Hand Therapy Academy

Miranda and Josh talk about hiring a new therapist and share their approach to growing a team. They discuss what they consider during the hiring process, what they have learned over the years, and how they think about finding the right fit for their practice.

Miranda and Josh discuss the growing role of AI in the hand therapy space—from patients using AI to better understand their diagnosis and home exercises to therapists using it as a tool for treatment planning, clinical reasoning, and differential diagnosis. They explore the benefits, limitations, and important considerations for using AI responsibly in clinical practice, and how it may continue to...

Miranda and Josh reflect on the lessons they’ve learned as content creators while stepping into the world of online education. They discuss the challenges of learning how to teach in a new format, creating engaging educational content, adapting along the way, and what they’ve learned from building an online education platform from the ground up.

Miranda and Josh discuss collateral ligament injuries, including how they commonly occur, the signs and symptoms therapists should look for, and the clinical implications for evaluation, treatment, and recovery.

Miranda and Josh discuss a recent study comparing relative motion orthosis (RMO) splinting with MCP blocking orthoses for the treatment of trigger finger, including the findings and what they may mean for clinical practice.

Miranda and Josh discuss a newly released article on Dupuytren’s disease and what the findings may mean for hand therapists. They break down the key takeaways, clinical implications, and how the information may influence evaluation, treatment, and patient education.

Miranda and Josh talk about the role of practice tests when preparing for the CHT exam. They discuss why practice tests are important, how many you should consider taking, how to use your scores to identify weak areas, and why reviewing the questions you miss can be just as valuable as taking the test itself.

Miranda and Josh talk about receiving gifts from patients—from homemade treats and food to more expensive items—and the boundaries that come with accepting them. They discuss how they decide what feels appropriate, where they personally draw the line, and some of the awkward situations that can come up when a patient wants to show their appreciation.

Miranda and Josh share the story behind Hand Therapy Academy and reflect on the journey as HTA approaches its 10-year anniversary. They talk about how it all started, how the business and community have grown over the years, lessons they have learned along the way, and what continues to motivate them to create practical education and resources for hand therapists.

Miranda and Josh discuss splinting options for ulnar drift, including different orthotic approaches, clinical considerations, and common pitfalls to avoid when selecting and fitting an orthosis.

On the other side of the conversation, Miranda and Josh discuss Josh's recent distal biceps tendon rupture and his experience as a patient. Josh shares what it was like being on the other side of the treatment table, including the challenges, frustrations, and insights he gained throughout the recovery process. The discussion offers a unique perspective on injury, rehabilitation, and the patient e...

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss outrigger splinting, comparing custom-fabricated orthoses with prefabricated options. They explore the advantages and limitations of each approach, review common clinical applications, and share practical considerations for selecting the most appropriate orthosis based on the patient's diagnosis, goals, and functional needs.

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss the differences between edema and lymphedema, including how they present clinically, why the distinction matters, and common misconceptions surrounding both conditions. They review key assessment findings, treatment considerations, and practical tips to help clinicians identify  these conditions.

Miranda and Josh talk about new students and documentation. 

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss practical strategies for managing a busy clinic schedule and making the most of your time throughout the day. They share tips on prioritization, workflow efficiency, patient scheduling, documentation habits, and ways to set yourself up for success before the clinic day even begins. Whether you're a new therapist or an experienced clinician looking to impro...

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss a few interesting cases that were initially misdiagnosed and explore how the correct diagnosis was eventually identified. They break down the clinical reasoning process, share key examination findings, and discuss lessons learned along the way. This conversation offers practical insights that can help clinicians think critically when a patient's presentati...

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss creative intrinsic exercises, including how to target the intrinsic muscles of the hand and make therapy more functional and engaging for patients.

Casting doesn’t always mean immobilizing—Miranda and Josh explain how to use casting to restore motion.

In this episode, Miranda and Josh compare pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain’s from a treatment perspective, highlighting differences in intervention strategies and progression.

In this episode, Miranda and Josh discuss pain reporting—what it actually means, how to interpret it in context, and whether it should be the primary focus of a treatment session. They explore the limitations of pain scales and how to shift toward function-driven care.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain doesn’t always need to be pain-free before discharge—Miranda and Josh explain when it’s appropriate to move on.

Sugar tong vs Muenster—Miranda and Josh break down what each splint does and when to use them in clinical practice.

Josh and Miranda break down the essentials every hand therapist needs in their clinic. From must-have tools to practical setup tips, this episode covers the foundation for delivering effective and efficient care.

Miranda and Josh break down distal biceps tendon repairs and the rehab that follows—what to protect, when to move, and how to progress without compromising the repair.

This week, Miranda and Josh chat about some fun apps to bring into your hand therapy clinic. From exercises to engagement tools, they share tips to keep patients motivated and smiling.