Brief Report
Issue Date: June 23, 2015
Published Online: June 24, 2015
Updated: June 13, 2018
Exploring Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Musculoskeletal Sonography in Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Shawn C. Roll; Julie McLaughlin Gray; Gelya Frank; Monique Wolkoff
Author Affiliations
  • Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, CWCE, RMSK, FAOTA, is Assistant Professor, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; sroll@usc.edu
  • Julie McLaughlin Gray, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Gelya Frank, PhD, FSfAA, is Professor, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Monique Wolkoff, OTD, OTR/L, HTC, PAM, is Therapist, Meridian Hand Therapy, Thousand Oaks, CA. At the time of the study, she was Clinical Doctoral Resident, Keck Hospital, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Article Information
Hand and Upper Extremity / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Departments / Brief Report
Brief Report   |   June 23, 2015
Exploring Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Musculoskeletal Sonography in Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June 2015, Vol. 69, 6904350020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.016436
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June 2015, Vol. 69, 6904350020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.016436
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To identify the potential utility of musculoskeletal sonographic imaging in upper-extremity rehabilitation.

METHOD. Two occupational therapists in an outpatient hand rehabilitation clinic were recruited by convenience, were trained in the use of sonography, and implemented sonographic imaging in their clinical practice. Qualitative data were obtained during and after the implementation period by means of questionnaires and interviews. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation were completed in an iterative process that culminated in a thematic analysis of the therapists’ perceptions.

RESULTS. The data indicate four potential areas of utility for musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation: (1) mastering anatomy and pathology, (2) augmenting clinical reasoning, (3) supplementing intervention, and (4) building evidence.

CONCLUSION. Numerous potential uses were identified that would benefit both therapist and client. Further exploration of complexities and efficacy for increasing patient outcomes is recommended to determine best practices for the use of musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation.