Nerve Entrapments of the Upper Extremity

Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Extremity Pathology
It is often difficult to identify all structures causing upper extremity pain and dysfunction. Therapists must determine the source of the problem in order to provide the most effective treatment for the client. Differential diagnosis methods have become vital in the successful practice of physical and occupational therapy, among other health care professions. Upper Limb Tension Testing (ULTT) is one such technique that can be very effective in detecting upper extremity problems, but it is important to understand how and when to perform ULTT correctly.

This one-day course provides a comprehensive look at disorders of the upper extremity, from the cervical spine to the hand, as well as ways to understand contributing factors to the symptoms. Methods for ruling out cervical symptoms from other extremity conditions, including degenerative pathologic conditions of the neck, will be presented. A systematic evaluation with an emphasis on identifying both musculoskeletal and neurovascular dysfunction with a therapist scope of practice will be discussed. Participants will examine Upper Limb Tension Testing and neurodynamics in the development of treatment strategies and will perform and practice ULTT in a hands-on lab. Conservative treatment tools for patients having either cervical or upper extremity entrapment syndromes will also be identified. The information and techniques presented, including Upper Limb Tension Testing, can be immediately utilized in the clinic.