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Sensorimotor and Proprioception for the Upper Extremity

Presented by Kristin Valdes

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Sensorimotor deficits can impair function and may be present in individuals with hand and wrist conditions. Researchers have reported sensorimotor deficits exist in patients with common upper extremity conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, distal radius fracture, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). To combat these conditions, many types of interventions can be incorporated into practice to enhance proprioception input and restore hand and wrist function. This course will provide the rehabilitation professional with the tools needed to understand the complex sensorimotor dysfunction of the upper extremity and to assess sensorimotor dysfunction and implement proprioception activities into their practice. Join Dr. Kris Valdes as she prepares you to approach sensorimotor and proprioception in the upper extremity through a comprehensive lecture, detailed motion graphics, and interactive demonstrations.

Meet your instructor

Kristin Valdes

Kristin Valdes was previously the owner of Hand Works Therapy in Sarasota, Florida, and was in private practice for more than 30 years. Currently, she is a full professor at Touro University in Henderson, Nevada. Her clinical expertise includes treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder; splinting; and arthritis. Dr.…

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Chapters & learning objectives

The Sensorimotor System

1. The Sensorimotor System

The sensorimotor system is defined as a component of the motor control system and is used to describe the physiologic integration of the neurosensory and neuromuscular processes responsible for providing the body with coordination and dynamic stability. Proprioception input can help to restore normal motion and enhance performance after injury. In this chapter, you will delve into the sensorimotor system including extensive demonstrations to truly understand the impact of this system on injury and rehabilitation.

The Sensorimotor and Proprioception Assessment

2. The Sensorimotor and Proprioception Assessment

Understanding the components of sensorimotor dysfunction and proprioception deficits will improve clinical skills necessary to understand implications for rehabilitation. Sensorimotor and proprioception assessment of the hand and wrist can include a number of evaluation strategies including joint position sense, sensory discrimination tests, and other measures used to measure acuity. Conclude this lecture with several demonstrations and the ability to quantify deficits to measure the success of interventions.

Sensorimotor and Proprioception Training

3. Sensorimotor and Proprioception Training

Sensorimotor and proprioception training educates patients through the application of sensorimotor activities to better attend to sensory cues. This enables the brain to generate more appropriate motor commands, educate the patient to interpret sensory information correctly, and promote sensorimotor control of the hand and wrist. This lecture includes a demonstration and introduction to exercises prescribed during non-operative or postoperative rehabilitation and injury prevention programs meant to enhance neuromuscular control.

The Thumb and Hand

4. The Thumb and Hand

The thumb and hand represent an intricate array of ligaments, receptors, and nerve endings. In this chapter, evidence based treatments are recommended including conscious neuromuscular training to promote dynamic joint stability. Observed actions, mirror therapy, motor imagery, taping, and thumb exercises are recommended.

Exercises for the Thumb and Hand

5. Exercises for the Thumb and Hand

This final chapter provides two interactive exercise demonstrations for the thumb and hand. Understanding the components of sensorimotor dysfunction and proprioception interventions in the thumb and hand will improve clinical skills necessary to understand implications for rehabilitation of your clients.