Jennifer Mathias
MHT Director
Senior Clinician
Happy Holidays,
Wishing our Melbourne Hand Therapy community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break with family and friends.
This year, we proudly supported our hand and upper limb surgeons, along with the broader GP community, and treated over 4,000 new patients in 2024.
Melbourne Hand Therapy is open during the Christmas period to assist with injuries and post-surgical care.
We are only closed on public holidays.
This year, we tapped into our creative sides with a paint and sip class, creating individual masterpieces (or attempting to!). It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of another wonderful year together.
As 2024 comes to a close, so does the expiry of your private health insurance rebates. Most benefits reset on January 1st, so now is the perfect time to book in and make the most of your unused rebates before December 31st.
Our Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services are claimable through your private health insurance, depending on your level of cover.
Nicolette Liang – Administration Assistant – 7 Years
Congratulations, Nicolette! Based at East Ringwood, Nicolette ensures everything runs smoothly and always brings positivity to the team. Here’s what she had to say:
We couldn’t manage well without Nicolette as part of our team.
“The last 7 years have been wonderful! I love interacting with therapists and patients and developing personal relationships – liquid gold!”
Haley Field – Senior Hand Therapist – 12 Years
Haley, who works from our Ringwood East, Blackburn, and Deepdene locations, is loved by patients and colleagues alike. With her positivity and can-do attitude, she’s an invaluable member of the team. We look forward to many more years with Haley!
“Celebrating my 12-year working anniversary with Melbourne Hand Therapy fills me with immense gratitude and pride. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a supportive and collaborative team that has not only helped me grow professionally but has also shaped me personally. The environment here has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and enhancing my clinical experience, allowing me to continually improve and provide the best care possible to our clients. Beyond the professional growth, I’ve also forged lifelong friendships that I cherish deeply. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thankful for the opportunities and relationships I’ve built along the way.”
As one of Haley’s current patients, Lindsay says……
“Haley is a wonderful therapist and a great lady with heaps of knowledge and experience. I would not hesitate to give Haley or Melbourne Hand Therapy a recommendation. I am a happy customer.”
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, affects 3–5% of the population and is a debilitating condition causing significant pain and restricted movement.
The Pathological Process
Frozen shoulder occurs due to inflammation and fibrosis, resulting in:
Classification and Stages
Frozen shoulder can be classified as:
The stages of frozen shoulder, based on the Neviaser classification, include:
Symptoms
Frozen shoulder causes non-mechanical pain that isn’t linked to specific activities or positions, often worsening at night. External rotation is typically the first movement affected, leading to severe movement limitations.
It is more common in women aged 40–59 years, with 20% of those diagnosed also having diabetes.
Diagnostic Imaging
While X-rays often appear normal, ultrasound can reveal thickening of the coracohumeral ligament.
Treatment Options
Management of frozen shoulder includes:
If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, book an appointment with Robin Wilks or our experienced team for tailored care and support.
Frank
Robin Wilks has been providing me with excellent care. Highly recommend her services and Melbourne Hand Therapy.
Lisa
Friendly, knowledgeable staff, would highly recommend.
Ian
Very caring and considerate handling of clients. Professional and effective therapy.
