A Hand Therapist is a registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who has gained expertise in treating hand and upper limb conditions through advanced education, clinical experience, and independent study. They specialise in managing injuries, diseases, and deformities affecting the hands and upper limbs.

An Accredited Hand Therapist (AHT) is a registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who has undertaken advanced postgraduate upper-limb education and training to become an expert in hand and upper-limb rehabilitation.

An Accredited Hand Therapist has demonstrated an advanced level of competence in hand therapy and has been assessed by the Australian Hand Therapy Association Credentialing Council as qualified and competent to provide safe, evidence-based diagnosis, advice and treatment. They diagnose, assess and treat injuries and trauma to fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders caused by work accidents, sporting injuries, recreation or car accidents.

You should see a Hand Therapist as early as possible so you get the correct treatment plan from the start and avoid any complications. A hand therapist is essential when experiencing pain, dysfunction, trauma, or disease in the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Given the intricacies of the hand and upper limb, a hand therapist is the best choice for rehabilitation, specialising in the assessment and treatment of upper limb conditions.

No, they are not. Although both professions involve extensive training in anatomy, pathophysiology, and the musculoskeletal system, they require different degrees under the Bachelor of Science umbrella. Occupational Therapists focus on holistic health care, helping patients achieve personal goals and perform meaningful tasks. Physiotherapists primarily enhance the quality of physical movement, while Occupational Therapists concentrate on improving an individual's ability to participate in daily activities.

We treat patients of all ages and abilities, catering to athletes, musicians, students, business professionals, manual laborers, FIFO workers, retirees, and everyone in between.

No, if you are a private patient you can self-refer. With your consent, we will inform your healthcare team to ensure coordinated care and your wellbeing. Patients under Worker’s Compensation, Motor Vehicle Accident claims, Department of Veterans Affairs, or with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) require a referral from a GP or Specialist.

To schedule an appointment, simply click the "book appointment" button on our website. This will open our Client Portal in a new window, where you can select a convenient time slot. Our Client Portal is user-friendly and compatible with all mobile devices.

We recommend patients schedule as many future appointments as possible to ensure you receive the appointment times that best fit your schedule.

Your appointments will be conducted in our private treatment rooms, ensuring personalised care and confidentiality. Each session is dedicated solely to you and your therapist, fostering a comfortable and focused environment for assessments, therapy sessions, and fittings of any required splints or orthoses. Our clinic is equipped with modern facilities designed specifically for occupational therapy, ensuring you receive comprehensive care in a supportive setting tailored to your needs. If you are unable to come in to see us, a Telehealth appointment can be arranged.

Yes we do! Please get in touch if you are unable to come in for an appointment and we will help you arrange a Telehealth consultation.

During your initial appointment, your therapist will conduct an assessment, which includes taking a thorough medical history and performing relevant tests and measurements. This information will be used to create a personalised treatment plan. If a splint needs to be fabricated and sufficient time has been booked, it will be done during this appointment. If there isn't enough time, another appointment will be scheduled for splint fabrication. Please bring any imaging or other diagnostic reports with you to your first appointment.

As part of your treatment plan, you may be advised to use a splint or orthosis. These can be prefabricated or custom-made devices designed to protect repaired structures and allow prescribed movement. They assist in joint protection, manage swelling (oedema), and aid in the overall rehabilitation of your condition or injury.

You will be provided with a personalised home exercise program. This is an important part of the healing process and will help you achieve your goals. This program will be revised as you progress through your rehabilitation.

A private patient is an individual who covers their treatment expenses out of pocket, rather than claiming through worker’s compensation, motor vehicle insurance, or Department of Veterans Affairs. Having private health insurance is not needed to see us, however you may be entitled to a rebate with your health fund if you do. A doctor’s referral is not required to see us, however you are welcome to bring one.

A workers' compensation patient is an individual with a work-related injury who has an active workers' compensation case or claim number. With sufficient information, such as employer details and a current doctor’s referral, these patients are not required to pay for therapy costs at the time of treatment. If the claim is not approved, the patient will then be responsible for costs under private patient terms and conditions, including direct payment.

