What is Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb. It involves evaluation and testing to assess the injured limb, from which a specific treatment program can be designed. Hand Therapists have specialised skills in the following areas:
- Custom-splinting.
- Scar and wound management.
- Exercise prescription.
- Manual therapy.
Hand Therapists are qualified Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists who have undergone additional training in the management of finger, hand, wrist, elbow and arm injuries.
Why should I see an Accredited Hand Therapist?
Injuries involving the hand and arm can be quite complex. They often involve specialised intervention to allow you to continue to work, play sport and perform everyday activities. Optimal function of the upper limb is essential for good quality of life.
The Accredited Hand Therapist (AHT) credential is a program that has been developed by the Australian Hand Therapy Association. It provides a pathway towards the establishment and maintenance of high standards of hand therapy practice in Australia. An Accredited Hand Therapist is
recognised as a person who has demonstrated an advanced level of competence in Hand
Therapy. You can learn more here: https://www.ahta.com.au/membership/accredited-hand-therapist-aht
What sort of conditions or injuries do Hand Therapists treat?
- Fractures.
- Dislocations.
- Sprains, soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain injuries.
- Tendinopathies: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, De Quervain’s.
- Conditions: trigger finger, mallet finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupytren’s.
- Arthritis.
- Post-operative: tendon repairs, fractures and joint replacements.
- Scar management.
Will I need a splint?
Splints and orthosis are often fabricated by your Hand Therapist as part of your rehabilitation. They can be used for many different reasons including:
- To rest an injured structure and settle inflammation.
- Prevent movement to allow healing.
- Smaller splints (or guards) can enable earlier return to sport and work.
- Encourage mobilisation of stiff joints.
If required, your splint will be custom-made within your appointment time frame. They are usually removable and adjustable, to allow for increased comfort and hygiene.
What should I bring to my hand therapy appointment?
If you have any x-rays, scans or reports, please bring those along to your initial appointment. Doing this will assist us in providing an accurate diagnosis. You do not need a referral to see a Hand Therapist, however, if you have been given one by your health professional, it would be
useful to bring along.
~ Vanessa Cheung
Accredited Hand Therapist
If you’d like to book in for a hand therapy appointment, please contact reception on
96817255 or book online here: https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/book-online-now/
You may enjoy these upper-limb PMPP blogs:
- https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/frozen-shoulder/
- https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/rotator-cuff-tendinopathy/
- https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/shouldering-the-pain/
- https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/tennis-elbow-know/
- https://portmelbournephysio.com.au/wrist-injuries-a-look-at-tfcc/