Therapists

All those patients who require therapy will be seen by dedicated therapists who will supervise their post-operative management or for those patients who travel long distances they will arrange therapy locally to ensure continuity of care.

The Therapy team treats a variety of hand and upper limb conditions, these range from arthritic conditions such as osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, congenital problems, complex wrist injuries, as well as soft tissue injuries and muscle imbalance. 

Dedicated upper limb therapists work very closely with their surgical colleagues to offer evidence based treatments but are also able to provide bespoke treatments for the more complex conditions referred to the unit.  Since the team consists of both Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, a wide range of treatment modalities are available to patients, these range from custom made splints, specific exercises, oedema and wound care to electrotherapy and rehabilitation.  All treatments meet evidence-based standards and have established audit histories. 

The therapy team is also involved with patients before surgery, particularly patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and offers advice and information on conservative management as well as available surgical options.

The Hand Unit Therapy Team consists of 12 therapists, both Occupational and Physiotherapists, who specialise in the assessment and treatment of the hand and upper limb.  Their work covers both inpatients and outpatients ensuring a high standard of pre-operative care, immediately after surgery, and throughout the rehabilitation period.  This is a well-established MDT with extensive experience in this speciality.  Team members are actively involved with the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) as well as the British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) and make individual contributions to the respective specialties through local, national and international presentations and publications.
 

  
 
The hand and therapy service has been established for over twenty years and have gained particular expertise in assessment and treatment of the rheumatoid hand.  The team has published on this topic and share their experience through local and international presentations.  The team have a special interest in joint replacements and are involved in research as well as with the development and evaluation of treatment protocols that accompany the many different types of prostheses.