Rehabilitation of the Neurologic Upper Extremity: Evidence to Practice

• Click Here for Full Course Brochure

• Early Bird Rate of $600 Through November 15, 2025. After, $675. 

DESCRIPTION
Loss of hand and arm function is one of the most persistent and frustrating challenges for individuals following a neurological insult, particularly stroke. Despite early intervention, many patients continue to experience lasting sensorimotor impairments that, if left unmanaged, can lead to significant secondary complications. This two-day, in-person course is designed to empower rehabilitation professionals with the knowledge and skills to assess and treat upper extremity impairments in individuals with neurological conditions.

Through a combination of live lectures, hands-on workshops, live patient scenarios and case-based learning, participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for managing the neurologically impaired upper limb. The course emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient-centered approaches, and the application of current research to real-world practice. Day one focuses on the more impaired hemiparetic arm, while day two addresses the mildly impaired functional arm.

DATES & LOCATION
This an in-person course that will be held at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 East Erie Street, Chicago IL, 60611 on April 16 & 17, 2026. For a list of available lodging options near the hospital, please click HERE.

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
To successfully complete this course, participants will need to complete all self-study work, attend the live activity, attest to your attendance and complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the course through the Academy Learning Portal. Self-study work will be available on March 5, 2026. All course work, including self-study work and online evaluation, must be completed by April 30, 2026. Learners will have access to the course materials for review until July 11, 2026 at 12:00AM GMT.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the process of recovery of the neurological upper extremity and the medical advancements that can improve this recovery.
2. Describe and evaluate common primary and secondary impairments associated with the neurological upper extremity.
3. Administer and analyze findings from the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) specifically used for the neurological upper extremity.
4. Demonstrate appropriate intervention approaches for shoulder subluxation (Taping, NMES, orthotics).
5. Describe the difference between capacity for movement vs. performance within the context of a recovering upper extremity.
6. State the scientific, theoretical, and evidence-based rationale to interventions that address the various functional levels of the neurological upper extremity.
7. Demonstrate emergent skills in delivering select evidence-based intervention for the neurological upper extremity (NMES, TST).

COURSE FACULTY:

• Kerry Ball, OTD, OTR/L
• Christine Griffin, OTR/L, PhD, BCPR
• Richard L. Harvey, MD
• Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM
• Caitlin Newman, MOT, OTR/L
• Cathy Stinear, PhD

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
Occupational Therapy: 

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# pending. This Blended/Hybrid course is offered at 14.25 contact hours, 1.425 CEUs [intermediate level, foundational knowledge/OT service delivery]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.