The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education presents the Wisconsin Hand Experience | May 8-10, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI, and Live Online
Wisconsin Hand Experience℠ 2025
May 8-10, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI, and Live Online
Register before March 8 for priority workshop placement.
Join us May 8-10, 2025
LIVE: In-person or Online
Enhance your therapeutic skills and earn up to 1.7 CEUs (17 Contact Hours) when you attend all three days of the conference. On Thursday and Friday, enjoy a compelling line-up of lectures from an array of respected therapists. On Saturday, in-person attendees can choose from four face-to-face workshops while online attendees have the option of attending the “Cadaveric Dissection” workshop. Early registrations receive priority workshop placement. Use the event platform to ask panel questions, network with each other, and interact with exhibitors.
Invisible First Row
Overarching Conference Learning Outcomes:
- Understand common fracture and instability patterns of the elbow and hand, and describe relevant surgical options, fixation methods, and their associated risks and benefits.
- Apply clinical examination techniques to differentiate between joint and soft tissue structures and prioritize impairments for an optimal range of motion in hand injuries.
- Practice manual techniques to address joint restrictions and soft tissue tightness to improve functional outcomes in hand injuries.
- Design orthotic interventions and strengthening programs to support elbow stability during rehabilitation.
- Examine wound care strategies, including dressing and coverage options, to support healing in traumatic hand injuries.
- Implement problem-solving techniques in wound care management for patients with complex hand and upper extremity injuries.
- Describe key concepts, indications, and postoperative precautions for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA/rTSA) and differentiate rehabilitation approaches for each.
- Develop post-operative rehab progression plans, acknowledging common challenges and lifetime restrictions.
- Identify candidates for nerve transfer surgery and apply principles for rehabilitation after nerve transfers and brachial plexus injuries.
- Recognize the psychological impact of nerve injuries and develop phased rehabilitation goals and interventions for optimizing functional recovery.
- Describe therapeutic interventions available for upper extremity amputees and develop goals and strategies for effective rehabilitation following amputation.
Level of Instruction:
Intermediate
Target Audience:
OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, ATs, and Hand Therapists
Relevance to Occupational Therapy:
Category 1: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery
Presenters
Invisible First Row
Dr. Gonzalo Barinaga, MD
Gonzalo Barinaga, MD, is a Milwaukee native who returned to practice after 14 years of education and training. He began his journey as a student-athlete during his undergraduate degree at Ball State University, medical education at the University of Wisconsin, residency training at Southern Illinois University, and fellowship training at the University of Washington. He is in practice with the Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin as a hand and upper extremity specialist. His practice is focused in Milwaukee and the Greater Metro Area. His favorite part of his practice is upper extremity trauma, and relationships with my patients. In his free time, he still enjoys sports and coaching.
Nora Barrett, MS, OTR/L, CHT, WCC
Nora Barrett, OTR/L, CHT, WCC graduated from the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis in 1997. She has been a practicing occupational therapist since 1998 and a certified hand therapist since 2006. She spent her early career as an inpatient therapist at rehabilitation centers, acute care hospitals, and burn units in Boston, MA and Washington, DC before focusing in outpatient hand therapy in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Bend, OR. Nora joined the Hand Therapy Team at the University of Virginia Physicians Group in 2021 where she works in the Hand Center and in an outpatient hand therapy practice. She received her Wound Care Certification in 2020 and is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and Affiliate Board Director for the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS). Nora authored the Tissue Healing and Wound Care Chapter in the 4th edition of Cooper’s Fundamentals of Hand Therapy textbook and the Wounds Chapter in the 3rd edition of ASHT’s Clinical Assessment & Recommendations and co-authored the Wound Classification and Management Chapter in the 7th edition of Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity textbook and the Physiology of Wound Healing & Burns Chapter in the 4th Edition of ASHT’s Test Prep for the CHT exam.
