Cooloola Hand Therapy

26/06/2024

Cooloola Hand Therapy will continue to service Gympie town in the usual clinic, however from the end of July, we will be starting a clinic day in Cooloola Cove every other Thursday out of the Cooloola Coast General Practice.

This is a great opportunity for locals to access Hand Therapy Services in their own town.

Call the number below or email admin@cooloolahandtherapy.com.au to secure your spot.

Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation in the Gympie Region.

Locally run Hand Therapy Service in Gympie and Cooloola Cove.

Clinic appointments and home visits available.

06/06/2024

What is a hand therapy practitioner? We are qualified Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists.

We have undertaken advanced postgraduate upper-limb education and training and are recognised as experts in hand and upper-limb rehabilitation.

We work in public hospitals and private practices in cities and regional and rural towns across Australia.

Surgeons, GPs, physiotherapists and other health professionals refer to us because we provide expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment, reducing recovery time and improving patient outcomes.

We see patients of all ages. We treat trauma, injuries, and conditions affecting joints, tendons, muscles, and nerves, including ligament sprains, inflamed tendons, broken bones, and damaged nerves. We also treat pain and arthritis and manage post-operative wounds, scars, and swelling.

We specialise in custom-made thermoplastic orthoses (or splints) to rest and protect an injury in the long and short term. These may be small splints for the finger or thumb or larger for the wrist or arm.

We prescribe rehabilitation exercises that improve range of motion, strength and function.

We care for our patients and use evidence-based practice to ensure they get the best outcomes so they can return to work, recreation, and life.

We are members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and embrace lifelong learning.

29/03/2024

As we approach the long weekend, we understand that managing your condition can present unique challenges.

We've gathered some top tips and advice to help you make the most of the long weekend while taking care of your arthritis and musculoskeletal health:

💙Pace Yourself: Remember to pace yourself and listen to your body. Don't overdo it – take regular breaks and rest when you need to.

💙Stay Active: Keep moving with gentle exercises that are suitable for your condition. Whether it's a leisurely walk, a swim, or some gentle stretching, staying active can help manage pain and improve flexibility.

💙Manage Stress: Long weekends can be busy and hectic, but don't forget to take time for yourself. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and tension.

💙Prioritise Self-Care: Treat yourself to some self-care activities that help you unwind and recharge. Whether it's a warm bath, a good book, or your favorite hobby, make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

💙Plan Ahead: If you have any outings or activities planned, be sure to plan ahead and make any necessary accommodations. Consider accessibility, seating options, and any special equipment you may need.

💙Stay Hydrated: Don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

💙Eat Well: Say yes to chocolate in moderation. Fuel your body with nutritious foods that support joint health and overall well-being. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals.

💙Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups if you need assistance or someone to talk to. You're not alone – there are people who understand and are here to support you.

💙Listen to Your Body: Above all, listen to your body and honor its needs. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, don't push through it. Take the time to rest and recover, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Do you have a go-to hack or tip for navigating the long weekend with arthritis?

28/03/2024

25/03/2024

Celebrating 3 years of
Cooloola Hand Therapy!
🥳🎂

04/02/2024

Wound care in hand therapy.
Did you know your hand therapist is trained in wound care? They can remove your stitches and manage your wounds and scars after surgery.
This was surgery on a thumb after it was cut in a box compressor and he needed to have a flap to the thumb to cover the injury.

24/01/2024

Cooloola Hand Therapy offers post op care after hand and upper limb surgeries. Here is an example.

K-wires are pins used to help stabilise fractures/broken bones. They can either be exposed (protruding) and they can have balls on the end to protect them or be bent over and covered with dressings. They can also be buried. These wires are usually removed at the 4-6 week mark once the fracture has good healing.

Hand therapists are trained in cleaning and dressing these k-wires and also make splints/orthoses to help protect them.