Custom splints
We make and fit a thermoplastic splint during your appointment, shaped to your hand to protect the injury. We adjust it as swelling changes and as you heal.
Fractures & dislocations
Getting your hand moving again, step by step.
A broken or dislocated finger, hand or wrist can make simple tasks feel hard. Specialised hand therapy helps protect the injury while it heals, then guides you back towards using your hand for work, home and the things you enjoy. We work alongside your doctor or surgeon so your care in Wonthaggi fits their plan.
Understanding it
What is going on?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. A dislocation is when the bones in a joint are pushed out of their normal position. In the hand and wrist these injuries often happen in a fall, a sporting knock or a work accident. Some are managed with a splint or cast, and some need surgery. Either way, the hand usually needs protection while it heals, and then careful work to bring back movement, strength and confidence.
Common reasons people come in
- You have a broken finger, hand or wrist and need a splint or support
- A finger joint has been dislocated and put back in place
- Your doctor or the emergency department has asked you to see a hand therapist
- Your cast has come off and your wrist or fingers feel stiff and weak
- You have ongoing swelling or stiffness after a hand injury
- You want help getting back to work, sport or daily tasks after a break
Our approach
How hand therapy can help.
Managing swelling
Swelling can make a hand stiff and sore. We show you ways to help manage it, such as positioning, gentle movement and compression where suitable.
Guided movement
When it is safe, we guide you through exercises to help bring back movement in your fingers, hand and wrist. Everything follows your doctor's or surgeon's advice.
Strength and daily tasks
As healing allows, we build up your grip and strength and work on the tasks that matter to you, such as work duties, driving or getting dressed.
The road back
What recovery can look like.
- Protect
Early on, the focus is keeping the injury safe while the bone or joint heals. This often means a splint and caring for swelling.
- Move
Once your doctor or surgeon is happy, we start gentle, controlled movement to help reduce stiffness.
- Strengthen
As the injury becomes more stable, we slowly add exercises to build grip, strength and control.
- Return to activity
We help you plan a safe return to work, sport and everyday tasks. How long each stage takes varies from person to person.
Every recovery is different. Timeframes depend on your injury, any surgery, and your treating doctor's or surgeon's advice.
When to start
If you have just injured your hand, see your GP or go to the emergency department first so the injury can be checked and X-rayed. Hand therapy is often started early, sometimes within days, to fit a splint and begin care. The right timing depends on your injury and your doctor's or surgeon's advice, so get in touch and we can talk it through.
Questions
Fractures & dislocations, answered.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book without a referral. If you are using Medicare, TAC, WorkSafe or DVA funding, a referral or claim number may be needed for that funding, so please let us know when you book.
Can you make a splint instead of a cast?
For some fractures and dislocations, a custom splint may be used instead of, or after, a cast. This decision is made with your doctor or surgeon, based on your injury.
How long will my recovery take?
Healing times vary with the type of injury, your general health and your treating doctor's plan. We will talk with you about what to expect as we go and review your progress at each visit.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. Call to book, or send an enquiry and we'll get back to you.