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Who hand therapy is for - and how it helps

Hand therapy may help if pain, injury or stiffness is affecting your hand, wrist or elbow.
Our hand therapists support people recovering from injury, managing ongoing pain or rebuilding strength and movement after surgery.

Hand therapy may be helpful if you are:

Recovering from a hand, wrist or elbow injury

Managing ongoing pain, stiffness or swelling

Returning to work or sport after injury

Experiencing reduced grip strength or movement

Recovering after surgery

Treatment focuses on improving movement, strength and everyday function so you can return to work, sport and daily activities with confidence.

Common conditions and treatments

Hand therapy can support recovery from a range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.

Conditions we treat
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendon injuries and tendonitis
  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis (Gamer's thumb)
  • Wrist, thumb and finger sprains
  • Hand and wrist fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
  • Nerve compression or nerve injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Overuse injuries (OOS / RSI)
  • Burns and scar management
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation
Treatments we may use

Manual therapy and massage

Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.

Dry needling

A targeted technique used to release tight muscles and reduce pain.

Shockwave therapy

A treatment that may support recovery from persistent tendon pain.

 

Common conditions hand therapy can help with

Hand therapy can support recovery from a range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, including:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendon injuries and tendonitis
  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis (Gamer's thumb)
  • Wrist, thumb and finger sprains
  • Hand and wrist fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
  • Nerve compression or nerve injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Overuse injuries (OOS / RSI)
  • Burns and scar management
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation

What to expect from hand therapy

Your therapist will start with an assessment of your hand, wrist and elbow, including movement, strength and function.

Treatment may include exercises to improve strength and mobility, hands-on therapy, scar management, splinting if needed, and guidance to support safe recovery.

An individual

Movement and biomechanical screening
Strength and balance testing
Joint mobility assessment
Tendon load tolerance
Running gait analysis (when relevant)
Return-to-sport readiness testing

We commonly support injuries such as:

Hamstring and calf strains
Ankle sprains and instability
Knee pain and patellofemoral pain
Achilles and patellar tendon injuries
Shin pain and overuse injuries
Shoulder instability and rotator cuff pain
You’ll leave with a clear plan - not just general advice.

Treatments that your hand therapist might use or suggest

Your treatment plan may combine hands-on care with modern rehabilitation tools.
Manual therapy (massage)

Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle
tension and improve mobility.

Dry needling

A targeted technique used to release tight muscles and reduce pain. 

Shockwave therapy

A treatment that may support recovery
from persistent tendon pain.

ACC and hand therapy

If your injury is covered by ACC, you can book an appointment without a GP referral. You might need to pay a small surcharge.

Related physio and rehabilitation services

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
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Concussion
Sports injury prevention
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Surgical recovery
Surgical recovery
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Pain support
Pain support
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Headache support
Headache support
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Podiatry
Podiatry
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Frequently asked questions

What does a hand therapist treat?
Hand therapists assess and treat conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, including sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve conditions and post-surgery recovery.

Do I need a referral for hand therapy?
No. If your injury is covered by ACC, you can usually book hand therapy without a GP referral.

What happens at a hand therapy appointment?
Your therapist will assess movement, strength and function in your hand, wrist and elbow. Treatment may include exercises, hands-on therapy, splinting and guidance to support recovery.

Can hand therapy help after surgery?
Yes. Hand therapy can support recovery after surgery by helping improve strength, movement and everyday function over time.

Ready to get started?

Whether you're recovering from injury or managing hand, wrist or elbow pain, our team is here to help.
Book now
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