Hand Therapy and Rheumatology

Hand Therapy is a very specialised branch of Occupational Therapy.

We provide specialist care for adults and children with both non-surgical and surgical conditions of the hand & wrist.

We assess and treat both traumatic and long-term conditions of the hand & wrist.

We also branch into Orthopaedic hand therapy and Rheumatology hand therapy.

Orthopaedic hand therapy works very closely with Orthopaedics consultants and accept referrals from other major trauma units and GPs.

Rheumatology hand therapy works closely with Rheumatology consultants and accepts referrals from GPs as well.

Each treatment programme is tailored for the individual patient, accommodating his or her lifestyle and other commitments.

What wards do you cover?

Fracture clinic

Emergency Department

Wards

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

Rheumatology clinics

Guildford Ward

 

What hours do you cover?

 

Monday to Friday: 7am - 4pm.

How do I contact you?

Please ring the Occupational Therapy Dept on 01483 571 122, Ext: 4766, or via bleep 0904.

What are the conditions suitable for Hand Therapy?

 

  • Hand fractures

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's

  • Tendon injuries/ repair

  • Work related upper limb disorders (RSI)

  • Wrist injuries/wrist instabilities

  • Scar management

  • Nerve injuries/pathologies

  • Post -surgical rehab

 

What treatments are available?

 

  • Custom-made splint fabrication

  • Exercise therapy

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Manual therapy

  • Ultrasound

  • Thermal modalities

  • Scar management for all problematic scars

  • Joint protection/energy conservation advice

 

What assessments will be carried out?

 

Assessments carried out will be led by patient’s individual condition.

General hand therapy assessments include:

 

  • Pain assessment

  • Oedema assessment

  • Range of Motion assessment

  • Grip strength assessment

  • Pinch strength assessment

  • Scar assessment

  • Sensation assessment

 

Who can refer?

 

  • Orthopaedics

  • Rheumatology

  • A&E

  • Other trusts

  • GPs

  • Other specialities

 

 

 

 

 

How do I refer?

 

All hand therapy patients require a formal referral  in order to be seen by a hand therapist.

All referrals should be directed to our hand therapy team through the details below:

Call or email 01483571122, ext 4766 or RSCH.handtherapy@nhs.net.

Or write to:

Occupational Therapy

Royal Surrey Hospital

Egerton Road

Guildford

GU2 7XX

Where are hand therapy clinics held?

We are based in Occupational Therapy in the outpatient area. There are dedicated rooms for hand therapy patients.

Due to Covid-19, patients are asked to wait outside the West Wing entrance and contact us to advise of their arrival. Patients will be met at the door and shown straight through to the treatment rooms.

We also see patients in fracture clinics and on the wards as required.

Where can I find out further information about Hand Therapy?

 

For further information on Hand Therapy please check:

https://www.baht.co.uk