Hand Therapy Awareness Week is an integrated national program supported by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA).
Presented by Corio Bay Health Group, Hand Therapy Awareness Week runs from June 1-7 and is designed to raise the profile of hand therapy in the community and amongst referrers. Essentially it brings the benefits of the hand therapy profession to new audiences – demonstrating the advantages of prevention and treatment procedures for patients who have been affected by an accident or trauma, and educating the public.
For those that’s aren’t sure what exactly hand therapy is, it’s the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb – shoulder to hand. Hand Therapy has since developed from the original professions of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. Through further education, clinical experience and independent study these therapists have become proficient in the treatment of upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease and deformity. Some of the typically treated conditions include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis elbow, Trigger finger, Finger dislocation, Wrist instability, De Quervain’s, Tendinopathy, Arthritis, Fractures, Raynaud’s Disease, and Musician Hand Injuries.
From here, a Practitioner in Hand Therapy is a hand therapy professional qualified to provide safe, evidence- based diagnosis, advice and treatment through accurate assessments, immediate care and effective evidence-based treatment, a comprehensive continuum of care in the management of complex hand and upper limb injuries from the initial assessment through to the discharge from therapy, extensive knowledge and experience of upper limb anatomy, physiology and tissue healing, functional outcomes ensuring a faster return to work and leisure and, patient education to encourage rehabilitation and avoid reinjury, and even surgery.
If you’re interested in finding out more, or you need help yourself, contact Andrew Silaev from Corio Bay Health Group at [email protected].
Corio Bay Health Group Geelong is located 283 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong Vic 3220.
