Newcastle Hand Therapy offer specialised treatment for hand and upper limb pathology in a private clinic. We are an occupational therapist owned practice and have a good relationship with local GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthopaedic surgeons and hand surgeons.
Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb - shoulder to hand. It involves evaluation and testing to assess the injured limb from which a specific treatment program can be designed. A variety of specialised treatment techniques are used to achieve these goals. A hand therapist is a registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who, through further education, clinical experience and independent study has become proficient in the treatment of upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease or deformity.
What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper limb rehabilitation. Because of advances and research in the area of hand and upper limb therapy and surgery, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
What is the AHTA?
The Australian Hand Therapy Association Inc. (AHTA) is Australia's only professional association representing practitioners of hand therapy. It provides support for its members through continuing education, professional development, networking and representation at state and national levels. It also acts as a central referral point for doctors and members of the public seeking the services of Hand Therapists in specific geographic locations.
Through its membership of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT), the AHTA is also able to assist in locating hand therapists in other countries.
Why See A Certified Hand Therapist?
The intricate anatomy of the arm and hand frequently requires very delicate surgery, often with microscopic techniques. The technical complexity of these kinds of surgeries necessitates a high level of competence by therapists with advanced skills in upper limb rehabilitation during postoperative recovery. Therapists must be knowledgeable about these advanced surgical techniques and postoperative therapy programs to become CHTs. They must also remain current with changes in hand therapy practice.
Links
- Australian Hand Therapy Association www.ahta.com.au
- Australian Occupational Therapy www.otaus.com.au
- Australian Hand Surgery Society www.ahssociety.org.au
- American Society for Hand Therapy www.asht.org
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand www.assh.org
- International Federation of Societies for Hand therapy www.ifsht.org
