Hand Conditions/Injuries

Patients may be referred following trauma or elective
hand surgery including:
• Tendon repairs and transfers
• Peripheral Nerve Repairs
• Fractures
• Burns
• Joint replacements and fusions
• Dupuytrens Release
• Replant / revascularization
• Grafts / Flaps

Patients may develop hand problems from degenerative changes, congenital abnormalities or from injury whereby hand therapy may prevent surgical intervention:
• Pain Syndromes
• Hypertrophic scarring
• Arthritis
• Nerve compression syndromes
• Tenosynovitis
• Joint stiffness or contractures
• Ligament injury

Assessment/Treatment

Upon referral the therapist will administer objective assessments of upper limb function including movement, strength and sensation.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and varies depending on the condition. The therapist may utilise the following tools:

• Static and dynamic splinting
• Home exercise programmes
• Joint mobilizations
• Management of scars and swelling
• Custom made pressure garments
• Strengthening
• Ultrasound and TENS
• Sensory re-education
• Dressing changes and wound check
• Education regarding surgery or condition
• Advice and information for return to previous level of functioning