Jennifer Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Jennifer “Jen” Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT has been an Occupational Therapist since 1998, a Certified Hand Therapist since 2004, and is fellowship trained from the Philadelphia Hand Center in 2002. She received her Post-Professional Occupational Doctorate from Jefferson University (Formerly Thomas Jefferson) in 2021 along with an Advance Practice Certificate in “Teaching in the Digital Age”. Jen has been a strong advocate for the profession and specialty of hand therapy by serving on the ASHT education council, lecturing on various topics of the upper extremity across the US and Canada as an invited speaker for state and national conferences, served as adjunct faculty, contributed to book chapters, performed curriculum development, and owned her own continuing education business specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation courses. She is currently employed at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, NC, where she serves as a clinical specialist, coordinates student placements, is an instructor in its AOTA-approved hand therapy fellowship, and is a CHT with the surgeons in the brachial plexus clinic. She is passionate about serving those who have sustained the most complex traumatic upper extremity injuries and athletes of all levels.
Dr. Kun-Tai Hsu, MD
Dr. Hsu, MD grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where he also completed his undergraduate degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then obtained his medical degree from Northwestern University. During his general surgery training at Michigan State University, he received research and teaching awards, including being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Society. Dr. Hsu continued his training in plastic surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia, at which time he developed an interest in hand surgery. He returned to Wisconsin for his hand surgery fellowship with the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Hsu is very excited to be part of a team that pursues excellence in patient care, research, innovation, and education.
Dr. Jacqueline Israel, MD
Jacqueline Israel, MD is a board certified and fellowship trained hand, upper extremity, and reconstructive plastic surgeon who practices as an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds subspecialty certification for surgery of the hand. Dr. Israel specializes in a wide range of procedures including hand and microvascular surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. She is part of the University of Wisconsin Multidisciplinary Brachial Plexus Team, and she is deeply committed to working with patients to optimize function and quality of life after upper extremity trauma and nerve injury. Dr. Israel has a passion for education, and one of her primary academic focuses is to implement strategies to optimize training environments and feedback processes for learners.
Dr. David Meister, MD
David Meister, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity conditions from the shoulder to fingertip. He treats conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, sports and work-related injuries. Treatment options may include minimally invasive arthroscopic or complex reconstructive procedures. Dr. Meister is a member of several professional organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES). He is also recognized as a Top Doctor by Milwaukee Magazine.
Invisible First Row
Dr. Nicholas Munaretto, MD
Nick Munaretto, MD is a hand and upper extremity surgeon in his second year of practice. He works at the Hand to Shoulder Center of Wisconsin. Dr. Munaretto is originally from Riverside, IL in the west suburbs of Chicago. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and a hand and upper extremity fellowship at Orthocarolina in Charlotte, NC. He lives in Appleton with his wife Sally and his son Edward.
Joey Pipicelli, M.Sc., OT, CHT
Joey Pipicelli, MScOT, CHT, OT Reg. (Ont.) graduated from the Occupational Therapy program at Western University in 2003 and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2008. He has been working as a Hand Therapist at the Roth | McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre (RM-HULC) in London, Ontario for over 15 years. Currently, he serves as Coordinator of the Chinchalkar Hand Therapy Fellowship program within the RM-HULC. He is a Lecturer at Western University with the School of Occupational Therapy and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Advanced Health Care Practice program within the Faculty of Health Sciences. He teaches orthotic fabrication and various facets of upper extremity rehabilitation. Joey is the current President of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists (CSHT). He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with students and therapists who have an interest in hand therapy practice and participates in clinical teaching to medical students, residents, and orthopaedic and plastic surgery Fellows during their training at the RM-HULC. He has been an invited presenter at CSHT, ASHT, ASSH and IFSHT Meetings on multiple occasions. Joey has a special interest in rehabilitation of elbow instability and has published papers and book chapters on the topic.
Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT
Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT is an accomplished clinician and educator specializing in upper extremity disorders. With 30 years of clinical experience and two decades of teaching continuing education courses, she currently serves as the Clinical Development Coordinator at the Hand to Shoulder Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ann is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), recognized for her expertise in upper quadrant treatment through the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM). She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Marquette University in 1994 and later completed a post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Drexel University in 2007, focusing on hand and upper quarter rehabilitation. In addition to her clinical work, Ann is a lead instructor and co-developer of the Hand & Upper Extremity Track through IAOM, which includes a comprehensive set of manual therapy courses tailored for specialists. She has co-authored a chapter in Rehabilitation of the Hand & Upper Extremity on nerve compression syndromes of the elbow and forearm, and has published notable peer-reviewed articles, including “Clinical Manual Assessment of the Wrist” and “Taping Techniques for the Wrist” in the 2016 Journal of Hand Therapy special edition. Ann has presented her work at prominent conferences such as the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) annual meetings, Canadian Society of Hand Therapists Annual Conferences, and various regional hand conferences. She also teaches online courses for MedBridge Education and has played a significant role in developing MedBridge’s CHT prep program, contributing to the advancement of hand therapy education. She serves as the planning chair for the Wisconsin Hand Experience.
Cassandra Schuh, OTR, CHT, COMT
Cassandra (Cassie) Schuh is a 2010 graduate from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. Cassie started her career at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County- Two Rivers until 2014 when she joined the Hand to Shoulder Center. Cassie holds certifications in Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT – Big Version), and a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) from the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM). Cassie is published in the 2016 Special Interest Journal of Hand Therapy with Ann Porretto-Loehrke, Clinical Manual Assessment of the Wrist. She obtained her Certified Hand Therapy Certification in 2016 and Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist in 2022. She served as Treasurer of the Wisconsin Hand Therapy Association (WISHTA) from 2017-2020. Cassie has presented at Symposiums through Hand to Shoulder Center on Functional Capacity Evaluations in 2016 and pain management in 2018. She has also assisted guest speakers at the Wisconsin Hand Experience in 2017, 2019 and 2022.
Dr. Connor Sullivan, MD
Dr. Connor Sullivan, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Albany Medical College, and pursued a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at UC Irvine. Now in his fourth year of practice, Dr. Sullivan brings expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including microsurgery and joint replacements, to treat complex hand and upper extremity conditions. Outside work, he enjoys family time with his wife Annie and daughters, Riley and Reagan.
Dr. Greg Watchmaker, MD
Greg Watchmaker, MD provided instruction in the cadaver lab of the Medical College of Wisconsin where he instructed medical students on upper extremity dissection and anatomy. Greg Watchmaker, MD attended Washington University School of Medicine and continued his education at Barnes/Jewish/Children’s Hospital in St. Louis as a resident in general/plastic surgery. He completed his training in Pittsburgh in the department of orthopaedics as a hand and upper extremity fellow. For 15 years, he was an invited instructor in the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) cadaveric lab where he taught hand and upper extremity anatomy to medical students and more recently has been an invited grand rounds lecturer at MCW on the topic of nerve compression. His prospective study on surgical outcomes following median nerve decompression received the award for the most meaningful published research in the field of hand surgery in 2020 by the journal Hand.
Wisconsin Hand Experience℠ 2025
May 8-10, 2025
In-Person in Milwaukee
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee South 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221. $116 Single/Double Room Rates. Make reservations online or by calling 866-663-4577 by April 9, 2025. For the room rate you must identify yourself as a member of “University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee” and reference Block Code “U24 (uniform-two-four).”
May 8-10
17 Contact Hours
20% OFF Groups of 3 or More
In-Person Workshops
- Cadaveric Dissection
- Evidence Informed Evaluation and Treatment of Shoulder Impingement
- Static-Progressive Elbow Orthoses to Maximize Ulnohumeral Motion
- Wound Care for the Hand Therapist
Live Online Workshop
The “Cadaveric Dissection” workshop will be live-streamed.
Live Stream from Anywhere
Online Exhibitors & Networking for All Attendees
Watch Live Online
Livestream Sessions using the Event Platform
- Watch from a Computer Web Browser or Mobile Device App with Internet Connection
- View Content LIVE at Full Screen
- Participate in Panel Discussion Questions
- Network with All Attendees & Exhibitors
- Download & View Handouts
- Participate in a Giveaway to WIN Free Wisconsin Hand Experience℠ Registration for 2025!
