It’s Hand Therapy Awareness Week! Here is a helpful rundown of what hand therapy is, what your hand therapist can do for you & where you can find us in Sydney.
What Is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is the art and science of the rehabilitation of the upper limb – this includes the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, forearm, upper arm and shoulder! It involves the assessment and treatment of upper limb trauma, injuries, conditions or deformity. The structures in the hand and arm are known to be highly intricate and complex, which generally requires specialist knowledge and experience in their management.
What is a Hand Therapist or Hand Physio?
A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who through further training, education, clinical experience and study have become proficient in the treatment of upper extremity conditions. A hand therapist may achieve Full Membership with the Australian Hand Therapy Association or complete the Certified Hand Therapy Exam (USA) to further demonstrate excellence in practice.
What Can Hand Therapy Do For Me?
Various hand problems may result in pain, stiffness, swelling or joint deformity, affecting your ability to perform work tasks, play sports, and perform various activities of daily living. The problems may be due to arthritis, fractures, joint dislocations, sporting injuries, tendon and nerve injury, crush injuries, overuse injuries, neuropathies, chronic pain, deQuervains tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand therapy will include a thorough assessment of your problem, advice on how you can manage it, a home program of exercises and postural correction, and fabrication of appropriate splints and supports. If necessary, you may also be referred for x-rays or asked to organise a referral to see a Hand Surgeon for their opinion and surgical expertise.
How Do I Find a Hand Therapist?
We provide specialised hand therapy services in various locations throughout northern Sydney covering the management of hand and arm conditions. Our staff work very closely with consultant hand surgeons, general practitioners, rheumatologists, sports physiotherapists and referring doctors.