7202 Forearm and Elbow Learning Objectives

Course Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Interstitial Fluid:

  • Analyze the development of Tennis Elbow, focusing on the degeneration of the common extensor tendon due to repetitive motion, and understand its impact on the extensor muscles of the forearm.
  • Recognize the signs and anatomical causes of Golfer’s Elbow, including the inflammation of tendons attaching the forearm flexor muscles to the medial epicondyle, and the role of repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities in this condition.
  • Assess the implications of ulnar nerve compression in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, including potential numbness or tingling in the fingers, and understand the nerve’s anatomical relationship to the medial epicondyle.
  • Evaluate the vascular supply relevance in forearm pathologies like Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, understanding the role of the brachial artery and its continuation into the radial and ulnar arteries in the healing process.

Fascia:

  • Understand the composition and function of fascia, including its role in supporting and connecting muscles, organs, and other body structures.
  • Identify the structural and functional characteristics of interstitial fluid, focusing on its role in nutrient exchange and waste removal at the cellular level.
  • Analyze the impact of Vibrational Fascia Release Technique (VFRT) on the fascial system, particularly in terms of manipulating interstitial fluid for therapeutic purposes.
  • Evaluate the interactions between the fascial system and interstitial fluid in the context of holistic healing approaches, considering the implications for patient care and treatment efficacy.
  • Assess the relationship between fascial health and overall body function, recognizing the significance of maintaining fascial integrity for optimal physical well-being.

Core Skills:

  • Master the correct grip and strike techniques for using tuning forks in VFRT, ensuring precise control over the vibrational energy transmitted into the body’s tissues.
  • Develop palpation skills to accurately assess tissue conditions through touch, distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissue structures, and facilitating effective placement and movement of tuning forks.
  • Apply appropriate pressure when using tuning forks in VFRT, balancing the need for effective tissue interaction with the avoidance of excessive force to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
  • Utilize feedback mechanisms to gauge the effectiveness of pressure application in VFRT, adapting techniques to ensure adequate stretching of collagen fibers and penetration of vibrations into deeper tissue layers.
  • Integrate various VFRT protocols into practice, enhancing the ability to apply vibrational therapy effectively across different treatment scenarios and patient conditions.

Palpation and Application:

  • Apply palpation techniques just above the bony prominence where the ulna meets the carpal bones to accurately identify fluid accumulation in the wrist and forearm area.
  • Utilize anatomical knowledge of the hand, wrist, and forearm to effectively perform palpation and tuning fork placement for therapeutic purposes.
  • Employ the ‘SCOOP’ technique with a tuning fork to alleviate tension and fluid pressure in the tendons of the forearm.
  • Integrate palpation and tuning fork application in the forearm muscles to address fluid retention and inflammation caused by repetitive and prolonged gripping or overextension of the thumb.
  • Execute a sliding palpation technique along the trough between the radius and ulna bones to identify and treat fluid-filled structures in the forearm.
  • Apply the tuning fork with a sliding technique to manipulate superficial tissue layers and relieve fluid pressure in the forearm.
  • Utilize various palpation techniques, including pressing and circular motions, to evaluate tissue quality and fluid accumulation in the forearm.
  • Implement the ‘press and push’ core technique in the inner forearm area to disperse fluid and reduce inflammation in cases of acute or repetitive injury.
  • Conduct palpation on the inner side of the elbow joint to detect swollen lymph nodes and apply appropriate treatment techniques for fluid drainage.
  • Apply knowledge of the elbow anatomy, including muscle and tendon attachment areas, to treat elbow pain and mobility restrictions effectively.
  • Integrate palpation and tuning fork application techniques to address elbow-related pain caused by fluid pressurized muscles and inflamed tendons.
  • Employ the ‘scoop’ technique with a tuning fork on the tendon insertion points around the elbow to address conditions like tendonitis and bursitis.

Anatomy and Physiology:

  • Identify and describe the anatomical features of the humerus, radius, and ulna, and their role in elbow joint movement.
  • Explain the functions of the elbow joint, including the hinge motion of flexion and extension, and the rotational movement of the forearm.
  • Describe the origins, insertions, and actions of the major flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm, and their role in wrist movements.
  • Analyze the biomechanical aspects of flexion and extension movements in the forearm, including synergistic action, antagonistic control, and force distribution.
  • Understand the anatomy and mechanics of pronation and supination movements in the forearm and their importance in hand functionality.
  • Discuss the role of the radial and ulnar deviations in wrist movements and their impact on daily activities and fine motor skills.
  • Describe the anatomy and function of the muscles responsible for finger movements, including flexor and extensor muscles.
  • Explain the contributions of forearm muscles to thumb movements, including abduction, adduction, opposition, and reposition.
  • Analyze the mechanisms of wrist stabilization and their importance in fine motor tasks and injury prevention.
  • Describe the structure and function of the major nerves in the forearm, including the medial, lateral, and posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerves, ulnar nerve, median nerve, and radial nerve.
  • Discuss the clinical significance of the superficial venous system in the forearm, particularly in medical procedures like blood draws and IV insertions.
  • Understand the roles of arteries in the forearm, including the radial, ulnar, and interosseous arteries, in blood supply and clinical assessments.
  • Describe the lymphatic drainage of the forearm and the location and function of key lymph nodes in this region.

Pathology:

  • Analyze the development of Tennis Elbow, focusing on the degeneration of the common extensor tendon due to repetitive motion, and understand its impact on the extensor muscles of the forearm.
  • Recognize the signs and anatomical causes of Golfer’s Elbow, including the inflammation of tendons attaching the forearm flexor muscles to the medial epicondyle, and the role of repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities in this condition.
  • Assess the implications of ulnar nerve compression in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, including potential numbness or tingling in the fingers, and understand the nerve’s anatomical relationship to the medial epicondyle.
  • Evaluate the vascular supply relevance in forearm pathologies like Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, understanding the role of the brachial artery and its continuation into the radial and ulnar arteries in the healing process.