What is Hand Therapy?

“Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand). It uses a number of therapeutic interventions to help return a person to their highest level of function. It evolved from the need for a specialist with the knowledge and experience required to manage the challenging recovery of complex hand and upper extremity injuries” – American Society for Surgery of the Hand

With over 10 years of experience, we use our, expertise and knowledge of anatomy and various conditions affecting the hand to provide effective treatments for our patients. We understand that not every patient is the same and tailor treatment to the patients’ needs, goals and lifestyle to get the best results

General Enquiries

071 6411 666

Email Contact

gayle@handsinot.co.za

Find Us

29 / 1 Peter Road, Tres Jolie, Roodepoort

OR

Shop 13, Hillfox Value Centre, Cnr Albert St & Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort

Goals of Hand Therapy

  • Protect and treat damaged tissues and joints

  • Minimize and manage pain

  • Reduce stiffness and improve mobility

  • Re-train hand function & fine motor skills

  • Strengthening the hand and wrist

  • Reduce and manage swelling

  • Improve or compensate for sensory abnormalities

  • Correct body posture and ergonomics to prevent injury

  • Assisting in returning to your Activities of Daily Livings (be it work, or leisure)

What We Treat

We have a passion for providing non-surgical treatment options and pain management strategies for patients. Hands In OT also provides post-surgical rehabilitation. We use a variety of research-proven treatment techniques, splints and assistive devices to help patients get back to work and doing what they love. Here are just a few of the conditions we treat:

  • Sprains and strains of the wrist and fingers

  • Injuries to ligament and joints

  • Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. “mouse-hand,” tennis elbow)

  • Nerve compressions and injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel)

  • Arthritis

  • Tendon injuries (e.g. mallet finger, boutonniere)

  • Fractures (splinting undisplaced fractures and post-surgical rehab)

  • Stiff hands

  • Tendon repairs

  • Joint replacements

  • Amputations

  • Burns and scars

  • Complications from infections

Affordable Healthcare

Our services are charged at medical aid rates and are provided by qualified, experienced and passionate Occupational Therapists.

Assessment

We provide meticulous assessment and interpretation of test results to confirm a diagnosis and implement appropriate, patient-specific treatment plans.

Home Visits

We offer home visits for your convenience or alternatively you can come to our offices in the tranquillity of Northvale AH. (near Pinehaven)

“I love seeing and hearing the results after patients complete their rehabiliation. There is just something so satisfying about a patient who came in on day one saying: they couldn’t do “X” or “Y,” and then on discharge they have achieved those things.”

GAYLE SEAGO, Occupational Therapist

Frequently Asked Questions

Different medical aids have different rules about therapy. In most cases reimbursement for therapy is subject to your medical savings, if you have funds available, your therapy will be covered. There are certain conditions that can be treated under the umbrella of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) or Oncology, ask your therapist whether either of these are applicable and we’ll assist with the application process.

Medical aid rates are applicable to all our services offered, so rest assured there are no co-payments.

A typical therapy session is around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition being treated. The frequency and duration of treatment varies significantly from person-to-person. Your therapist will be able to give you an estimate on the frequency and duration of therapy once an assessment has been done.

We ask that if you are unable to attend an appointment that you let the practice know at least 4 hours before the appointment to avoid being charged a cancellation fee. We also offer home visits to selected areas on prior arrangement if getting to the practice is difficult..

Yes, we will adapt the therapy session to your needs on the day of treatment. We will help in reducing your pain to get you back on the road to recovery..

Yes, we will be able to assess the wound and assist in changing wound dressings if needed. We will promote wound healing during the therapy process.

A custom splint is one that is made specifically for you and your specific symptoms/condition by a qualified hand therapist. A prefabricated brace is one that you can buy from your local pharmacy or orthopaedic supplier. Custom splints are generally preferred when more accurate positioning of joints and tissue is required. If support is needed short term or intermittently a prefabricated brace might be an option. Speak to your therapist about what option is best for you.

If you have any other questions, please contact us