart, OTR/L Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness: Foundations, Scientific Rationale, and Clinical Application

    • CMMS
  • 54

    2.12 Extraarticular Hand Fractures

    • 2.12 Extraarticular Hand Fractures

    • 2.12Handout/Outline

    • 2.12 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.12 audio

    • Case Study: Extra-articular Fractures

    • 2.12 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.12 Quiz
  • 55

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Jay Talsania on Wrist and Hand Fractures

    • Dr. Talsania
  • 56

    2.13 Intraarticular Hand Fractures & Joint Injuries

    • 2.13 Intraarticular Hand Fractures & Joint Injuries

    • 2.13 Handout/Outline

    • 2.13 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.13 Audio

    • Case Study: Intraarticular Fracture

    • 2.13 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.13 Quiz
  • 57

    2.14 Neuro Upper Limb

    • 2.14 Neuro Upper Limb

    • 2.14 Handout

    • 2.14 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.14 Audio

    • Case Study: CVA

    • 2.14 Clinical Reasoning & Application

    • 2.14 Quiz
  • 58

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Mary Ann Keenan: Surgical Management of Spasticity

    • Dr. Mary Ann Keenan
  • 59

    2.15 Rotator Cuff tendinopathy

    • 2.15 Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

    • 2.15 Handout/Outline

    • 2.15 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 2.15 audio

    • Case Study: RTC Repair

    • 2.15 Quiz
  • 60

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Linda Miller: "The Use of Manual Lymphatic Therapy in Orthopedic Edemas"

    • "The Use of Manual Lymphatic Therapy in Orthopedic Edemas"
  • 61

    2.16 CHT Practice Exam Trimester 2

    • Trimester Exam 2
  • 62

    Trimester 3 Sunday Sessions: Advanced Practice Integration & Mentorship

    • About Trimester 3 Live Sessions: Advanced Practice Integration & Mentorship

    • Trimester 3 April Cohort 3:30 pm ET
  • 63

    3.1 Upper Quarter Exam & Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

    • Upper Quarter Screen & Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

    • Handouts/Outline

    • 3.1 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • Audio

    • Case Study TOS

    • 3.1 Quiz
  • 64

    3.2 Scapular Dysfunction & Shoulder Pathology

    • 3.2 Shoulder Conditions

    • 3.2 Handouts

    • 3.2 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.2 audio

    • 3.2 Case Study: Adhesive Capsulitis

    • 3.2 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.2 Quiz
  • 65

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Alejandro Badia on Common Shoulder Pathology: Surgical an Conservative

    • Common Shoulder Pathology: Surgical an Conservative
  • 66

    3.3 Brachial Plexopathy

    • 3.3 Brachial Plexopathy

    • Handouts/Outline

    • 3.3 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.3 audio

    • 3.3 Case Study: Brachial Plexus Injury

    • 3.3 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.3 Quiz
  • 67

    3.4 Tendon Transfer

    • 3.4 Tendon Transfers

    • 3.4 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.4 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.4 Tendon Transfers

    • 3.4 Case Study: Radial Nerve Palsy

    • 3.4 Quiz
  • 68

    3.5 Elbow Fractures & Dislocations

    • 3.5 Elbow Fractures & Dislocations

    • 3.5 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.5 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.5 audio

    • 3.5 Case Study: Terrible Triad

    • 3.5 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.5 Quiz
  • 69

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Jorge Orbay on Management of Elbow Instabilities

    • Dr. Jorge Orbay on Elbow Instabilities
  • 70

    Dr. Lok Chaurasia & Mirella on Surgical & Therapy Management of the Stiff Elbow

    • Dr. Lok Chaurasia & Mirella on Surgical & Therapy Management of the Stiff Elbow
  • 71

    3.6 Biceps & Triceps Injuries

    • 3.6 Biceps & Triceps Injuries

    • 3.6 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.6 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.6 audio

    • Case Study: Biceps Repair

    • 3.6 Quiz
  • 72

    3.7 Carpal Fractures, Dislocations, & Instabilities

    • 3.7 Carpal Fractures, Dislocations, & Instabilities

    • 3.7 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.7 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.7 Carpal Fractures, Dislocations, & Instabilities

    • Case Study: Wrist PRC, Wrist Fusion

    • 3.7 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.7 Quiz
  • 73

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Tosti on Wrist Replacements and Alternatives for Arthritis

    • Wrist Replacements and Alternatives for Arthritis Replay
  • 74

    Guest Speaker: Ann Poretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT: Manual Therapy for Wrist & Hand

    • Manual therapy of the wrist & hand
  • 75

    3.8 DRUJ: Surgical Management

    • 3.8 DRUJ: Surgical Management

    • 3.8 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.8 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.8 audio

    • Case Study: Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy

    • 3.8 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.8 Quiz
  • 76

    3.9 TFCC

    • 3.9 TFCC

    • 3.9 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.9 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.9 audio

    • Case Study: TFCC Peripheral Repair

    • 3.9 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.9 Quiz
  • 77

    Guest Speaker: Wendy Medeiros of Wrist Widget on Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain

    • Guest Speaker: Wendy Medeiros of Wrist Widget
  • 78

    3.10 Dupuytren's Contracture

    • 3.10 Dupuytren's Contracture

    • 3.10 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.10 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.10 audio

    • Case Study: Dupuytren's Contracture

    • 3.10 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.10 Quiz
  • 79

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Lee Osterman on Dupuytren's Contracture

    • Dr. Lee Osterman: Dupuytren's Contracture
  • 80

    3.11: Rhuematoid Arthritis of the Hand & Wrist

    • 3.11 RA of the Hand & Wrist

    • 3.11 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.11 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • Audio 3.11

    • Case Study: MCP joint arthroplasty

    • 3.11 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • Quiz 3.11
  • 81

    3.12 Amputation

    • 3.12 Amputation

    • 3.12 Handouts/Outline

    • 3.12 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.12 audio

    • Case Study: Amputation

    • 3.12 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.12 Quiz
  • 82

    Guest Speaker: Cynthia Watkins, DPT, PT, CHT: Orthotic Fabrication for the Athlete

    • Cynthia Watkins, PT, DPT, CHT on Orthotic Fabrication for the Athlete
  • 83

    3.13 Complex Hand Injuries

    • 3.13 Complex Hand Injuries

    • 3.13 Handout/Outline

    • 3.13 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.13 Audio

    • Case Study: Complex Hand Injury

    • 3.13 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.13 Quiz
  • 84

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Scott Levin & Gayle Severance: Hand Transplantation

    • Hand Transplantation
  • 85

    3.14 Pediatric Hand Differences & Brachial Plexus Injuries

    • 3.14 Pediatric Hand Differences & Brachial Plexus Injuries

    • 3.14 Handout/Outline

    • 3.14 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.14 audio

    • 3.14 Case Study:Pollicization

    • 3.14 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • 3.14 Quiz
  • 86

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Scott Kozin Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injury & Congenital Differences

    • Dr. Kozin
  • 87

    3.15 Wound Care and Burn Management

    • 3.15 Wound Care and Burn Management

    • 3.15 Lecture Outline

    • 3.15 Lecture Synthesis Table

    • 3.15 Lecture audio

    • 3.15 Case Study: Burn

    • 3.15 Advanced Integration & Mentorship

    • **CHT Exam Prep Complex Concepts Quiz **
  • 88

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Adam Strohl Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity

    • Dr. Adam Strohl: Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity
  • 89

    Guest Speaker: Wound Care in Hand Therapy

    • Wound Care in Hand Therapy with Brandy McKeown OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CLWT
  • 90

    3.16 CHT Practice Exam

    • Trimester 3 Exam

    • VHSF Program Completion Survey
  • 91

    Fellowship Completion

    • Fellowship Completion Session

    • Journal Article Review Guidelines

    • Case Study Guidelines

    • Blog Guidelines

    • Post Fellowship Outcomes Exam Link