Hand therapy
What we do
We are a regional hand unit consisting of both specialist occupational therapists and physiotherapists, who work together to manage patients with a variety of hand injuries and long-term conditions. We aim to help patients return to optimum function or manage long-term conditions.
Our team
The team is led by a consultant hand therapist, who is supported by a clinical specialist hand therapist, 13 full-time hand therapists and one therapy assistant.
What we do
Education and Advice
We provide clinical advice and education on the condition/diagnosis and surgical procedure. We also provide guidance on the time scales for your recovery and outlining precautions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Splinting
To best manage your hand condition we make bespoke splints or provide off the shelf splints/braces.
Scar and oedema management
There are a number of modalities that can be used to help problematic scars and oedema both acute and more chronic.
Functional evaluation
Using functional activity we assess and analyse nerve, muscle and soft tissue function, and joint motion. We use this information to advise on functional rehabilitation and to aid surgical decision making in collaboration with our surgical colleagues
Rehabilitation programmes
We help our patients set goals to get back to the activities that are important to them.
We provide tailor made exercise programs delivered via our exercise prescription app Hand Therapy.
Exercises are either completed at home or, if indicated, in a class setting.
If you have an appointment with us you can download the Hand Therapy app via your iPhone/Android ahead of your appointment, so that, it is ready to use when you see your therapist.
*The information and exercises contained within the Hand Therapy app should only be accessed on the advice of a qualified health professional. If you access content without guidance you do so at your own risk.
Referrals
We offer both outpatient and inpatient hand therapy for both adults and children. We only accept referrals from one of the specialist hand consultants here at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We therefore are unable to accept self-referrals or direct via the GP. If you would like to access our service your GP can refer to one of the specialist hand consultants.
Location
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
We are located on the Ground Floor, Lift Bank C
Contact
Opening hours
Our service runs Mon–Fri, 8am – 6pm
If you need to change a Hand clinic appointment – for either the consultant/doctor or plastics dressing clinic, please contact: