Hand Therapy Services at Northern Health
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb - shoulder to hand. It involves evaluation and testing to assess the injured limb from which a specific treatment program can be designed. A variety of specialised treatment techniques are used to achieve these goals.
What is a Hand Therapist?
Hand Therapists are registered Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who, through further education, clinical experience and independent study have become proficient in the treatment of upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease or deformity.
Within Northern Health the Hand Therapy Service is a stand alone serviceconsisting of both Occupational Therapists & Physiotherapists with an approximate 3.4 EFT.
Service and Programs
Acute and Community Care Programs
(The Northern Hospital/Craigieburn Health Service)
Hand Therapy Assessment
Hand Therapy assessment includes hand function, appearance, oedema, scars, joint range sensation, strength and dexterity. Standardized assessment tools may be employed as deemed appropriate such as Goniometry, Semms Weinstein, Jamar Dynomometer, Vancouver Scar Assessment Scale.
Hand Therapy Treatment Provision
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Thorough assessment of hand function, oedema, scars, joint range, strength and dexterity
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Splinting (for immobilization/protection/function/pain relief/mobilisation)
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Oedema control
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Scar management, including pressure garment prescription if appropriate
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Hypersensitivity reduction/desensitization programs
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Sensory re-education
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Mobilisation programs
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Strengthening program
Functional and return to work advice (liaison with occupational rehabilitation providers/insurance companies/employers).
Intervention will continue to be provided by this service until progress plateaus. Where appropriate, a self-directed home exercise program will be prescribed.
Who Could Benefit from the Hand Therapy Service?
An individual presenting with:
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Hypertrophic scarring for scar management.
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Tendon injury for protective splinting and early mobilization.
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Amputation of a digit that has developed hypersensitivity for a desensitization program.
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Hand fractures and dislocations for oedema control, protective splinting and mobilisation.
- Grafts to the hand/upper limb for protective splinting
Careers
Link to NH Careers Page
Student Information
Northern Health Hand Therapy is a affiliated with a number of universities and are able to provide core clinical placment in a number of areas.
Research and Achievements
The Hand Therapy Service actively supports hand therapists wanting to undertake research in their field of speciality.
Allied Health Learning and Research page
Contact Us
alliedhealthenquiries@nh.org.au
Links to External Organisations
Australian Hand Therapy Association Inc.
Australian Physiotherapy Association
Occupational Therapy Australia
Occupational Therapy Australia Victoria
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