- View Agenda, PPT Slides, Workshop & Session Details & Speaker Bios
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 12:00-5:00 (4 hours 30 minutes) (.45 CEUs)
11:00AM
In-Person Registration Check-In & Exhibits Open
12:00PM
Welcome
Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT
12:15PM
Surgical Management of Hand Fractures
Dr. Gonzalo Barinaga, MD
This presentation will discuss basic surgical management of common fracture patterns seen at the level of the phalanx and metacarpals. A review will be provided on surgical indications and strategies, surgical approaches, methods of fixation, and potential complications. It will provide evidenced based outcomes to better understand techniques. An overview of managing complex injuries involving the phalanges and metacarpals will be explained.
1:00PM
Manual Techniques to Address Finger Stiffness
Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT
This presentation focuses on a systematic approach to identifying and treating the structures that contribute to limitations in finger motion, specifically addressing joint and soft tissue restrictions. Understanding these limitations is crucial for hand therapists, as finger stiffness is a common sequela following metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.
1:45PM
Break
2:15PM
Wound Care for Traumatic Injuries
Nora Barrett OTR/L, CHT, WCC
This session will cover wound care as it pertains to traumatic injuries including fingertip amputations, lacerations, bites, crush injuries, and defects with concomitant soft tissue loss. Wound management strategies for pin care and dressings under orthotics will be included in this session.
3:00PM
Surgical Management of Traumatic Elbow Fracture and Instability
Dr. Connor Sullivan, MD
This lecture will discuss the surgical and post operative management of various traumatic elbow instability patterns including terrible triad, collateral ligament injuries, radial head fractures and elbow fracture dislocations.
3:45PM
Therapeutic Management of Terrible Triad Injuries: Integrating Evidence to Optimize Outcomes
Joey Pipicelli, MScOT, CHT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
An elbow dislocation associated with radial head and coronoid fractures is termed a terrible triad injury. This injury almost always renders the elbow unstable requiring surgical intervention. The primary goal of surgery is to stabilize the elbow to permit early motion and prevent stiffness. This session delves into therapeutic management. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of the anatomical structures providing the elbow with stability, pathophysiology and rehabilitation strategies essential to optimize outcomes. Creating individualized, evidence-informed rehabilitation programs designed to restore motion, strength and stability will be presented. Orthotic principles and interventions to maximize elbow and forearm motion in the presence of stiffness will be discussed.
4:30PM
Panel Discussion
5:00PM
Adjourn
6:00PM
Exhibits Close
Thursday Learning Outcomes
- Understand the most common elbow fracture and instability patterns.
- Understand basic surgical options for each injury type.
- Identify basic risks and benefits as it pertains to different surgical techniques for hand fractures.
- Describe basic forms of fixation for hand fractures.
- Describe surgical strategies when dealing with complex hand injuries.
- Integrate the clinical examination to distinguish between joint and soft tissue structures in the finger that can contribute to stiffness and range of motion limitations.
- Prioritize impairments from the clinical examination to maximize composite finger flexion and extension.
- Practice manual techniques to address joint restrictions in the finger, intrinsic tightness, extrinsic tightness, and limitations at the oblique retinacular ligament (ORL).
- Examine wound care and coverage options for traumatic hand injuries.
- Identify priorities to promote wound healing in the traumatic hand injury population.
- Apply problem solving strategies for wound care with concomitant hand and upper extremity injuries.
- Describe elbow anatomy and biomechanics and identify the key components contributing to elbow stability.
- Summarize the effect of gravity to the unstable elbow and the implications to rehabilitation.
- Identify the importance of forearm positioning to protect healing ligamentous structures early in rehabilitation.
- Identify the therapeutic implications of a radiographic drop sign.
- xamine mobilization orthotic interventions to minimize joint compression while maximizing joint rotation.
- Design a program to strengthen dynamic elbow stabilizers to help protect primary elbow stabilizers.
Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:00-5:30 (7.5 hours) (.75 CEUs)
7:00AM
In-Person Registration Opens
7:40AM
Exhibits Open
8:00AM
Welcome & Introduction
Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT, Hand to Shoulder Center of Wisconsin, Appleton, WI
8:15AM
Surgical Procedures for Grafts and Flaps
Dr. Kun-Tai Hsu, MD
This presentation will review the anatomy of the upper extremity’s vascular system, nerves, muscles, and bones. The difference between grafts and flaps and the goals of soft tissue coverage will be described. The primary artery supply and nerve innervation of different flaps will be presented along with potential secondary procedures for grafts and flaps.
