Post-operative Hand Therapy

Recovering well from hand, wrist or elbow surgery takes more than time – it takes the right rehabilitation. At Melbourne Hand Rehab, we work closely with hand surgeons across Melbourne to provide tailored post-operative therapy that protects your surgical repair, restores movement, and gets you back to full function as quickly as possible.

Following surgery, your therapist will monitor your progress and guide you through an individualised rehabilitation program. We provide post-operative hand therapy for a wide range of procedures, including finger, hand and wrist fractures; tendon and nerve repairs; soft tissue injuries; complex crush injuries; and fingertip amputations.

Our therapists work closely with hand and orthopaedic surgeons across Melbourne to deliver evidence-based rehabilitation – helping you restore movement, strength and function as quickly and safely as possible.

Surgeries we commonly support:

• Dupuytren’s contracture surgery (fasciectomy / needle aponeurotomy)
• Trigger finger release
• Tendon repair (flexor and extensor)
• Fracture fixation (ORIF) of the hand, wrist and forearm
• Wrist ligament and TFCC repair
• Thumb basal joint (CMC) arthroplasty
• Nerve repair
• Nerve decompression – including carpal tunnel release and cubital tunnel release
• Nail bed repair
• Skin grafts and flap surgery

Your therapist will work with you from the early stages of recovery through to full rehabilitation. Early stage treatment may include:

• Wound and oedema management
• Custom-made splinting to protect the repair
• Graduated range of motion exercises
• Scar management

Post-operative hand therapy cinics

Our post-operative clinics are located at Richmond – Victoria Gardens and Moorabbin, but we are able to help you to manage your post-operative injury at any of our clinic locations.

Referring a patient?

We work regularly alongside hand surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and plastic surgeons across Melbourne. We follow your post-operative protocols and provide timely progress updates to keep you informed throughout your patient’s recovery. With 11 clinics across Melbourne, we make access easy for your patients regardless of where they live. Learn more about referring to us on our Health Professionals page.

For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral after hand surgery?

Private clients can book directly following surgery – no referral needed. A referral is required if you are attending under WorkCover, TAC, DVA, or a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan. If you’re unsure, call us on 03 9458 5166 and we’ll help clarify before your first appointment.

When should I start hand therapy after surgery?

Early intervention is important. In most cases, hand therapy begins within the first few days to two weeks following surgery, depending on your surgeon’s protocols. Starting therapy promptly helps manage swelling, protect the repair, and prevent stiffness. Your surgeon will advise on timing, and we’ll work closely with their guidelines throughout your recovery.

How many sessions will I need after hand surgery?

This varies depending on the type of surgery and your individual recovery. Some patients require a few sessions for wound and scar management, while others – particularly following tendon or nerve repairs – may need ongoing therapy for several months. Your therapist can discuss your expected timeline at your first appointment

For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166