How to Stick to Your Home Exercise Program: The Key to Faster Recovery and Lasting Results

At SA Hand Therapy, we prescribe Home Exercise Programs (HEP) to support rehabilitation outside the clinic. Whether recovering from a hand injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition, a HEP plays a vital role in bridging the gap between clinic sessions and real-life function. Consistency is key. Research has shown that adherence to HEPs significantly […]

Moisturisers and Scar Management: What Really Works

Massage of finger scar

When it comes to scar creams and gels, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth buying. Marketing makes big promises, but the research tells a clearer story. Scars affect both how skin looks and how it feels, so choosing the scar treatment matters. Some products are backed by strong evidence, while others fall […]

Physiotherapist or Hand Therapist? Understanding the Right Care for Your Upper Limb

It’s common to feel unsure about whether to see a physiotherapist or a hand therapist, especially when experiencing pain, stiffness, or injury in the hands or arms. If you’re based in Adelaide, South Australia, finding the right upper limb specialist can help ensure faster, more targeted recovery. Both are qualified allied health professionals who support […]

What to do for a Drooping Fingertip / Mallet Finger?

Mallet Finger: What It Is, How to Spot It, and Why Early Treatment Matters If you’ve ever caught your finger on a ball or jammed it awkwardly, you might have heard the term mallet finger. While it may seem minor at first, getting the right treatment early can ensure a smooth recovery and prevent long-term […]

Choosing the Best Pen for a Painful Thumb or Hand

When dealing with hand pain, especially at the base of the thumb, finding the right pen can make a world of difference. Whether caused by arthritis, hypermobility, or repetitive strain, the right tools can reduce discomfort and improve writing efficiency. This article explores the mechanics of thumb pinching, the role of pen design, and reviews […]

Understanding Trigger Finger: Anatomy, Causes, and Treatment Options

Anatomy of Trigger Finger - The diagram displays a thickened flexor tendon and nodule at the base of the digit and A1 pulley causing the finger to be in a flexed or stuck down position

Introduction Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a hand condition that can cause significant discomfort and loss of range of motion in the affected finger / fingers. (Yendi, Atilgan, Namadli, & Ayhan Kuru, 2024; Matthews et al., 2019). If you’re experiencing a finger that elicits pain with gripping or gets stuck in a bent position, […]

Empowering Independence: Adaptive Tools for Managing Hand and Upper Limb Arthritis

Collage of 2 pictures opening a bottle without an aid and with an aid.

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions worldwide, bringing with it a host of challenges that can significantly impact daily life (Sayyid, R., Uthman, I., 2015). The effects of arthritis vary widely, ranging from joint pain and stiffness to weakness and limitations in independence. While arthritis and hand arthritis is currently incurable, there are proactive […]

Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes and Conditions

Prevalence of wrist pain Wrist pain is a highly prevalent symptom that is particularly noted in people who partake in physically demanding or repetitive activities involving the upper limb or hand (Ferguson, et al., 2019). It can also occur with a range of conditions including, hyper-mobility, auto-immune issues or arthritis. According to Chen et al (2022), […]

Choosing a Tennis Elbow Brace

Man wearing tennis elbow strap

Tennis Elbow supports:  Do straps work? Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinosis. Overuse or repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons can cause this condition.  Whether you’re an athlete, work in a labouring job role or someone who does a lot of repetitive arm movements, the discomfort of […]

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Hand Therapy?

Hand therapist receptionist performing a health insurance rebate for a happy customer

In Australia, as you may know, health insurance hasdifferent tiers – Basic Hospital cover as the bare minimum, Bronze, Silver, and Gold cover. The higher the tier, the more surgeries, chronic illnesses,preventative procedures, mental health treatment, and fertility procedures (such as IVF) are covered. Of course, this costs more per month or year as a […]

Tennis Elbow – Facts and Treatment Options

Male tennis player about to make a shot from the back line, putting stress on his bent elbow.

Tennis Elbow Symptoms: Tennis elbow is also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, tendinosis or lateral epicondylitis (in the acute phases). Tennis elbow is characterised by elbow pain on the outside of the bony part of the elbow and often results in grip weakness. This can be due to injury or tendon weakening where the common […]

Is it really Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or could it be a hidden Pronator Syndrome?

Tingling, numbness, burning or sharp/electric pain to the forearm or hand are relatively common symptoms. This may indicate a nerve compression problem. A nerve that is not functioning well or conducting messages properly might be swollen, stretched or void of blood supply. If you have ever had any tingling or numbness in the hand you […]

How we select an appropriate thumb arthritis splint

There are many factors that go into choosing an appropriate thumb splint. Key considerations such as the significance of the thumb pain, degree of arthritic change and when the splint is to be worn will aid a therapist and their decision making process. Splints for the thumb can be categorised into ‘functional’ splints or ‘resting’ […]

Hand therapy space – Does design make a difference in patient outcomes?

SA Hand Therapy embarked on a project 2 years ago. To create a custom-designed clinic from the ground up on Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Over the past 30 years of being in the business of treating upper limb injuries, the business has had numerous locations and offices including in Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide. Some have […]