Hand Therapy Essentials:

Course Overview

This course provides the healthcare professional with a comprehensive understanding of wrist and hand rehabilitation. Whether you are a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, or occupational therapy assistant, it equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively assess and treat the most common wrist and hand conditions. Participants explore anatomy and biomechanics, common injuries and pathologies, evaluation and assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, splinting principles, and patient education strategies. Led by certified hand therapists, the course combines didactic lectures, hands-on practice, case studies, and interactive discussions.

Maura Stout, DPT, CHT, COMT-UE

Dr. Stout received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Moravian University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. She is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and is Certified in Orthopedic Manual Therapy for the Upper Extremity (COMT-UE).

Dr. Stout works to help her patients return to normal functioning of their hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders and educates them on preventing recurrence or further injury. She consistently looks to improve her practice with current research and new innovations in splinting and manual techniques. She serves as faculty for the St. Luke’s University Health Network Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency and Upper Extremity Fellowship and is adjunct faculty in multiple Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at local universities.

Christine Kettle, DPT, CHT

Dr. Kettle graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She completed the St. Luke’s University Health Network Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency, is Board-Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

An APTA-credentialed clinical instructor, Dr. Kettle provides a comprehensive, hands-on, individualized treatment approach that assesses the whole individual to facilitate return to pre-injury activities. Her philosophy centers on wellness-oriented programs and healthier, more active lifestyle patterns to prevent and manage chronic conditions. She has published research in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine on the development of a movement system screening tool.