Restore Hand Therapy NZ

06/10/2025

✨ Exciting News! ✨
We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our second Restore Hand Therapy clinic right here in Upper Hutt 🎉
You can now find us within Queen Street Pharmacy, making it even easier for our community to access expert care for all hand, wrist, and elbow injuries and conditions.
We’re passionate about helping you recover, restore function, and get back to doing what you love. 💪
Come and see us at our new location – we look forward to welcoming you!

05/10/2025

✨ Tomorrow’s the Day! ✨
We’re opening the doors to our new Restore Hand Therapy clinic in Upper Hutt tomorrow 🎉
You’ll find us conveniently located inside Queen Street Pharmacy – ready to support you with expert care for hand, wrist, and elbow injuries and conditions.
We’re so excited to welcome our first patients into this brand-new space. See you soon! 🙌

30/09/2025

🚨EXCITING NEWS!! Only 1 Week to Go! 🚨
We’re so excited to share that Restore Hand Therapy will be opening a second clinic in Upper Hutt next week! 🎉
Our new space, located inside Queen Street Pharmacy, will make it even more convenient for the community to access specialist care for hand, wrist, and elbow injuries and conditions.
We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome you soon – stay tuned for the official opening day announcement! 🙌

12/09/2025

28/08/2025

A huge thank you to the team at Boulcott Hospital for the incredible opportunity to observe surgery this week.

As a hand therapist, being able to witness surgical procedures firsthand is such a valuable experience. It deepens our understanding of the human body, enhances our knowledge of surgical techniques, and allows us to better support patients throughout their rehabilitation journey.

I’m so grateful for the generosity, teaching, and time shared – it’s experiences like these that truly enrich our practice.

21/08/2025

🌟 Did you know the thumb is the most common spot for hand osteoarthritis? 🌟
Thumb OA can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday tasks like opening jars or turning keys.

✅ Simple treatments can make a big difference:

--> Splints to support your thumb
--> Heat to ease stiffness
--> Gentle strengthening exercises to improve function

👉 If thumb pain or swelling keeps bothering you, don’t ignore it—help is available! 💪🖐️

04/08/2025

🖐️ Helpful Tips When Wearing a Splint/Cast 🖐

Recovering from a hand or wrist injury? Whether you're in a splint or a cast, here are some simple everyday tips to make life a little easier:

👕 When Dressing: Always put your injured hand into the sleeve first. It’s easier to guide your arm through without bending or twisting awkwardly.

👚 Choose Easy Clothing: Look for tops with wide sleeves, zip-ups, or button fronts. Stretchy fabrics are much easier to get on and off with one hand.

🚿 Protect Your Splint or Cast: Keep it dry at all times—especially during showers. Use a proper waterproof cover or a plastic bag sealed with a rubber band or tape above the cast.

🧼 Keep It Clean: Avoid getting dust, crumbs, or lotions inside your splint or cast. If your fingers are exposed, keep them clean and dry.

🖐️ Keep Fingers Moving (if advised): Gently moving your fingers helps reduce stiffness and swelling—but only do what your therapist recommends.

📞 Report Problems Early: If you notice numbness, increased pain, swelling, or rubbing, contact your therapist. Don’t ignore it!

Healing takes time—but small adjustments can make a big difference 💪

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

Wrist Fact of the Day! ☀️
Your wrist is made up of 8 tiny bones called carpal bones—and they’re arranged in two neat rows. These little bones give your wrist the flexibility to move in almost every direction, helping you do everything from texting to high-fiving to mastering that perfect wrist flick!
Next time you check the time ⌚️ , give your wrist a nod of appreciation! 🤩

30/05/2025

Did you know!!
Trigger finger is a common hand condition where a finger or thumb becomes locked in a bent position and may "click" when straightened. It is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the sheath surrounding the flexor tendon.

Common Presenting Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness over the base of the affected finger/thumb
- Clicking, catching, or locking during finger movement
- Morning stiffness or inability to fully extend the digit
- Palpable nodule at the base of the finger

Role of Hand Therapy:
- Custom splinting to rest the tendon
- Activity modification and ergonomic advice
- Soft tissue techniques and stretching
- Referral for corticosteroid injection or surgical consult if conservative management fails

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20/05/2025

MEET THE TEAM
Natalie Blackburn - Hand Therapist

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She spent eight years at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in neurological, spinal, orthopedic, and hand rehabilitation. In 2018, she transitioned into hand therapy.

In 2022, Natalie immigrated to New Zealand, continuing her work in hand therapy.

Outside of work, she is a dedicated mom to a busy one-year-old and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

We are super excited to have you in our team 🙂

09/05/2025

Proud sponsors of Silverstream school netball. Beautiful sunny day for the first game of the season. GO TEAM PUKEKO!!