Motor Neuron Deficits: Lesions leading to lost function! Join Hand to Shoulder with Cassie and Shelly as we dissemble motor neurons and variations of symptoms, which in turn, lead to ALS. This very energetic podcast with Cynthia Ivy out of Phoenix, AZ, will open your mind to neurological deficits and the role of a hand therapist with someone who presents with hand or upper limb weakness. We hope you gather several takeaways from this complex topic.



Cindy Ivy OTD, M.Ed., CHT began working as adjunct faculty at NAU, Phoenix Biomedical Campus in 2014 and joined the faculty in August of 2015 as Associate Clinical Professor and Residency coordinator. She is studying the effects of carpometacarpal stabilization exercises on pain from osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint. Her research interests also include studying functional outcomes of the use of finger orthoses versus injection for stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) and studying quality of life and positive effects on function and independence in persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In addition to ALS, She is also studying interventions to improve independence in people with Parkinson's Disease.
Dr. Ivy carries a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Her post professional clinical doctorate in occupational therapy, Hand therapy emphasis is from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Cindy Ivy has a passion for teaching and has taught in many capacities over the past 30 years while working as a hand therapist and occupational therapist



Susan M Smith, C. C. (2015). Upper Extremity orthoses use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: A systematic review. International Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 03(02). https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-9096.1000264


Ivy, C. C., Smith, S. M., & Materi, M. M. (2014). Upper Extremity orthoses use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: Three case reports. HAND, 9(4), 543–550. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9626-x