Learn to Splint: Custom Splint Fabrication for Functional Outcomes
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
990 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 503, Miami, FL 33132
Provider: Axis Management Solutions, dba Axis Splinting Solutions
Instructor: Kimberly J. Evans, OTR/L, CHT
Format: Live, in-person
A full-day, hands-on workshop for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who want clinic-ready confidence in custom orthotic fabrication. With a “function first” approach, you’ll fabricate three custom orthoses under the direct supervision of a Certified Hand Therapist. You’ll also practice the clinical reasoning and client education that connect each splint to occupational performance.
What You’ll Fabricate
- C-Splint (hand-based thumb orthosis) for 1st CMC osteoarthritis
- PIP Extension Gutter for common PIP joint injuries and conditions
- Circumferential Wrist Orthosis for distal radius fracture, ulnar styloid fracture, nonoperative TFCC injury, wrist sprain, conservative carpal tunnel management, and radial nerve palsy
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify anatomical structures, biomechanical principles, indications, and contraindications for the C-splint (HFO), PIP extension gutter (FO), and circumferential wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) by correctly matching diagnoses to orthosis types during structured case review.
- Analyze at least two client case scenarios to select the most appropriate orthosis, joint position, and design, justifying the choice using diagnosis, occupational performance goals, biomechanical principles, and current evidence.
- Fabricate three custom orthoses (a C-splint for 1st CMC OA, a PIP extension gutter, and a circumferential WHO) that meet all critical criteria on the Fabrication Competency Checklist for positioning, fit, trim lines, edge finish, and strapping.
- Apply safe thermoplastic handling techniques (heating, molding, edging, bonding, strapping) throughout three supervised fabrication labs with no uncorrected critical safety errors documented on the checklist.
- Evaluate the fit, comfort, and biomechanical alignment of a fabricated orthosis using the Splint-Check Assessment, correctly identifying at least three needed modifications with rationale.
- Deliver client education on purpose, wearing schedule, donning and doffing, skin checks, precautions, care, and follow-up during a simulated client interaction, meeting all critical items on the Client Education Rubric.
Who Should Attend
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants seeking hands-on, evidence-informed training in upper-extremity orthotic fabrication.
Educational Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Instructional Methods
Lecture, live demonstration, supervised hands-on fabrication, case-based discussion, and simulated client education.
Time-Ordered Agenda
9:00–9:15 AM: Welcome, disclosures, learning outcomes, and completion requirements
9:15–10:00 AM: Foundations: anatomy, biomechanics, evidence, and thermoplastic handling and safety
10:00–11:00 AM: C-splint for 1st CMC OA: instruction and demonstration
11:00–11:15 AM: Break
11:15 AM–12:15 PM: C-splint: team fabrication practice, splint-check, and client education teach-back
12:15–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–2:00 PM: PIP extension gutter: instruction and demonstration
2:00–3:00 PM: PIP extension gutter: team fabrication practice, splint-check, and client education teach-back
3:00–3:15 PM: Break
3:15–4:15 PM: Circumferential wrist-hand orthosis: instruction and demonstration
4:15–5:15 PM: WHO: team fabrication practice, splint-check, and client education teach-back
5:15–6:00 PM: Case scenarios: orthosis, position, and design selection
6:00–6:15 PM: Post-course knowledge assessment
6:15–6:30 PM: Course evaluation and certificates
Total instructional time: 8 contact hours
What’s Included
All thermoplastic materials, tools, and equipment; a course packet with fabrication handouts, case scenarios, and a reference list; and a certificate of completion.
Completion Requirements
Attend the full course, complete all three fabrication labs with instructor competency verification, score at least 80% on the post-test, and complete the course evaluation.
Your Instructor
Kimberly J. Evans, OTR/L, CHT, owns Evans Hand Therapy, an outpatient occupational therapy clinic specializing in upper-extremity rehabilitation. She has nearly 17 years of experience as a licensed occupational therapist, including 13 years specializing in hand therapy. She mentors therapists and supervises OT fieldwork students, and her clinical focus is custom orthotic fabrication and evidence-based, occupation-centered care.
Disclosure: Disclosure: Financial: Kimberly J. Evans receives registration fees for this course and is the owner of Restore Concierge, the course location. Non-financial: none.
Registration
Tuition: $695, all materials included
Class size: Limited to 10 participants
To reserve your spot, email kimberly@axismanagementsolutions.com. If the course is full, you can join the waitlist.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 10 or more days before the course receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 10 days before the course are subject to a 25% administrative fee. No refunds are issued for no-shows. If the provider cancels the course, all fees are refunded in full.
Accessibility
Participants who need accommodations may email kimberly@axismanagementsolutions.com at least two weeks before the course.
