Upper Extremity and Ergonomic Considerations in
Perinatal Care (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Emi Ito
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This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.
While women’s health across the lifespan is increasingly acknowledged in clinical practice, pregnancy and postpartum-related upper extremity conditions remain underrecognized and undertreated. Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy and “mommy thumb” in the postpartum period are highly prevalent, yet traditional recommendations are often limited to bracing or a passive “rest and wait” approach. As a result, many patients struggle with pain and decreased function during caregiving. This webinar will bridge that practice gap by reviewing the relevant upper extremity anatomy and exploring practical, evidence-informed strategies for managing these conditions. We will discuss ergonomic modifications, treatment considerations, and approaches that support both maternal recovery and functional independence. Designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists, hand therapists, and other clinicians working in orthopedic, women’s health, and outpatient rehab settings, this session will provide actionable tools to integrate immediately into practice to help your patients return to function.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze upper extremity anatomical structures affected during the perinatal period to support differential identification of common pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Distinguish between symptom patterns and clinical signs of common perinatal upper extremity conditions to inform appropriate treatment strategies
- Implement ergonomic modifications tailored to perinatal caregiving activities in order to reduce physical strain and support functional recovery
- Apply manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises consistent with evidence-based care for managing perinatal upper extremity impairments
- Integrate anatomical knowledge and evidence-based interventions into comprehensive treatment planning for women’s health across the perinatal continuum
Meet your instructor
Emi Ito
Emi Ito is a certified hand therapist with expertise in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and ergonomics. She earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California and began her career in acute care before completing a hand therapy fellowship in…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Common Upper Extremity Conditions Across the Perinatal Continuum
This chapter will focus on two common upper extremity diagnoses seen in perinatal care: carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Pertinent anatomy will be reviewed. An overview of symptoms will be presented.
2. Ergonomic Activity Modifications for Activities of Daily Living
Suggestions for ergonomic modifications will be offered for childcare-specific tasks. Participants are encouraged to apply general concepts of ergonomic anthropometry to other ADLs.
3. Additional Interventions and Applications
Treatment considerations reviewed in this chapter will include manual therapy techniques and targeted therapeutic exercises specific to various diagnoses. A brief overview of kinesiotaping techniques will be included.
4. Question and Answer Session
In this chapter, Emi Ito will go over and answer the questions asked during the webinar.