Hand Therapy Hand therapists treat and rehabilitate patients with upper limb injuries, particularly of the wrist and hand. These injuries include traumatic injuries, congenital deformities, neurological and arthritic conditions, and regional pain syndrome arising from RSI of the hands. Role of physiotherapy A hand therapist has a range of skills which are invaluable to the patient's level and rate of recovery. Hand surgeons and hand therapists generally work together to ensure the best possible result for the patient. Benefits of physiotherapy One of the major skills of the hand therapist is custom-made splinting. Splinting can be used for rest and immobilisation of fractures and soft tissue injuries, protection during sport and work, enhanced function, or for correcting contractures. Other skills include oedema management, scar management and wound care using modalities such as massage, compression and appropriate silicon products and dressings. Return to optimal activity levels is enhanced with the provision of aids and appliances, e.g. recommendations for car alterations, work site assessment and return to work plans. Other treatment techniques include passive joint mobilisation and soft tissue work such as deep friction massage. Specific exercise programs are prescribed to mobilise, strengthen, and desensitise. Electrotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, laser, wax, TENS, and electrical stimulation are all frequently employed in treatment. Finding a physiotherapist Would you like the names of physiotherapists who have a special interest in Hand Therapy?  This falls under the category of Hand and Splinting on our online search function - [Find a Physiotherapist online now!] © By courtesy of the Australian Physiotherapy Association