Manual Therapy Techniques to Address Stiffness at the Thumb
Presented by Ann Porretto-Loehrke
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Stiffness at the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint can occur as a result of trauma, as seen with fractures at the base of the first metacarpal, and can also be present in the early stages of osteoarthritis (OA). Get reacquainted with the intricate anatomy of the thumb CMC joint and develop an understanding of how motion of the trapezoid and scaphoid play a role in thumb mobility. Gain knowledge in joint-specific techniques to address stiffness at the thumb CMC as well as the radial column of the wrist. This knowledge can be beneficial in restoring mobility for post-traumatic stiffness as well as for conservative management of mild CMC OA.
Meet your instructor
Ann Porretto-Loehrke
Ann Porretto-Loehrke is a skilled clinician with a passion for teaching and clinical treatment of upper extremity disorders. She has been practicing for 30 years and teaching continuing education courses for the past 20. She is the Clinical Development Coordinator at the Hand to Shoulder Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ann is…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Thumb and Radial Column
Through lecture and demonstration, this chapter covers the intricate anatomy of the thumb CMC joint, including the arthrokinematics of the saddle joint which provides a foundation for performing joint mobilization to this region. This chapter also covers the clinical reasoning of why the radial column is important to address in patients with limitations at the thumb CMC joint.
2. Surface Anatomy of theThumb and Radial Column
Knowing exactly where to place your hands when performing manual therapy techniques for the thumb and radial column is critical. This chapter covers the bony surface anatomy of the radial side of the wrist and thumb to gain an appreciation of where these structures lie below the skin.
3. Joint Mobilization of theThumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint
Through lecture and demonstration, this chapter covers specific joint mobilization techniques for the thumb CMC in a step-by-step fashion to readily apply in the clinic! Techniques to address limitations with both radial and volar glide at the CMC will be covered.
4. Radial Column Techniques
Through lecture and demonstration, this chapter covers specific joint mobilization techniques to address limitations of the scaphoid-on-radius and trapezoid-on-scaphoid. This is critical to restore full thumb retroposition, as well as maximize motion at the midcarpal joint.