9:00AM
Wound Care for Grafts and Flaps
Nora Barrett OTR/L, CHT, WCC
This session will focus on wound care specific to reconstructive procedures including skin grafts and flaps. Therapist’s management of graft and flap procedures including wound cleansing and coverage, protective dressings and orthotics, appropriate timeframes for protected motion, and scar management will be addressed.
9:45AM
Break
10:15AM
Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (aTSA) and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA)
David Meister, MD
Shoulder arthroplasty has become an increasingly common procedure to treat shoulder pathology. This presentation will provide an overview of anatomy, surgical indications, techniques, rehab considerations, and expected outcomes for both anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
11:00AM
Therapy Following TSA and rTSA
Cassandra Schuh, OTR, CHT, COMT, CMTPT
This presentation will allow learners to become familiar with two variations for each anatomical and reverse arthroplasty rehabilitation. A snapshot rehabilitation progression, goals, common pitfalls, and expected clinical outcomes with evidence-based practice will be provided.
11:45AM
Lunch
12:45PM
Cadaveric Dissection, Brachial Plexus
The brachial plexus is comprised of nerve roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and major nerve branches that facilitate upper extremity function. This presentation is a cadaveric demonstration detailing the anatomy of the brachial plexus and the relevant surgical exposures for commonly performed nerve transfers of brachial plexus injury.
1:30PM
Surgical Management Strategies for Brachial Plexus Injuries
Dr. Jacqueline Israel, MD
This presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of the comprehensive approach to evaluation and surgical treatment of brachial plexus injuries. Attendees will gain insight into common clinical presentations and indications for surgical intervention, including patient selection considerations. Strategies for developing a treatment algorithm and examples of individualized surgical techniques (including nerve grafting and nerve transfers) will be reviewed. An overview of current strategies for postoperative rehabilitation will be provided, as therapy is an essential component of surgical care. The presentation will conclude with a review of relevant literature regarding outcomes and areas for future research and innovation.
2:15PM
Rehabilitation Principles of Nerve Transfers after Brachial Plexus Injuries
Jennifer Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Brachial plexus injuries are devasting injuries that affect all aspects of a person’s life. The complexity of these injuries requires a specialized team-based approach to address the multifaceted aspects of returning the patient to meaningful occupations. Advancements in nerve transfers restore hope and function in those who have sustained brachial plexus injuries leading to significant upper extremity impairment. Just as timely surgical intervention is essential to optimal recovery, pre and post-operative rehabilitation play a distinct and vital role in maximizing outcomes. Although there is a lack of high-level studies demonstrating the ideal post-operative management of these injuries, a few key articles are beneficial for therapists treating these injuries to become familiar with. These articles provide foundational knowledge and concepts that assist therapists in developing a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program. The literature on the brachial plexus population and how to provide the most effective and efficient care to meet their complex needs is evolving. Principles that guide nerve transfer rehabilitation will be presented based on current evidence to assist therapists with optimizing surgical outcomes and return clients to meaningful occupations.
3:00PM
Break
3:30PM
Nerve Transfers as a Result of Trauma: Clinical Decision-Making and Surgical Procedures
Dr. Nicholas Munaretto, MD
This presentation will cover many of the most common distal peripheral nerve transfers that are performed for upper extremity trauma and spasticity including anterior interosseous (AIN) to ulnar motor and Bertelli nerve transfer, and supinator to posterior interosseous nerve transfer (S-PIN transfer). Nerve procedures such as targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) related to upper extremity trauma resulting in amputation will also be discussed. The diagnosis, surgical treatment, and therapy considerations that accompany each topic will be integrated during this presentation.
