2025 AHTF Happy Hour with a Scholar Recap

Lecture goal

The aim of this 40-minute lecture is to discuss how the concept of Relative Motion advanced from a simple clinical idea to a concept and orthosis that has changed clinical practice worldwide.

Lecture objectives:

Attendees will become more aware of –
1. The 50-year journey of Relative Motion from a clinical idea to an evidence-based concept and orthoses
2. The scope of the Relative Motion
3. The future direction of Relative Motion

References

1. Immediate controlled active motion following zone 4-7 extensor tendon repair. JW Howell, WH Merritt, SJ Robinson. Journal of Hand Therapy Special Issue 18
(2005) 182-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/j.jht.2005.02.011

2. Relative Motion Orthoses for Management of Various Hand Conditions: A
Scoping Review: Hirth, MJ, Howell, JW, O’Brien L. Journal of Hand Therapy
29(2016)405-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ht.2016.07.001

3. Howell JW, Hirth MJ. Journal of Hand Therapy 2023 special issue. Relative
motion concept and orthoses

 Julianne Howell, PT, MS, CHT biography

Juli has practiced therapy for nearly 50 years with most dedicated to the management of the hand and upper extremity. The desire to improve care of patients with burned hands led her to the Medical College of Virginia Master’s degree program in Hand Management. While in Virginia, she had the opportunity to own a private practice and work alongside Dr Wyndell Merritt. In the mid-90’s she moved from Virginia to Oregon and established two corporate-owned hand therapy centers, working there over 20-years.

Aside from participating in numerous national and international continuing seminars, Juli served as Affiliate Director for the American Association of Hand Surgery (AAHS), Research Division Director for the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), and interim-Treasurer for the International Federation of Hand Therapists. She has been the honored recipient of the Jack Walker award from the American Physical Therapy Association, AAHS Vargus International Teaching Award, and ASHT Petzoldt Innovative Research Award and ASHT Best Clinical Research Paper Award. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, 7 book chapters, and was co-editor for the Journal of Hand Therapy (JHT) 2023 issue devoted to the relative motion concept and orthoses.

Currently, Juli’s time is divided between Michigan and Arizona where she continues to serve on the Editorial Board for the JHT and as a reviewer for other global hand therapy and surgery peer-reviewed publications. Early morning hours are now dedicated to editing and writing, mentoring researchers and playing pickleball!