Differential Diagnosis: Exploring the Causes of Upper Extremity Pain-Elbow, Wrist and Hand

Course Description

This course introduces the learner to the systematic process of differential diagnosis. The focus of this course is on differential diagnosis of the elbow, wrist and hand. It will cover potential systemic as well as musculoskeletal causes of upper extremity pain related to the elbow, wrist and hand and will include the identification of red flags and criteria for physician referral. This course is informative and to the point, providing resources that can be used in clinical practice the next day. It will enhance the therapist’s evaluation skills and assessment techniques and also includes evidence-based treatment strategies and clinical practice guidelines related to musculoskeletal conditions of the elbow, wrist and hand.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize red flags in differential diagnosis and summarize the guidelines for referral to physician/ emergency services.
• Identify non-musculoskeletal/ systemic potential causes of elbow, wrist and hand pain.
• Differentiate musculoskeletal causes of elbow, wrist and hand pain.
• Utilize clinical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions of the elbow, wrist and hand in accordance with the latest clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based practice in order to improve function and decrease pain.

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Intermediate

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to complete a 10 question post-test with a minimum passing score of 70%.