Occupational Therapy

Hand Therapy

What is Hand Therapy? It is the management of post surgical conditions and overuse injuries eg fractures, crush injuries, carpal tunnel, tennis and golfers elbow. Therapy includes splinting/supports, scar management, exercises, strengthening and devising suitable duties. 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. WE OFFER Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE’s) – an assessment of a workers capacity for work. Elements include lifting, postures eg squatting, cardiovascular fitness, endurance and their perceived capacity.

Workhab

We also offer Workhab Functional Capacities Workplace Evaluations– an on-site assessment of a worker’s usual position and to look at other positions if their usual position is not suitable for a period of time. This is often done in conjunction with an FCE. Joint visits can also be arranged with our psychologist or our physiotherapist for complex cases.

Suitable Duties development and monitoring

We design suitable duties plans in consultation with the treating medical officer, rehab coordinator, supervisors and workers. These are monitored by visiting the workplace, telephone or reviewing the worker in our rooms - where we can objectively assess progress and upgrade suitable duties quickly and safely.

Ergonomic Assessments

Aassessments of computer workstations can be arranged for individual workers or whole departments. We ensure computer users are set up correctly and make recommendations/suggestions about ergonomic aids eg mice, keyboards and ergonomic chairs.

Manual Task Audits

This is an analysis of all or part of your industry with recommendations on how to control these injury risks eg specialist advice on changes in procedures, eliminating tasks and/or mechanising a process. It can also be specialist confirmation that you are doing it all right! We offer a fully accredited Course in Manual Handling - please click here for further details.

Lymphoedema/Vascular Management – our therapists are trained to offer bandaging, massage and prescription of compression garments. Compression garments have proven to be effective for workers who spend a large amount of their time standing. They help to relieve pain and minimise varicose veins and vascular insufficiency.