Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy Services Now Available at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy, North Shore Sydney

Chen Li, an Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA), is now offering Sydney hand therapy services at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy providing expert treatment in hand, wrist and elbow conditions.

After graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Chen began her hand therapy career at Sydney Hospital Hand Unit and Sydney Children’s Hospital where she developed her expertise in splinting for adult and paediatric hand conditions. She has a decade of experience in treating a wide range of conditions, including wrist pain, arthritis, overuse injuries, hand fractures and dislocations, and complex hand trauma

Chen holds the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist (USA) credential and is an Accredited Hand Therapist awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association.

 

What is Hand Therapy and a Hand Therapist?

Hand therapy is an area of physiotherapy focusing on treating injuries and conditions affecting the upper limb, including the hand, fingers, wrist, and elbow. In Australia, an Accredited Hand Therapist is an AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority) registered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist who has undertaken advanced postgraduate upper-limb education and training to become an expert in hand and upper-limb rehabilitation. An Accredited Hand Therapist has also demonstrated an advanced level of competence in hand therapy and has been assessed by the Australian Hand Therapy Association Credentialing Council as qualified and competent to provide safe, evidence-based diagnosis, advice and treatment.

Conditions Treated

Hand therapy specialises in the treatment of various hand, wrist, finger, and elbow conditions, including:

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Trigger finger
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wrist pain
• Tennis elbow
• Distal radius fracture
• Scaphoid fracture
• Skier’s thumb
• Boxer’s fracture
• Mallet finger
• Radial head fracture
• Finger dislocations
• Hand and thumb arthritis

In addition to these conditions, hand therapy also includes rehabilitation for post-operative hand surgery, such as tendon repairs, hand and wrist fractures, carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, Dupuytren’s release and bicep repairs.

 

What Hand Therapy Involves

Hand therapy treatment involves:

• Splinting and casting: In cases where immobilisation is required for healing, customised thermoplastic splints and waterproof casts are fabricated to protect the injury. Splints can also be made out of neoprene, lycra, leather or fabrifoam.
• Hand Exercise: Tailored exercises to restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility in the hand, wrist, or elbow.
• Scar Care: Techniques to manage and soften scars, preventing adhesions and improving skin movement after hand surgery or injury.
• Swelling Management: Strategies such as compression, elevation and massage techniques to reduce swelling and improve movement.
• Pain Management: Various methods to relieve pain from hand injury or hand surgery
• Education: Guidance on ergonomics and activity modifications.

Benefits of Seeing a Hand Therapist

1. Specialised Knowledge
   Hand therapists are highly trained in the anatomy of the hand and upper limb. This expert knowledge allows them to develop precise treatment plans that focus on restoring the intricate movements and strength of the hand and wrist.
2. Network to Medical Specialists

Hand therapists work closely with specialist hand surgeons to determine if hand surgery is required. Hand therapists also have expert knowledge on hand surgery protocols to ensure patients achieve full recovery after surgery.

3. Prevention of Long-Term Complications
   Without proper treatment, many hand and wrist conditions can lead to long-term stiffness, pain, and finger deformities. Early intervention by a hand therapist ensures a better prognosis and may prevent the need for surgery.
4. Faster Recovery
   Whether you’re recovering from surgery, an injury, or managing a chronic condition, hand therapy can significantly speed up your recovery. A structured rehabilitation program ensures you regain mobility and strength as quickly and safely as possible.
5. Non-Surgical Treatment Options
   For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, wrist pain or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, hand therapy offers non-surgical treatments that can relieve symptoms and restore function without the need for surgery.