4:15PM
Application of Nerve Transfer Rehabilitation Principles to Case Studies
Jennifer Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
This presentation will apply rehabilitation principles of nerve transfer, to case studies. It will describe each of the phases of rehabilitation providing therapy interventions and evaluation considerations based on current evidence
5:00PM
Panel Discussion
Dr. Kun-Tai Hsu, MD, Nora Barrett, MS, OTR/L, CHT, WCC, Dr. David Meister, MD, Cassandra Schuh, OTR, CHT, COMT, Dr. Jacqueline Israel, MD, Jennifer Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, Dr. Nicholas Munaretto, MD
5:30PM
Adjourn
6:30PM
Exhibits Close
Friday Learning Outcomes
-
Explain the general anatomy of vasculature, nerve, musculature, and bone of the upper extremity
-
Summarize goals of soft tissue coverage in the upper extremity
-
Describe the difference between graft and flaps
-
Identify the primary artery supply and nerve innervation of different flaps
-
Describe potential secondary procedures for grafts and flaps
- Apply principles to maximize healing post-graft and flap procedures.
- Identify dressings and coverage options based on wound characteristics.
- Develop a timeline for motion advancement and initiation of scar management.
- Describe the fundamental concepts and surgical indications for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
- Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between shoulder arthroplasty designs and indications to help guide goals and expectations in post-op rehab.
- Differentiate between both types of procedures: anatomical TSA and reverse TSA.
- Recite post-operative precautions for both TSA and rTSA.
- Summarize rehabilitation progression for both TSA and rTSA.
- Describe common pitfalls and lifetime restrictions.
- Identify the three phases of rehabilitation after nerve transfer surgery.
- Describe nerve transfer principles after brachial plexus injury to progress the patient to the next phase of rehabilitation.
- Describe the importance of psychological and psychosocial impacts after brachial plexus injuries.
- Describe the basic principles that accompany peripheral nerve transfers.
- Identify patients who might be candidates for nerve transfer procedures to assist in more effective therapy.
- Describe upper extremity amputation and what treatments are available for these patients.
- Identify the appropriate therapy interventions following nerve transfer to implement in each phase of the rehabilitation process for the case studies presented.
- Develop goals for each phase of the rehabilitation process following nerve transfer for the case studies presented.
- Identify the anatomy of the brachial plexus through direct visualization.
- Demonstrate the location and course of donor nerves used in commonly performed nerve transfer procedures.
- Explain anatomical relationships between the brachial plexus and surrounding structures.
- Analyze common patterns of brachial plexus injuries and their clinical presentations.
- Identify the detailed anatomy of the brachial plexus and its relevance to surgical approaches.
- List common nerve grafting and nerve transfer techniques utilized for restoring shoulder stability, elbow flexion, elbow extension, and hand function after brachial plexus injury.
- Apply knowledge of brachial plexus anatomy to individual patients’ deficits and goals to identify options for surgical reconstruction
Saturday Workshops
May 10, 2025, 8:00am-1:30pm CT
(5 hours) (.5 CEUs)
Choose One Workshop Session:
Cadaveric Dissection (In-person and Live Online)
Dr. Greg Watchmaker, MD
Read More
May 10, 8:00am-1:30pm CT
(5 hours) (.5 CEUs)
An up-close, interactive, cadaver dissection with emphasis on anatomy and its relevance to trauma rehabilitation. Wear comfortable shoes as participants will rotate between sitting at the dissection table and standing behind those seated.
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Identify the underlying anatomy for conditions therapists treat
- Describe important areas of tissue adjacencies and how they impact rehabilitation
Evidence Informed Evaluation and Treatment of Shoulder Impingement (In-person)
Jennifer Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Read More
May 10, 8:00am-1:30pm CT
(5 hours) (.5 CEUs)
Shoulder pain that limits a person’s ability to use their arm during meaningful occupations is a common diagnosis that therapists receive referrals for. Therapists may also receive referrals for diagnoses distal to the shoulder but will observe pain in the shoulder when patients return to use of the entire upper extremity. Whether you are a seasoned clinician, student, new graduate, or somewhere in the middle, this course will update you on current evidence as it relates to biomechanics and assessment to perform a comprehensive evaluation. After identifying impairments, therapists must formulate an effective treatment plan that is based on current evidence. Evidence informed interventions will be presented that will assist therapists with addressing impairments. This course is lab intensive and will require visualization and palpation of the shoulder region. To maximize your learning experience, it is recommended to dress comfortably to gain the greatest exposure for physical examination and treatment techniques.
