FAQS
What is a hand therapist?
‘Hand therapist’ is shorthand for an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who specialises in the treatment of upper limb (shoulder to hand) conditions. Hand therapists undertake further education, perform independent study and acquire clinical experience specific to the upper limb. They recognise and treat a variety of chronic and acute hand injuries and conditions, and offer both pre-operative and post-operative therapy for surgical patients.
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist focuses on promoting health and wellbeing through occupation. The primary aim of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in everyday activities. In the context of hand therapy, this means using activity to restore hand function and to promote a return to daily life and employment. Occupational therapists use a client-centred approach to determine the activities each patient wants, needs or is expected to perform, and then work with the patient to enable them to engage in those activities.
What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist assesses, diagnoses, treats and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work with their patients to overcome movement disorders, whether present from birth, arising from injury or the result of disease, usage or age. In the context of hand therapy, this means assisting patients to recover from injury, reducing pain and stiffness and increasing mobility in the hand so that they can return to daily life and employment.
What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A Certified Hand Therapist is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who has passed an exam in advanced clinical skills and theory and has more than 5 years of clinical experience, including more than 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice. Certified Hand Therapists are required to re-certify every 5 years.
Why see a hand therapist?
Hand therapists have a high degree of specialisation involving continuing education, independent study and clincial experience specific to the upper limb. They recognise and treat a variety of chronic and acute hand injuries and conditions, and offer both pre-operative and post-operative therapy for surgical patients. Their knowledge of the hand is thorough and specific. They work closely with patients to reduce pain and stiffness and increase function and mobility in order to ensure a speedy return to daily activities.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Only if you are a WorkCover, motor accident or government-insured patient. If you have consulted a GP or specialist about your hand problem, you may be referred to us, but a written referral is not necessary if you are self-funded or privately-insured.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
This depends on the time of year (some times are busier than others) and the nature of your problem. Usually, though, you will be offered an appointment within a few days, and often on the same day. Provision is made for patients with traumatic injuries requiring immediate treatment.
Can I claim on my private health insurance ?
Yes, if you have extras cover your appointment is claimable under occupational or physiotherapy. The level of rebate you get back will depend on your level of cover. We have HICAPS available for claiming on the day.