Hand therapy clinic to treat injuries, pain, trauma, tendonitis, fractures and scars in the arms and hands - offered by Occupational Therapists
Jen Kaess grew up and Ballarat and after studying in Melbourne and gaining experience and expertise at multiple other centres both in Metro Melbourne, regionally and internationally before setting up in private practice in Ballarat. After working in a local clinic for many years, she decided that it was time to venture out on her own, to offer unique and compassionate Hand Therapy services to the people of Ballarat and surrounds. With a clear goal of offering exceptional customer service, excellent and evidenced based therapeutic intervention in a welcoming and supportive environment the location of Restore Allied Health was selected and she has worked very hard to ensure the team are exceeding this goal. We are so lucky that Rachael Leigh joined the team to be our Office Manager to keep the whole place running smoothly. Restore Hand therapy is offered by Jen Kaess as the principal Occupational therapist. Karen Goodwin and Emma Allan also provide exceptional Hand Therapy services at Restore Hand Therapy. Jen is also an Accredited Hand therapist as awarded by the AHTA, and has achieved the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist status. The therapists are experienced in Acute and long term hand and upper limb splinting. Jen is also experienced in Dry Needling. Restore Hand therapy offers a sports clinic on Monday afternoons to see people who have sustained finger, hand, wrist and elbow injuries at sport over the weekend. We endeavor to support our patients to continue to play sport safely with appropriate bracing, taping and education if at all possible, while they recover. Karen Goodwin is a kind and experienced OT with with many years of experience in pain management, arthritis and other degenerative condition care and her practical and caring intervention. Emma Allan has recently joined and has a passion for Hand therapy for almost a decade now. She is loving the teams experience and comes with a creative, driven and dynamic style to work with patients to get their best outcomes. Both Emma and Karen are participating in formal hand therapy extended education and get frequent mentorship from Jen and each other, so you will always get the benefit of all of the teams experience. Degenerative, overuse, trauma, surgical, arthritic and pain conditions of the hand and arm are expertly assessed and managed with care, compassion and skill, to maximise function and minimise pain and scaring in a timely and supportive way, to help our patients reach their goals and continue to function as quickly as possible. We primarily use Woodcast for splinting. Woodcast is a biodegradable and sustainable splinting material with all the properties of the thermoplastics we have used for decades but will become compost within a couple years if left in the garden.
26/09/2025
Thank you so much for your kind words Amanda.
We and our patients love having your amazing art adorning our walls.
We’re so glad to hear that your experience with our team is so positive and that your treatment has made a difference.
Supporting our patients on their recovery journey is always our priority, and feedback like yours means the world to us.
Upper limb recovery after a stroke, brain injury or cerebral palsy takes time — and expert guidance.
Whether it's been weeks, months or even years, it’s never too late to improve.
We help with:
🧠 Stroke recovery
🚗 Acquired brain injury (e.g. car crash, fall, bleed)
👶 Cerebral Palsy in children or adults
💪 Managing tone, spasticity, weakness and coordination
🖐️ Preventing contractures and maximising function
👐 Our therapy supports:
✅ Active movement and motor relearning
✅ Tone management
✅ Functional task training
✅ Splinting to maintain or improve position
✅ Home exercise programs that make sense
💬 We work with NDIS, TAC, My Aged Care and private clients.
Reach out for an individual plan tailored to your goals. Call 5303 0333 to book an appointment and see one of our compassionate hand therapists.
23/09/2025
Just letting our patients know Restore Hand Therapy will be closed on Friday September 26th & Monday September 29th.
We will be back, refreshed and ready to go on Tuesday September 30th.
During this time you can still book your appointments online at restorehands.com.au or leave a message and we will return your call.
Thank you for your understanding 💙
We hope you all have a great long weekend!
19/09/2025
Happy Birthday to our fabulous Hand Therapist Emma! 💙🎉🎂
Make sure to wish her a Happy Birthday when you’re in the clinic.
19/09/2025
New Grad OT?
Kickstart
Your Career in Hand Therapy!
Ready to dive into the world of hand therapy?
At Restore Hand Therapy (Ballarat) we’re looking for a new or soon-to-graduate OT who’s passionate about patient care, keen to keep learning, and excited to grow with our team.
To find out more detailed information about the role, just scan the QR Code or visit www.restorehands.com.au
Feel free to share this post!
16/09/2025
The RESTORE Scar Therapy method is used in NHS hospital settings as well as cancer support centres and private practices across the world.