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Identify structures of the shoulder girdle through body drawing and palpation
- Describe the role of various structures in the shoulder girdle as it relates to normal movement
- Demonstrate the ability to screen for dysfunction of the shoulder girdle that can limit independence with daily occupations
- Select treatment interventions to address impairments identified that are limiting meaningful occupations
Static-Progressive Elbow Orthoses to Maximize Ulnohumeral Motion (In-person)
Joey Pipicelli, M.Sc., OT, CHT
Read More
May 10, 8:00am-1:30pm CT
(5 hours) (.5 CEUs)
The elbow is notoriously unforgiving, producing stiffness even after minor trauma. Terrible triad injuries often result in limitations in forearm rotation and ulnohumeral motion. This hands-on orthotic fabrication workshop will discuss orthotic fabrication principles when fabricating orthoses to maximize elbow and forearm motion. The orthoses the participants will fabricate within this workshop include:
- Static-progressive elbow extension orthosis using a turnbuckle and hinges
- Static-progressive elbow flexion orthosis
- Static night extension orthosis
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Explain key biomechanical principles applied to the fabrication of mobilization orthoses to the ulnohumeral joint
- Fabricate a static-progressive elbow extension orthosis and convert this into a 3-point extension static progressive device
- Fabricate a static-progressive elbow flexion orthosis
- Fabricate a static elbow extension orthosis which can be used to maintain extension or be used following olecranon fracture management
Wound Care for the Hand Therapist (In-person)
Nora Barrett, MS, OTR/L, CHT, WCC
Read More
May 10, 8:00am-1:30pm CT
(5 hours) (.5 CEUs)
This comprehensive course will cover essential knowledge every therapist needs to address for wounds encountered in the hand clinic. Content will include wound healing phases and principles that guide treatment to promote closure, assessment and wound bed characteristics to determine if healing is occurring, identifying infection, wound hygiene, dressings, and goals of wound coverage, an algorithmic approach to dressing selection, and cases to illustrate key points. A hands-on component is included to explore dressing options and familiarize the hand therapist with physical characteristics of wound coverage supplies.
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Distinguish wound bed characteristics indicative of healing versus non-healing wounds
- Create a wound hygiene strategy for patients with hard-to-heal wounds
- Analyze case examples to determine optimal strategies for wound management and dressing coverage
Pricing & CEUs
Prices are the same for In-person and Live Online registrations.
*CEUs are based on participant’s actual class hours. Agenda is subject to change based on instructor preference and time available. Speakers and programs subject to change. Need a paper registration to mail or fax a check? Download this PDF & Fax or Mail it to us!
All Three Days
1.7 CEUs (17 hours)
$740-840*
* Depending on your choice of
Saturday Workshop Session
Thursday & Friday
1.2 CEUs (12 hours)
$500
Friday & Saturday
1.25 CEUs (12.5 hours)
$515-615*
* Depending on your choice of
Saturday Workshop Session
Thursday & Saturday
.95 CEUs (9.5 hours)
$465-565*
* Depending on your choice of
Saturday Workshop Session
Thursday Only
.45 CEUs (4.5 hours)
$225
Friday Only
.75 CEUs (7.5 hours)
$275
Saturday Only
.5 CEUs (5 hours)
Choose one workshop:
- $240 – Wound Care for the Hand Therapist (In-person)
- $240 – Evidence Informed Evaluation and Treatment of Shoulder Impingement (In-person)
- $240 – Cadaveric Dissection
(In-person or online) - $340 – Static-Progressive Elbow Orthoses to Maximize Ulnohumeral Motion (In-person)
$240-$340*
* Depending on your choice of
Saturday Workshop Session
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F.A.Q.
Is there a Group Discount?
Can I pay by mail, phone or fax?
If you register by mail or fax, all registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must rank your choices of Saturday workshops. While we will make every effort to accommodate first choices, please note that workshops have limited capacities.
Download and Print this PDF Registration Form
Mail orders to:
UWM School of Continuing Education
161 West Wisconsin Avenue, Ste. 6000
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Fax orders to: 414-227-3146
Phone: 414-227-3200
Special Needs Requests
How do I receive CEU Certificates for attending WI Hand?
What is your Cancelation and Refund Policy?
(Not applicable to our Educational Travel & Tours or College for Kids/Teens programs which have a no refund policy.)
