Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy helps patients regain maximum use of their hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder after injury, surgery or the onset of disease.
Physiotherapists generally look after the upper arm, shoulder and neck for pre and post-operative problems. Hand therapists, on the other hand, concentrate on the wrist and hand. The elbow is shared and can be treated by either group depending on expertise. Dr Melsom has built up a network of physiotherapists who are well-regarded and the best in their field and who have specific interest in treating upper limb conditions.
Hand therapists are occupational therapists that undertake sub-specialist training in hand therapy. They teach exercises, apply modalities and create custom splints to aid healing and protect from re-injury.
Dr Melsom refers to a select number of therapists which provide the highest level of expertise for rehabilitation of patients having undergone surgery on the hand, elbow or shoulder.