Physiopedia Plus (Plus) instructor Dr Loren Szmiga is celebrated for empowering physiotherapists and physical therapists to build confidence with hand therapy. We are proud to showcase Loren and share recent recognition of her expertise in the area by the South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report.
It is a pleasure to spotlight Plus instructor Dr Loren Szmiga, PT, DPT, EdD, CHT, MTC – her work in hand therapy just got featured in South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report! Read the article here.
“It is within a physical therapist’s (PTs) scope of practice to treat the entire body. Yet, for decades, they have shied away from hand and wrist injuries, leaving occupational therapists (OTs) to take on a significant portion of upper extremity treatment.”
Loren, a certified hand therapist (CHT) and graduate of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), recognised a critical gap in physical therapy education on the hand and wrist. As a professor at USAHS she had a clear goal – to help physical therapy students feel confident about treating upper extremity injuries again.
She’s brought fresh ideas to the classroom by including orthotic fabrication training for DPT students. Her students learn to make orthotics and even use new technology like 3D printing. The course also includes interprofessional collaboration, where the students learn how to communicate and work with other professionals, such as surgeons, occupational therapists and orthotists.
But Loren doesn’t just teach at the University. Her online Plus courses about Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are a huge hit. Nearly 2,000 people have taken them so far!
Students love how she explains clinical concepts. “The course was very easy to understand,” one therapist told us. Another said it “gives a good foundation that encourages us to improve ourselves.”
“I always thought Trigger Finger is very challenging. Now after doing the Plus course I became confident in explaining the condition to my patients and guiding them throughout the management plan.”
Participants particularly value the comprehensive nature of the courses, which cover:
- Detailed anatomy and assessment methods
- Differential diagnosis techniques
- Post-operative rehabilitation protocols
- Practical exercise instruction
- Splinting techniques
Loren’s vision for expanding the training of physiotherapists fits well with the vision of Plus to empower physiotherapists globally. Plus has published a variety of programmes over the years to equip therapists globally for the growing need for upper limb therapy, including the Upper Limb Trauma Programme and the Management of Distal Radius Fractures Programme. Explore Loren Szmiga’s courses on Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today! (sneak peek here!)
This article was written by one of our course instructors...
Tarina van der Stockt
PT (BphysT), DPT
Education Director Physiopedia Plus