15 Dec What is hand therapy?

Never heard of what a hand therapist does? You’re not the only one, however we are important health professional that can help with your arm recovery and return back to activities that you love to do. 

What is a hand therapist?

A hand therapist is a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who is able to assess and treat conditions of the hand, elbow and shoulder. Hand Therapists have an important role in the recovery from injury or surgery of the arm.

What can hand therapy do for me? 

You may ask, what can hand therapy do for me? Hand Therapy involves a range of different therapy treatments, that can be conservative, pre- or post-surgery. These include, 

• Acute or chronic pain management 
• Client and family education
• Diagnosis and rehabilitation of specific hand, elbow and shoulder injuries
• Scar management and wound care
• Soft Tissue Massage
• Splinting  
• Range of motion exercises

What injuries does a hand therapist typically see? 

Hand Therapist see a range of common hand conditions. We take a collaborative approach with other health professionals and our clients to help achieve goals that a client identifies. Some of these typical injuries include, 

• Amputations 
• Burns and wounds
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Dislocations and Fractures
• Dupuytren Contracture
• Ganglion Cyst 
• Sport injuries
• Golfers Elbow 
• Tennis Elbow
• Trigger Finger 
• Wrist Sprains
• Musicians Injuries
• Works or road related injuries

How do I see a hand therapist?

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a Hand Therapist. Simply book at appointment online or
For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166

If you’re making a claim through Worksafe, TAC, Department of Veteran Affairs or with an Enhanced Primary Care Plan you will need to request a referral to see a Hand Therapist from your GP. See our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Meet our hand therapists > Here

By Jess Cauchi