hand therapy

Flexout Health are leaders in hand therapy.

Our occupational therapists and physiotherapists work closely with local hand and upper limb surgeons and rehabilitation providers to help you overcome any hand, wrist or arm injury or condition. All therapists have completed specialised study in hand and upper limb rehabilitation and participate in ongoing education to keep abreast of the latest techniques.

What is a hand therapist?

A hand therapist can be an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with additional training in hand, wrist, arm and shoulder conditions. Flexout Health Hand therapists are members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA). Our hand therapists liaise with you, your doctor, surgeon, employer, rehabilitation provider and allied health professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care.

How can we help you?

Osteoarthritis management

Osteoarthritis is an age related and/or wear and tear condition that often affects the hands and in particular, the base of our thumbs. Over time, pain can develop from damage to the joint itself, from weakness that occurs, or an imbalance of muscles that are working to try and support the joint. Hand therapists can help to strengthen, balance muscle power, and educate you on ways to protect the joint from ongoing damage.

Post-operative hands and wrists

Our hand therapy team works closely with the local surgeons to maximise your recovery following surgery. Treatment may include removing post operative dressings, wound management, splinting and the commencement of rehabilitation exercises in conjunction with your surgeon.

Elbow pain and rehabilitation

Our therapists have a functional knowledge of the complicated three-joint elbow complex as well as the associated soft tissue structures supporting it. Following a detailed assessment of the elbow we can identify all contributing factors associated with your presenting symptoms. Our experienced team of therapists can then use a combination of protection with braces if required and education on activity modifications, soft tissue treatment, manual techniques and a personalised program of mobility and strengthening exercises to help get you back to your best.

Wrist pain and rehabilitation

The wrist is one of the more complex parts of the human anatomy. Injuries as a result of trauma or overuse may lead to pain or weakness of this important structure. There are a significant number of ligaments in your wrist which provide stability to the wrist, whilst also providing important information to your brain about what your wrist and hand is doing. Following injury it’s common for this to be impacted and our therapists are able to provide you with specific exercises to improve your proprioception and return you back to your full activities.

Finger injuries

These common sporting injuries can involve a dislocation, a break in the bone, or damage to the tendon or ligaments. Swelling is often present and this persistent swelling can cause stiffness and limit recovery.

Nerve injuries and compressions

Nerves are sensitive to change and can often become stretched, caught between muscles, compressed in tunnels within the arm, or become sensitive to swelling or pressure. Our Hand Therapy team is skilled in the diagnosis and management of these conditions, and often work in conjunction with neurologists and surgeons to minimise their impact.

Pain management

Our evidenced based treatment focuses on the importance of understanding the biopsychosocial model of pain care for better management and recovery. This in turn helps our patients to implement pacing techniques and gentle exercises to return them to their meaningful activities. Sometimes to achieve this goal we may need to involve your GP, pain specialists and other health professionals to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach.

Waterproof casts for fracture management

Our hand therapists can fit you with a comfortable waterproof cast which is particularly useful for children or those needing to continue working more than they should whilst their fracture heals. The cast provides excellent immobilisation for stable fractures.

Wound and scar management

Scar formation is a normal response following injury or surgery. It is the way the body heals. Our Flexout Health hand therapy team uses a variety of techniques such as soft tissue massage, compression therapy, silicone gel treatment, ultrasound treatment or splinting to improve the appearance of scarring.

Upper limb limitations from neurological injuries

The upper limb can be greatly affected by neurological injuries, such as stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. In particular, the damage to the nervous system can impact on the communication between the arm and the brain. It is not uncommon to develop tight muscles resulting in wrist and finger contractures, tremors, weakness, and some muscles that just don't work anymore. Anyone with a neurological injury is different and therefore goals and strategies need to be individualised for best outcomes.

Splints and braces

Splints and braces are a large part of what we do. Our custom made splints are lightweight and removable so you can do your exercises, check your wounds, and shower whilst still protecting your injury. Options are available for protection and support, swelling reduction, regaining range, return to sport and much more. Finger, elbow, thumb and wrist splints are available in all different shapes, sizes and colours dependent on your needs.

FAQs

I’ve only just had surgery - is it too early to begin therapy?

No. It is important to offer education and advice regarding your procedure early to prevent later complications. Attending in the first few days after surgery enables us to focus on control of swelling and pain, change dressings where required, and maintain mobility in unaffected joints.

How often do I have to attend for treatment?

The frequency of your visits will depend on your problem. Factors to consider include your injury, where you live, whether you have a wound or splint to monitor, and how well you are progressing.

Can I just see a general physiotherapist for my hand problem?

Generally no. A specialised hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who has completed additional training in the management of hand, wrist and arm problems to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

Do I need a doctor referral?

In Australia, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are first contact practitioners, so a referral is not required to attend for treatment. There are, however, a few exceptions (motor vehicle third party claims and Medicare claims) where you will need to see your doctor prior to attending.

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hand therapy

Flexout Health are leaders in hand therapy.

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