Jennifer Kaess is now a certified RESTORE Scar Therapy Practitioner. Jen is now equipped with a wide range of manual techniques to treat any kind of scar, enhancing her ability to deliver effective, personalised care after injury or surgery to any part of the body.
How can Scar Therapy help?
👉🏻 Minimise scarring from the surgical removal or repair of spots, burns, grafts and other wounds both big and small.
👉🏻 Reduce common symptoms, such as pain and sensitivity.
👉🏻 Stimulate change to scar tissue on the skin surface, and to adhesions or fibrosis in the underlying tissue.
👉🏻Promote functional and cosmetic improvements after surgery or injury that creates scar tissue.
If you’d like to make an appointment with Jen to discuss your scar concerns please call our friendly team on 5303 0333
12/09/2025
Scaphoid fractures can be very tricky fractures. They can be very difficult to detect on a plain X-ray and most of the time need another X-ray at the 10-day mark or a scan such as an MRI or CT scan.
Scaphoid fractures are the most commonly fractured carpal bone and often occur due to direct trauma or falling onto an outstretched hand.
The treatment of a scaphoid fracture depends on various factors, including the location and severity of the fracture. Due to poor blood supply a scaphoid fracture can often require surgery to ensure healing.
If you have injured your wrist please book an appointment to see one of our compassionate hand therapists today.
They can help guide you on the right path to treatment.
It’s a great day to remember that every day is an opportunity to ask, "R U OK?" If you notice someone who might be struggling, reaching out can make a big difference. It's crucial for all of us to create a supportive environment where it's okay to talk about how we're feeling.
Let’s all commit to starting these meaningful conversations. It can truly change a life.
10/09/2025
🐾 Exciting visitor alert! 🐾
Meet Dexter, our Hand Therapist Emma’s adorable new puppy who brightened up the workplace this week. 🐶✨
He brought plenty of cuddles, and smiles all around — we think he’s already part of the team! 💕
09/09/2025
✋️ Don't ignore, sore, stiff or tired hands - small changes can make a big difference!
👉 Visit our website at www.restorehands.com.au to make an appointment. Or phone our friendly reception team on 5303 0333
04/09/2025
🏆👏 A big round of applause to all the incredible local athletes making it to the football & netball finals! Your hard work, grit, and determination are inspiring. 💪
At Restore Hand Therapy, we know that every pass and catch, puts your hands through their paces. Whether it’s a sprain, strain, fracture, or overuse injury, our hand therapy team is here to help you recover and get back to doing what you love—stronger than ever. 🖐️✨
👉 Book your appointment today and keep your hands in winning form!
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Jen Kaess grew up and Ballarat and after studying in Melbourne and gaining experience and expertise at multiple other centres both in Metro Melbourne, regionally and internationally before setting up in private practice in Ballarat. After working in a local clinic for many years,eh s decided that it was time to venture out on her own, to offer unique and compassionate Hand Therapy services to the people of Ballarat and surrounds.
With a clear goal of offering exceptional customer service, excellent and evidenced based therapeutic intervention in a welcoming and supportive environment the location of Restore Allied Health was selected and she has worked very hard to ensure the team are exceeding this goal. We are so lucky that Rachael Leigh joined the team to be our Office Manager to keep the whole place running smoothly.
Restore Hand therapy is offered by Jen Kaess as the principal Occupational therapist. Fiona Orton and Renee Rock also work with Restore Hand Therapy. BOth Fiona and Renee also provide Hand Therapy services at Ballarat Health Service- All therapists at Restore Hand Therapy have earned the highest level of recognition in Australia as an Accredited Hand therapist as awarded by the AHTA, and all therapists have achieved the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist status. The therapists are experienced in Acute and long term hand and upper limb splinting. Jen and Fiona are also experienced in Dry Needling.
Restore Hand therapy offers a sports clinic on Monday afternoons to see people who have sustained finger, hand, wrist and elbow injuries at sport over the weekend. We endeavor to support our patients to continue to play sport safely with appropriate bracing, taping and education if at all possible, while they recover.
Degenerative, overuse, trauma, surgical, arthritic and pain conditions of the hand and arm are expertly assessed and managed with care, compassion and skill, to maximise function and minimise pain and scaring in a timely and supportive way, to help our patients reach their goals and continue to function as quickly as possible.
We primarily use Woodcast for splinting. Woodcast is a biodegradable and sustainable splinting material with all the properties of the thermoplastics we have used for decades but will become compost within a couple years if left in the garden.