A motor vehicle insurance patient is an individual with a motor vehicle injury who has an active claim number with the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA). With sufficient information, such as a digital claiming card or treatment number along with a current doctor’s referral, these patients are not required to pay for therapy costs at the time of treatment. If the claim is not approved, the patient will then be responsible for costs under private patient terms and conditions, including direct payment.

Our allied health professionals are registered DVA providers, and DVA will be billed directly for eligible services. A current referral from your GP is required, and you will need to present your DVA card at your first appointment. No out-of-pocket cost is incurred by the patient.

Yes! If you have a current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) from your GP, you may be eligible for up to five Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year. These can be used for occupational therapy (hand therapy) or shared with other allied health providers. We charge our standard consultation fees for all GPCCMP appointments, and a Medicare rebate of $61.80 will be processed on the day to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Please bring your Medicare card, your GPCCMP referral paperwork, and your concession card (if you have one) to your first appointment to access concession rates. We are not a bulk-billing practice, and full payment is required on the day.

Absolutely! While Hands UP Rehab is not a registered NDIS provider (and cannot bill NDIS directly), we regularly treat hand and upper limb conditions for individuals with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding.

As with all our services, payment is required in full at the time of your appointment, or pre-payment can be arranged. Clients can then claim the cost back through their NDIS plan.

Private patients can expect their first appointment to last between 25 and 55 minutes and cost between $120 and $160, depending on the length and complexity of the session. Subsequent appointments range from $90 to $155, depending on duration.

If you have a valid GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), our standard consultation fees apply, and a Medicare rebate of $61.80 will be processed on the day to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Concession rates are available.

Please note that these fees do not include the cost of custom-made splints or orthoses, which are charged separately based on materials and complexity. Off-the-shelf splints and braces are also available and priced individually. Other consumables (e.g., gloves, creams, exercise equipment) are billed separately if required.

For the most up-to-date pricing, please refer to our Client Portal when booking online.

Not every patient requires a splint — many conditions can be effectively managed with exercise, education, or taping alone. If a splint, brace, or other consumable is recommended, your therapist will discuss all options with you and explain the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Custom-made splints range from $20 for a small static finger splint to $300 for a large dynamic elbow or hinged wrist splint. Wrist or wrist-and-thumb splints typically cost between $150 and $165. Off-the-shelf splints and braces are also available, usually ranging from $60 to $80, depending on the type and fit required.

Many private health funds offer reimbursement for custom-made splints. If you’re unsure about coverage, we recommend checking with your health fund before your appointment.

Coverage depends on your health fund and your level of extras cover. We recommend checking with your fund before your appointment to confirm whether occupational therapy is included in your policy.

We can usually process in-room claiming for consultation fees. However, custom-made splints and orthoses must be manually submitted by you to your insurer for assessment and reimbursement.

You will receive an itemised receipt via email after your appointment, which includes all the necessary information to submit a claim directly to your health fund.

Yes, but only if you have a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) prepared by your GP. Under this plan, patients with chronic conditions may be eligible for up to 5 Medicare-rebated consultations per calendar year.

If you think you may be eligible, speak with your GP about whether a referral to us is appropriate for managing your condition.

Yes, we do. By presenting a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card, you’ll be eligible for a discount on your appointment fee and selected consumable items.

Please bring your card with you to your appointment to receive the discounted rate.

Yes. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, missed appointments, or arrivals more than 15 minutes late will be charged the full consultation fee. If you arrive late, your appointment may be shortened to avoid impacting other clients, but the full fee still applies. We understand that unexpected events can occur, so please contact us as early as possible to reschedule—this allows us to offer the time to another client in need.

It’s normal for a custom-made splint to require a short adjustment period. Changes in swelling or daily use can affect the fit and comfort over time. If your splint becomes uncomfortable or needs adjusting, please contact us — we’re happy to arrange a complimentary “splint adjustment” appointment.

Please follow the care instructions provided, as damage from heat or abnormal wear and tear may not be covered free of charge. If your treatment has been completed or more than 6 months have passed since your last visit, adjustment fees may apply.

Please email billing-related questions to accounts@handsuprehab.com.au