Hand Therapy
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, from the shoulder to the finger tips. It includes education, prevention, protection, rehabilitation and….. skill mastery!
Who Will Benefit From Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapy is beneficial for everyone, especially if you have just had an injury, have embraced a new hobby or hurt you hand/wrist or arm. You may have started a new sport or role at work that has caused you to do a task repetitively that your body is not used to. Some common symptoms may develop as a result.
Symptoms that a hand therapist can help with:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Joint deformity
- Poor coordination or dexterity
- Weakness and altered sensation (such as pins and needles, or numbness)
Any of these symptoms may significantly reduce your ability to function normally in your day to day activities.
Click below to find out common conditions Hand Therapy will help you with:
Fractures/Broken bones
Dislocations
Arthritis
Nerve injuries
What to expect During an Appointment with our Accredited Hand Therapist, Caroline:
Our focus is to enable you to lead a healthier lifestyle, have more energy and perform at your best.
- A thorough assessment and diagnosis of your condition.
- Advice regarding how we can help you as well as what you can do yourself.
- Splinting or casting as needed.
- A treatment plan and rehabilitation timeframe.
- Sometimes you may need to be referred for an X-Ray or other investigation and we may discuss referral to a Hand Surgeon for their specialist medical or surgical opinion.
Your hand therapy treatment may include:
- Splinting – custom made thermoplastic splints. Static and dynamic
- Casting – Plaster of Paris and synthetic, waterproof and non-waterproof, back slab or full cast
- Serial casting/splinting for joint contractures
- Neoprene and lycra custom made braces or sleeves
- Wound management – including dressing changes, debridement and removal of sutures
- Desensitisation – vibration, temperature, texture and pressure
- Ultrasound and Laser
- Dry Needling
- Exercise therapy – in clinic and as part of your home program (proprioception, strength, stability and mobility)
- Ergonomic advice
- Joint protection
- Mobilisation techniques
- Oedema (Swelling) management including dressing changes and measuring for prescription compression garments
- Scar management including use of silicone products and taping
- Work and activity hardening
We will keep your GP informed at your request as well as your surgeon or referring practitioner.
We will do our best to have you back to your best as soon as possible.
Rehabilitate, Educate, Innovate.
Providing excellence in physiotherapy from assessment to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation