This all in one course will apply current evidence with novel treatment ideas to clinical practice for upper extremity nerve conditions. Participants will learn a step-by-step approach to examine and provide therapeutic management for neuropathic conditions including proximal to distal compressions. The course is designed to provide hand therapists with immediate clinical application for the treatment of patients with neuropathic compression pain and injury. Therapists will be prepared to assess and implement evidence-based techniques for common nerve injuries. Practical and clinical reasoning skills will be gained to incorporate, and progress posture exercises, manual techniques, orthotic management and nerve mobilization based on a client’s individual presentation.
Presenters:
Dr. Andrea Gale, MD
Dr. Andrea Gale is a board-eligible, and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the hand and upper extremity. Her clinical expertise is in minimally invasive endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures, injection therapies and nonsurgical treatments of the hand and upper extremity. She obtained her medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina, and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. She is dual fellowship trained in shoulder surgery and hand surgery. She completed her fellowship in shoulder surgery at the Idaho Shoulder Research and Education Foundation in Eagle, ID, and a fellowship in hand surgery at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Hartford, CT.
Dr. Gale's areas of interest include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's disease, trauma, fractures, tendonitis, arthritis and peripheral nerve injuries of the upper extremity.
Tambra Marik, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina with an academic focus in Musculoskeletal Injuries of the Upper Extremity. Dr. Tambra Merik has had multiple publications in the Journal of Hand Therapy, the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and in the Test Prep for CHT Exam Book. She has held several positions American Society of Hand Therapists including Education and Research Division Director.
Dr. Merek has treated as an OT and CHT at ATI Physical Therapy (previously Apple PT) and MultiCare U.E. Rehab. In Tacoma, WA. She has given over 30 professional presentations on the upper extremity and treatment of the shoulder to hand.
Marc Bartholdi, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Dr. Bartholdi is a fellowship trained certified hand therapist with over 20 years of experience in upper extremity evaluation, treatment, and management. He received his undergraduate degree from Keuka College, completed a hand therapy fellowship with Texas Women's University, and finished a clinical doctorate with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Bartholdi is practicing in Fort Mill, SC. He is also an active member of American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), and South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (SCOTA), and South Carolina Hand Therapy Association (SCHTA). Dr. Bartholdi has served as a committee chair for ASHT and currently serves as a board member at large for South Carolina Hand Therapy Association (SCHTA).
