Archives

Regaining Hand Skills: Finger Isolation and In-Hand Movement

August 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout offers patient-friendly activities to improve finger isolation and in-hand manipulation skills after injury or neurological change. Use it to support therapy sessions with clear explanations, practical exercises, and a compassionate tone that empowers patients to keep practicing at home.
This content is only available to members.

Hand-Based Thumb Spica Orthosis

November 30, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides a step-by-step guide to fabricating a hand-based thumb immobilization orthosis (thumb spica) for treating thumb injuries and CMC arthritis. It covers key features such as thumb stabilization, structural support, and proper thumb positioning. Detailed instructions on patterning and fabrication tips ensure accurate fitting and optimal protection.
This content is only available to members.

Sternal Precautions: Outdated or Evidence-Based?

October 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of sternal precautions, exploring both traditional and innovative approaches to managing upper body movement after median sternotomy. It offers practical guidance for optimizing recovery while balancing safety and functionality, with insights into the latest research and real-world applications.
This content is only available to members.

A Precautionary Tale of Hip Precautions

August 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Do hip precautions prevent dislocations after surgery? All evidence points to: Nope. Load up on all of the evidence-based research on this topic and be a leader in your facility and your community to move towards person-centered, evidence-based care when it comes to hip replacement recovery.
This content is only available to members.

Shoulder Elevation Progression

July 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides evidence-based therapeutic exercises to progress clients who are unable to safely or correctly elevate the shoulder against gravity. It contains an easy-to-follow HEP as well as details forward elevation for the practitioner.
This content is only available to members.

Spinal Surgery and Occupational Therapy

May 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout provides information about recovery from spinal surgery through an OT perspective. It covers pre-surgery considerations, spinal precautions, and safe completion of various ADLs.
This content is only available to members.

Six Determinants of Gait

December 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This clinical reference outlines the six major determinants in normal and pathological gait that can be evaluated and treated by occupational therapy practitioners to improve functional mobility efficiency, safety, and independence.
This content is only available to members.