Introduction

Upper limb problems, including pain, overuse injuries, range of motion limitations or contracture, are common complications in persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Specific risk factors are associated with upper limb issues, and these should be identified during the assessment of a client with a spinal cord injury. This assessment should evaluate pain levels, the cause of pain, functional impairments, the physical environment, equipment used for activities of daily living, and more. As will be discussed in this course, appropriate multidisciplinary management is essential to ensure the preservation of upper limb function in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• list risk factors associated with upper limb pain and injury in persons with spinal cord injury
• recognise problems and interventions related to upper limb pain and performing activities of daily living
• identify at least 4 aspects of the home and environment assessment that are essential for a person with spinal cord injury who has upper limb pain
• identify at least 2 adaptations to address upper limb pain during transfers and wheelchair mobility.

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Wendy Oelofse: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.