Introducing: Nikita Kumar

I graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2015 with a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy).

After I graduated, I was lucky enough to work as an inpatient occupational therapist for Auckland’s two largest public hospitals in the acute medical, stroke and trauma wards. I loved it and it is where my initial interest in upper limb therapy came from.

From there, I made the move to Melbourne after being offered a role as an occupational therapist in the community and aged care sector. For two years I worked with lots of different age groups and conditions. My youngest client was three and the oldest – and loveliest – was 105!! It was so rewarding, and I learned so much about disability, neurological disorders and upper limb conditions. At the same time, I worked at one of Melbourne’s main hospitals carrying out neurological assessments and equipment prescription.

In early 2020, when Covid hit, I made the really difficult decision to leave Melbourne and return home to New Zealand. It was a crazy time for everyone. But it was when I was back in New Zealand that I decided to make the transition to hand therapy. I then spent 18-months working in a private hand therapy practice while also completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Rehabilitation. This role involved working alongside one of New Zealand’s leading hand, wrist and elbow surgeons, Mr.Michael Boland. It was with Michael Boland where I really honed my skills in treating acute, chronic and post-operative conditions. Now I’m back in Melbourne with Melbourne Hand Therapy. Can’t believe my luck.