Splints and supports
We may make a custom thermoplastic splint during your appointment to support a painful joint during tasks or at rest. We talk with you about when and how to wear it.
Arthritis & joint pain
Everyday tasks, made a little easier.
Sore, stiff or swollen hand joints can make opening jars, writing or gardening harder than it used to be. Specialised hand therapy looks at how arthritis affects your daily life and gives you practical ways to manage it. At our Wonthaggi clinic, the aim is to help you keep doing the things that matter to you.
Understanding it
What is going on?
Arthritis is a group of conditions that affect the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type in the hand, and often affects the base of the thumb and the finger joints. Inflammatory types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect the hands and wrists. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and weakness, and it can change over time. Therapy does not cure arthritis, but it may help you manage symptoms and protect your joints.
Common reasons people come in
- Pain at the base of your thumb when pinching, gripping or turning keys
- Stiff, sore or swollen finger joints, especially in the morning
- Trouble opening jars, doing up buttons or holding a pen
- You have been told you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in your hands
- Your hand feels weaker than it used to
- You want to keep working, gardening or doing hobbies with less strain on your joints
Our approach
How hand therapy can help.
Joint protection
We show you ways to do everyday tasks that put less strain on your joints, and suggest tools or gadgets that may help around the home.
Exercise program
We design an exercise program to suit your hands, which may help with movement, strength and stability.
Managing flare-ups
We talk through ways to help manage pain and stiffness, such as pacing your activities and using heat or cold where suitable.
The road back
What recovery can look like.
- Assessment
We look at your joints, movement, strength and the daily tasks you find hard, so we can understand what matters most to you.
- Settling symptoms
We may start with splinting, activity changes and gentle exercise to help ease pain and stiffness.
- Building strength
Over time we add exercises to help support your joints and improve how your hand works.
- Long-term management
We help you build a plan you can keep using at home, with check-ins as needed if things change.
Every recovery is different. Timeframes depend on your injury, any surgery, and your treating doctor's or surgeon's advice.
When to start
You can start hand therapy at any stage, whether you have just been told you have arthritis or have lived with it for years. If your joints are suddenly hot, red and swollen, or you feel unwell, see your GP first. Otherwise, getting assessed early can help you learn ways to manage your symptoms sooner.
Questions
Arthritis & joint pain, answered.
Can hand therapy help if I have had arthritis for a long time?
Many people with long-term arthritis find practical strategies, splints and exercise useful. Results differ from person to person, and we will talk with you about realistic goals.
Will I need to wear a splint all the time?
Not usually. Splints for arthritis are often worn during certain tasks or at night, but this depends on your joints and what you need. We will go through this with you.
Can I use Medicare for arthritis hand therapy?
If your GP refers you under an eligible care plan for a chronic condition, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for some sessions. Ask your GP whether you are eligible.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. Call to book, or send an enquiry and we'll get back to you.