Hand therapy leaflet for patients attending the plastic surgery unit

Why have you been referred to hand therapy?

You may have recently sustained a hand injury or had surgery to your hand and have been given this leaflet as you are attending the plastic surgery unit.

Once your consultant / surgeon has referred you to the Hand therapy service, you will receive an appointment.

• If you have had a flexor tendon repair please call hand therapy reception to arrange an appointment within one working day of your attendance at the plastic surgery unit, following your emergency surgery, to avoid delay in the start of treatment. (Call hand therapy reception on 01223 216769).
• If you have had any other type of hand injury or surgery:
  • You may need to start treatment within two to five days following surgery; if this is the situation you will receive a phone call from hand therapy to book an appointment.
  • Other hand injuries / conditions do not require immediate treatment therefore you will receive a letter or a telephone call inviting you to book an appointment.

What can you expect in hand therapy?

Hand therapy aims to help you re-establish the maximum possible movement, strength and function in your hand. This is achieved through the use of specific exercises and everyday activities.

At your first appointment an assessment will be made and then your occupational therapist or physiotherapist will discuss a treatment programme with you. The amount of therapy needed varies – how much you will require will be discussed with you as part of your assessment.

If you attend your GP for a wound check / removal of sutures, please make sure any cast which is removed is re-bandaged back onto your hand. This is to protect all surgical repairs and will be removed by the therapist at the appropriate time.

Treatment will involve specific exercises, which you can carry out at home.

Depending on your injury you may also be provided with a hand splint.

The occupational therapist or physiotherapist will advise you on how best to carry out everyday activities, such as work, driving and leisure pursuits whilst you are recovering from your hand injury / surgery.

Where is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is located in clinic 30 in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (ATC), near the main ATC reception.

Contact

If you have any problems or queries, please contact hand therapy.

The Hand therapy department is open Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 16:30.

Our contact number is 01223 216769.

Further information

• You are entitled to withdraw your consent for treatment at any time without this jeopardising any future care.
• You are entitled to a second opinion after discussion with your occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
• Addenbrooke’s hospital is a major teaching hospital. You may be assessed or treated by an occupational therapy or physiotherapy student, but you have the right to request not to be seen by a student.
• As part of your ongoing treatment, it may be necessary to liaise with non-NHS organisations such as Social Services, local equipment services etc. This will only occur with your agreement.