Christmas is a time to pause and reflect, and we’d like to thank our patients and referrers for being part of our year. It’s been a busy one, and we’re grateful for the support, trust, and collaboration that makes our work so rewarding. Wishing you a safe, restful Christmas and all the best for the year ahead.
We wrapped up the year with a fantastic team day celebrating another busy and rewarding year at the clinic. We kicked things off with a friendly session of pickleball, followed by a light-hearted round of mini golf, and finished with a relaxed lunch together. It was the perfect opportunity for our team to connect, collaborate outside the clinic, and enjoy some well-deserved fun after a year of supporting our wonderful clients.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your care throughout 2025. We truly value the trust you place in our team. We look forward to continuing to support you in the new year and wish you a safe, happy, and healthy festive season!
Hand fractures are some of the most frequent injuries seen by our hand therapists. We use our hands for nearly all daily activities, even a small fracture can affect function if not managed correctly. Below are the three common types of hand fractures, how they are typically treated conservatively, and when a referral to a hand surgeon may be necessary.
1. Metacarpal Fractures
Metacarpal fractures occur in the long bones of the hand between the wrist and the fingers. The most common type is the “boxer’s fracture,” affecting the neck of the 5th metacarpal leading to the little finger. These injuries commonly occur due to punching a hard surface, falls, or sporting incidents.
Most metacarpal fractures can be successfully treated without surgery. Treatment may include:
2. Phalangeal Fractures
Phalangeal fractures affect the bones of the fingers and may result from a direct blow, sporting injury, or crush mechanism. These injuries range from simple, nondisplaced fractures to more complex breaks involving the joints.
Many uncomplicated finger fractures respond well to non-surgical management, such as:
These fractures generally heal quickly, although stiffness can develop if rehabilitation is delayed.
3. Scaphoid Fractures
The scaphoid is a small bone on the thumb side of the wrist and is one of the most frequently fractured carpal bones. These injuries usually occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Because the scaphoid has a limited blood supply, early diagnosis and correct management are essential to prevent long-term complications.
Stable, nondisplaced scaphoid fractures may be treated non-operatively:
Scaphoid fractures take longer to heal than many other fractures, so close monitoring is important.
When would you see a hand surgeon
While many hand fractures heal well with conservative treatment, some situations require specialist assessment. Your hand therapist will advise when surgical review is indicated and may refer you back to your GP to arrange a specialist referral.
Fracture Features That May Require Surgical Referral
Functional Concerns
On 17 December 2025, the Melbourne Hand Therapy team came together to complete a CPR training course with First Aid Management. The session was engaging, practical, and highly relevant, ensuring our team remains confident and prepared to respond in an emergency. A special thank you to Jack, our friendly and knowledgeable instructor, who delivered the training in a clear, supportive, and approachable way. Ongoing education like this is an important part of our commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.
Robin is a physiotherapist who graduated from the University of the Western Cape in 2013. With over a decade of experience across community, sports, and orthopaedic settings in South Africa, she has developed a strong clinical focus on upper limb rehabilitation. Robin has worked closely with orthopaedic surgeons and has extensive experience managing post-surgical hand and shoulder conditions. Now based in Melbourne, she has joined the MHT team and is working toward accreditation as a hand therapist, with a passion for comprehensive, holistic patient care.
Had left shoulder operation last year and the right shoulder this year, my recovery is so much quicker with Doc Robin.
Plus I live on my own and some weeks she is the only person I talk outside work. And I crack Doc Robin up my funny stories or she makes me laugh with hers.
Physically she has done a great job, but for my mental health, she has been bloody awesome too.
– Matty B
Have you experienced exceptional care or teamwork from someone at MHT? We’d love to hear about it.
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