Journal of Hand Therapy RSS feed: Articles in Press. The Journal of Hand Therapy is designed for hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists, and other hand specialists involved in the rehabilitation of disabling hand problems. The Journal functions as a source of education and information by publishing scientific and clinical articles. Regular features include original reports, clinical reviews, case studies, editorials, and book reviews. http://www.jhandtherapy.org//inpress?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2011 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of Hand Therapy0894-11302012-01-04 © 2011 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113011001372/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Edema is a normal response to injury. Even the smallest injury is associated with some inflammation, and initial edema is part of the normal inflammatory process. However, edema becomes a concern when it persists beyond the inflammatory phase. Once we have progressed into the rebuilding, or fibroplastic phase of healing, edema will delay healing and contribute to complications such as pain and stiffness. Early prevention and management to prevent this progression are therefore critical. This article discusses edema in relation to stages of healing and presents the research behind techniques available to the clinician to manage localized extracellular upper extremity edema in the patient with an intact lymphatic system.Edema: A Silent but Important Factor - Corrected ProofJune P. Villeco10.1016/j.jht.2011.09.008Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-01-04Journal of Hand Therapy2012-01-04SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113011001384/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The prescription of an effective therapeutic exercise program requires the right dosage of the right exercise, at the right time for that patient. The therapist must understand and apply training principles effectively in the presence of pathology, injury, or otherwise unhealthy tissue. The intervention goal is to close the gap between current performance and the desired goal or capacity. Although there may be a preferred linear path from current performance to optimal outcome, complexities of the human body, internal factors, and external variables may create barriers to this direct path. Successful programs include key program design considerations such as ensuring a stable baseline before progression, treating the right impairments and activity limitations, understanding contextual factors, considering the principles of specificity and optimal loading, and applying dosing principles. Program progression can be achieved through increases in total exercise volume and/or through manipulation of exercise challenges at the same exercise volume. Effective application of these principles will guide patients toward their goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.Effective Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: The Right Exercise at the Right Dose - Corrected ProofLori Thein Brody10.1016/j.jht.2011.09.009Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-01-04Journal of Hand Therapy2012-01-04SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113011001165/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Peripheral nerves are composed of motor and sensory axons, associated ensheathing Schwann cells, and organized layers of connective tissues that are in continuity with the tissues of the central nervous system. Nerve fiber anatomy facilitates conduction of electrical impulses to convey information over a distance, and the length of these polarized cells necessitates regulated axonal transport of organelles and structural proteins for normal cell function. Nerve connective tissues serve a protective function as the limb is subjected to the stresses of myriad limb positions and postures. Thus, the tissues are uniquely arranged to control the local nerve fiber environment and modulate physical stresses. In this brief review, we describe the microscopic anatomy and physiology of peripheral nerve and the biomechanical properties that enable nerve to withstand the physical stresses of everyday life.Peripheral Nerve: From the Microscopic Functional Unit of the Axon to the Biomechanically Loaded Macroscopic Structure - Corrected ProofKimberly S. Topp, Benjamin S. Boyd10.1016/j.jht.2011.09.002Journal of Hand Therapy (2011)2011-12-02Journal of Hand Therapy2011-12-02SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113011001141/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Bone is a connective tissue containing cells, fibers, and ground substance. There are many functions in the body in which the bone participates, such as storing minerals, providing internal support, protecting vital organs, enabling movement, and providing attachment sites for muscles and tendons. Bone is unique because its collagen framework absorbs energy, whereas the mineral encased within the matrix allows bone to resist deformation. This article provides an overview of the structure and function of bone tissue from a macroscopic to microscopic level and discusses the physiological processes contributing to upper extremity bone health. It concludes by discussing common conditions influencing upper extremity bone health.Specialized Connective Tissue: Bone, the Structural Framework of the Upper Extremity - Corrected ProofAlyssa M. Weatherholt, Robyn K. Fuchs, Stuart J. Warden10.1016/j.jht.2011.08.003Journal of Hand Therapy (2011)2011-11-02Journal of Hand Therapy2011-11-02SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS089411301100086X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Due to their unique hierarchical structure and composition, tendons possess characteristic biomechanical properties, including high mechanical strength and viscoelasticity, which enable them to carry and transmit mechanical loads (muscular forces) effectively. Tendons are also mechanoresponsive by adaptively changing their structure and function in response to altered mechanical loading conditions. In general, mechanical loading at physiological levels is beneficial to tendons, but excessive loading or disuse of tendons is detrimental. This mechanoadaptability is due to the cells present in tendons. Tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) are the dominant tendon cells responsible for tendon homeostasis and repair. Tendon stem cells (TSCs), which were recently discovered, also play a vital role in tendon maintenance and repair by virtue of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into tenocytes. TSCs may also be responsible for chronic tendon injury, or tendinopathy, by undergoing aberrant differentiation into nontenocytes in response to excessive mechanical loading. Thus, it is necessary to devise optimal rehabilitation protocols to enhance tendon healing while reducing scar tissue formation and tendon adhesions. Moreover, along with scaffolds that can mimic tendon matrix environments and platelet-rich plasma, which serves as a source of growth factors, TSCs may be the optimal cell type for enhancing repair of injured tendons.Tendon Biomechanics and Mechanobiology—A Minireview of Basic Concepts and Recent Advancements - Corrected ProofJames H-C. Wang, Qianping Guo, Bin Li10.1016/j.jht.2011.07.004Journal of Hand Therapy (2011)2011-09-20Journal of Hand Therapy2011-09-20SPECIAL ISSUE