- Cancellation requests must be sent via email to sceinfo@uwm.edu.
- If a participant withdraws from a program at least 10 business days before its start date, a full refund will be issued.
- If a participant withdraws less than 10 business days prior to the program start date, they may choose to transfer their fees one-time to any currently available program or receive a refund minus a 20% administrative fee.
- No refund will be given once a program has begun.
- Programs with a fee of $35 or less are not eligible for refunds.
- For on-demand online programs without a specified start date, no refunds will be issued once a participant has accessed the online learning environment.
- If the School of Continuing Education cancels a program for any reason, a full refund will be issued to program participants.
What if I didn't receive a confirmation email?
What are the COVID precautions taken for the in-person event?
What if I come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID, test positive for COVID myself, or feel sick and cannot attend?
How do I purchase a Hotel room for the event?
Lodging rooms can be reserved at a discounted rate for single and double rooms. You can book your room at the discounted rate online here.
The Special group block rate is $116 per night. Participants have until Apr 9, 2025 to book at the special rate.
- Book online for discounted rate at Crowne Plaza use this custom link.
- Each individual guest must make their own reservations by calling (414) 764-5300 by April 11, 2025. You must identify yourself as a member of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Click here for details about Crowne Plaza & IHG’s “Way of Clean.”
For those attending fully online, how will we participate? What are the tech or internet requirements?
*Internet Explorer is NOT supported*
Why should I register early?
Early registration is encouraged to guarantee space. Priority Workshop Registration is available to those registering before March 8, 2025. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of registration and payment or agency guarantee of payment. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented on this website. However, all course information, instructor designations, locations and fees described in this catalog are subject to change without notice. See our website & emails for updates. Lunch is included only where indicated. If you have any questions, please call (414) 251-8950 or email sce-hps@uwm.edu.
What if I have more questions?
Exhibitors
Wisconsin Hand Experience℠ 2025
General Information
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this information. We reserve the right to change the program without notice. Contact us at sce-hps@uwm.edu or (414) 251-8950 if you have questions. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee space. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of registration and payment. Lunch and all breaks are included in course fees.
Special Needs:
Please advise us at the time of registration if you have special needs. Requests will be kept confidential. Please submit special needs requests four weeks prior to the program date.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation requests must be sent via email to sceinfo@uwm.edu.
If a participant withdraws from a program at least 10 business days before its start date, a full refund will be issued. If a participant withdraws less than 10 business days prior to the program start date, they may choose to transfer their fees one-time to any currently available program or receive a refund minus a 20% administrative fee. No refund will be given once a program has begun. Programs with a fee of $35 or less are not eligible for refunds. For on-demand online programs without a specified start date, no refunds will be issued once a participant has accessed the online learning environment. If the School of Continuing Education cancels a program for any reason, a full refund will be issued to program participants. Note: this policy does not apply to Osher Travel or College for Kids/Teens programs, which have no-refund policies.
Financial Disclosure:
Presenters at the Wisconsin Hand Experience Conference have signed agreements stating that they will not promote or endorse any specific products, services, or equipment during their presentations. They have also confirmed that they do not have any financial relationships with any companies or organizations that manufacture, distribute, or sell therapy-related products or services. Conference presenters do receive reimbursement for travel and an honorarium to speak at the conference. We are dedicated to ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of the educational content provided at our conference, if you have any questions or concerns, please email sce-hps@uwm.edu.
*CEUs are based on participant’s actual class hours. Agenda is subject to change based on instructor preference and time available. Speakers and programs subject to change.
Contact Us: (414) 251-8950 | sce-hps@uwm.edu
Education Level
Level of Instruction:
Intermediate
Target Audience:
OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, ATs, and Hand Therapists
Relevance to Occupational Therapy:
Category 1: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery
American Occupational Therapy Association
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Health Professions & Sciences is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID#9520. This Live and Distance Learning-Interactive activity is offered at up to 1.7 CEUs, intermediate level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
APTA Standards
The Physical Therapy Examining Board (PTEB) accepts UWM CEUs. See the following websites for more information on APTA Standards:
Wisconsin Hand Experience℠2025