Working with your surgeon
We follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and keep them informed of your progress. If anything changes, we can contact them for advice.
Post-operative rehabilitation
Support after surgery, working with your surgeon.
After hand or wrist surgery, the weeks that follow play a big part in how your hand moves and feels. We provide specialised hand therapy that follows your surgeon's instructions and keeps them updated. It means you can have your rehab close to home, without long trips out of South Gippsland.
Understanding it
What is going on?
Post-operative rehabilitation is the therapy you have after surgery on your hand, wrist, elbow or forearm. It can include splinting, care of your wound and scar, managing swelling, and exercises to help bring back movement and strength. Each surgery and each surgeon has a slightly different plan, so your therapy is shaped around the procedure you had and the instructions your surgeon gives.
Common reasons people come in
- You have had surgery to fix a broken bone with plates, screws or wires
- You have had a tendon, nerve or ligament repaired
- You have had carpal tunnel or trigger finger release surgery
- You have had surgery for Dupuytren's disease
- You have had a joint replacement or joint fusion in your hand or wrist
- Your surgeon has asked you to see a hand therapist after your operation
Our approach
How hand therapy can help.
Splints made in the room
If you need a splint, we make and fit a custom thermoplastic one during your appointment and adjust it as you heal.
Swelling and scar care
We help you manage swelling and look after your scar as it matures, including massage, taping or silicone products where suitable.
Movement and strength
At the right stage, we guide you through exercises to help regain movement, strength and use of your hand for the tasks you need.
The road back
What recovery can look like.
- Early recovery
Soon after surgery, the focus is protecting the surgical site, fitting any splint and helping to manage swelling and pain.
- Restoring movement
When your surgeon allows, we begin guided exercises to help reduce stiffness and improve movement.
- Strength and function
As healing progresses, we build up grip, strength and control, and practise everyday tasks.
- Back to your routine
We help you plan a return to work, sport and hobbies. The timing of each stage depends on your surgery and your surgeon's plan.
Every recovery is different. Timeframes depend on your injury, any surgery, and your treating doctor's or surgeon's advice.
When to start
It helps to contact us before your surgery if you can, so we can plan your first appointment around your operation date. Many surgeons want therapy to start within the first week or two, but this depends on the procedure. Always follow the timing your surgeon gives you.
Questions
Post-operative rehabilitation, answered.
Can I have my therapy here if my surgery was in Melbourne?
Yes. Many people have surgery elsewhere and complete their hand therapy locally. We follow your surgeon's instructions and can send them updates.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any paperwork from your surgeon or hospital, such as the operation report or therapy instructions, and any splint or sling you were given. If your surgery is covered by TAC or WorkSafe, bring your claim number.
Is post-operative therapy covered by my health fund?
Many private health funds offer rebates for hand therapy under extras cover, depending on your policy. Check with your fund, and ask us if you have questions about other funding such as Medicare, TAC or WorkSafe.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. Call to book, or send an enquiry and we'll get back to you.