• What’s New This Month:
  • Word From Jen
  • Meet Our Team
  • Further Education For Our Therapists
  • Condition Spotlight: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • From the Experts: Managing Post-Operative Scars
  • What Our Patients Are Saying
Jennifer Mathias

WORD FROM JEN

Jennifer Mathias
MHT Director
Senior Clinician

  • What’s New This Month:
  • Word From Jen
  • Meet Our Team
  • Further Education For Our Therapists
  • Condition Spotlight: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • From the Experts: Managing Post-Operative Scars
  • What Our Patients Are Saying

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to this month’s edition of Melbourne Hand Therapy’s newsletter, where we highlight new developments, share useful hand therapy tips, and celebrate patient success stories. Read on for expert insights, exciting updates, and advice from our experienced hand therapists.

Meet Our Team

Rumeysa
This month, our spotlight is on Rumeysa, one of our talented hand therapists. Rumeysa holds a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy and a Postgraduate Allround Hand therapy Certificate. She is passionate about helping patients recover from post-surgical conditions like tendon repairs and fasciectomies. Recently relocated from Amsterdam to Melbourne, Rumeysa brings a wealth of experience from the Netherlands and a patient-centered approach to hand therapy. Rumeysa is full time at Latrobe Private Hospital, Bundoora.

If you would like to book in with Rumeysa Goktekin

Further education for our therapists

This last month has seen many of our therapists spending their weekends engaged in further education.

Jennifer Mathias Attends Prestigious Hand and Wrist Cadaver Course

Jennifer Mathias recently had the privilege of attending the Hand and Wrist Cadaver course, a prestigious event arranged through Monash Health and the Hand and Wrist Medical Research Foundation. The course provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to observe a variety of complex hand and wrist surgeries, gaining hands-on experience and insights from expert surgeons.

During the course, Jennifer was able to witness a diverse array of surgeries, including:

  • Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) repair
  • Sauvé-Kapandji procedure
  • Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion
  • Trapeziectomy
  • De Quervain’s release
  • Trigger finger release
  • Hemi-hamate arthroplasty
  • Volar plate release

The course also highlighted the exciting developments in hand surgery, including innovative procedures such as new CMC joint replacements, which are soon to be introduced in Australia. These advancements promise to enhance patient outcomes and surgical precision.

Jennifer expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting the importance of continued professional development and staying informed of the latest surgical innovations.

Wrist

Morgan Klooger has recently taken part in the AHTA Open Trauma Course as a key component of her accreditation process. This course dived into the complex world of multi-trauma for upper limb injuries. Morgan explores the intricate anatomy, biomechanics and pathophysiology that is involved in treatment with these complex cases.

Morgan Klooger

The course explored a variety of surgical procedures, including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of fractures, nerve transfers, tendon repairs, and skin grafts/flaps and the appropriate therapy strategies, splinting and treatment required for various stages of recovery. Additionally, healing timelines and potential complications arising following surgery were addressed and discussed.

Morgan was able to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in treating upper limb trauma, equipping her with the skills necessary for effective patient care.

Hand

If you would like to book in with Morgan Klooger

Max Minuzzo Expands Expertise in Hand Therapy Through Advanced Education

We are excited to share that Max Minuzzo has been actively pursuing additional post-tertiary education, specialising in all areas of hand therapy. His fellowship has already covered a wide range of essential topics, such as the treatment of various fractures, arthritis care, splinting techniques, casting, wound management, and addressing thumb and wrist pain.

Max is committed to continually advancing his knowledge and skills, ensuring he can provide the highest level of care for patients with hand-related conditions. By staying up to date with new and evolving clinical reasoning, as well as evidence-based treatment practices, Max remains at the forefront of the hand therapy field.

This ongoing educational journey marks an exciting time for Max, as he enhances his expertise and looks forward to applying these advanced techniques to improve patient outcomes.

If you would like to book in with Max Minuzzo

Condition Spotlight: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Often triggered by repetitive hand activities or underlying health conditions, CTS can interfere with daily activities such as typing, driving, or even holding objects.

Treatment Options:

  • Splinting: A wrist splint can help reduce symptoms by maintaining proper alignment.
  • Exercises: Our hand therapists can guide you through specific exercises to relieve nerve pressure and restore hand function.
  • Ergonomic Modifications: We can help make changes to your workspace or activities to prevent symptom flare-ups.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS, our team can help. Early intervention is key! It often depends on the severely of your CTS as to the best treatment option. Working alongside Hand Surgeon’s gives us the ability to assist you with deciding on the timing and appropriateness of surgical intervention.

The Carpal Tunnel

From the Experts: Managing Post-Operative Scars

Scarring is a common concern after hand surgery. Proper scar management can significantly improve both the appearance and mobility of the scar, which is crucial for restoring hand function.

Our Top Tips for Scar Management:

  • Massage: Regularly massaging the scar helps to keep tissue supple and prevent adhesions.
  • Sensitivity: It is not uncommon for scars, particularly on the hand, to become sensitive. Our therapists will guide you on the appropriate steps to reduce the sensitivity of your scar post surgery.  We call this “desensitisation” and it often involves massage, graded exposure to textures and immersing the sensitive area in various textures
  • Compression: A silicone gel sheet or compression garment can help flatten and soften scars.

Our therapists can guide you on how to care for your scar properly to ensure optimal healing.

WHAT Our PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Roland
Friendly, efficient and well organised.
5 Star

Maureen
Allison is great, fantastic treatment! Thank you.
5 Star

Sharon
Dominic is a thorough practitioner. He listens carefully and responds to my individual needs rather than give generalised advice. I leave feeling extremely positive about the improvement I am seeing in my hand.
5 Star

Google Rating
4.9
Based on 325 reviews
×
js_loader