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Disciplines: Physical Therapy
Hours: 3 Contact Hours
Author(s): Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, CWCE, RMSK, FAOTA
Peer Reviewer(s): Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT
Item#: Q3484
Content: 1 Course Book (76 pages)
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Improving Intervention Effectiveness
Price $29.95
Item # Q3484
When available, the Online Course format is included with the hard copy, eBook, or audio book formats!

Expiration Date: March 20, 2019

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy of the upper extremity; impacting up to 10 million people a year. The sources of CTS are varied and can be precipitated by many different aspects of daily life; however, CTS primarily results from repeated or prolonged compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel along with nine flexor tendons. Median nerve compression can result from repetitive hand and wrist activities, a specific traumatic injury, a systemic condition such as diabetes or pregnancy, or the thickening of the protective sheaths that surround the flexor tendons that extend through the carpal tunnel. Exposure to these varied sources of compression can place an individual on the path to developing CTS without being aware of the progression of the condition until symptoms appear. 

This course enables practitioners to develop an evidence-based practice approach to the assessment, prevention, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although designed for intermediate-level clinicians, the course begins with a brief overview of the anatomical and physiological features of CTS, including a summary of symptoms and functional impairments. A discussion of potential causes and risk factors is presented, followed by a critical analysis of various assessment tools and tests used to evaluate an individual for CTS. Finally, the evidence for various preventive and rehabilitative interventions is reviewed with a focus on rehabilitative interventions. By gaining a better understanding of the complexities of CTS, practitioners will be able to formulate more effective and efficient evidence-based interventions for clients with CTS.

California PTs & PTAs – Approved by the Physical Therapy Board of California through Net Education Design, Inc., an agency recognized by the board to approved courses that meet Physical Therapy Regulations 1399.96.

Florida & Indiana PTs & PTAs – PT boards in your state accept this course based on pre-approval by the Ohio PT Association.

OH PTs & PTAs - Approved by the Ohio PT Association through August 31, 2019.

Texas PTs & PTAs - This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #1911021TX and meets continuing competence requirements for PT & PTA license renewal in Texas.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the prevalence, incidence, and impact of carpal tunnel syndrome on clients’ activities of daily living.
  • Recognize the normal anatomical structure of the carpal tunnel, as well as naturally occurring variants.
  • Describe the etiology and clinical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Identify the accuracy and utility of assessment tools and tests used to evaluate clients with potential carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Differentiate the efficacy of various interventions for preventing or remediating symptoms and functional deficits resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, CWCE, RMSK, FAOTA, is an occupational therapist with 12 years of clinical and research experience in the assessment, prevention, and rehabilitation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. From The Ohio State University, Dr. Roll received a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy, a master of science degree in allied health, and a doctor of philosophy degree in health and rehabilitation sciences. In addition to being a licensed occupational therapist, he is a certified work capacity evaluator and is a registered musculoskeletal sonographer. Dr. Roll is currently an assistant professor in the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. His research investigates the etiology and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome and evaluates the process and clinical benefits of integrating musculoskeletal sonography into clinical rehabilitation. In addition to other scholarly work, Dr. Roll has authored more than 10 publications related to the diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, and he has presented his work both nationally and internationally.

Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, is an adjunct faculty member at the University of New England and is an associate editor for the Journal of Hand Therapy. She received her PhD in occupational therapy from Nova Southeastern University and her master’s degree in movement science and rehabilitation from the University of Vermont. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years and a certified hand therapist for more than 15 years. She has authored numerous publications and book chapters, and was an invited guest editor for the Journal of Hand Therapy Basic Science issue. Victoria has been an Active Member in the American Society of Hand Therapists.

  • Courses must be completed on or before the expiration date noted in the course description above.
  • You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.
  • Through our review processes, Western Schools ensures that the course content is presented in a balanced, unbiased manner and is free from commercial influence. It is Western Schools’ policy not to accept commercial support.
  • All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.
  • There are no prerequisites for this course.