Recently, Morgan attended the Wound Management Course run by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA), a comprehensive program designed to deepen clinicians’ understanding of the science and practice of wound care. The course combined evidence-based theory with hands-on learning, focusing on wounds commonly seen in hand therapy, from surgical and traumatic injuries to pressure and slow-healing wounds.
A key focus was aseptic technique, the foundation of safe wound management. Morgan refined her skills in performing precise wound cleaning and selecting the most suitable dressing for each stage of healing.
The course also explores the fascinating science of wound healing, how the body orchestrates a complex repair process through specialised cells, cytokines, and growth factors. Understanding these processes helps clinicians recognise when healing is on track and when factors such as infection, nutrition, swelling, smoking, or certain medications may be slowing recovery.
One of the most valuable components was the focus on hand-specific wound management. Topics included optimal positioning, movement-friendly dressings, and the care of post-surgical wounds, K-wires, and tendon repairs. For hand therapists, this knowledge is essential, helping patients move safely and regain function while protecting delicate healing tissue.
Ultimately, the course reinforced that effective wound care goes far beyond the dressing itself. It’s about seeing the person behind the wound, their health, lifestyle, and unique healing capacity. Morgan looks forward to integrating these principles into her daily practice to ensure every patient receives safe, evidence-based care.
Earlier this month, hand therapists Emmeline, Colleen and Catriona were fortunate to attend a combined hand therapy and hand surgery conference held in Melbourne. This meeting was a chance for surgeons, clinicians and researchers from across Victoria and beyond to gather and share ideas and latest research. The keynote speaker was Dr Scott Oishi, a prominent hand surgeon from the USA, who presented on upper limb skin grafting and tendon management for children. Other presentations covered PIP joint reconstruction, scaphoid fixation and CMC joint denervation. The day was a great opportunity to meet with collogues and share ideas and innovations.
After an unforgettable 6-week adventure exploring the food, sights, and culture of Europe with his partner, Max is back and ready to get stuck in!
Whether you’re returning for ongoing care or booking your first session, now’s the perfect time to lock in your appointment with Max.
As the cricket season kicks off in Melbourne, we start to see more fingertip injuries from catches, dives, and high balls. One common but often overlooked injury is the volar plate injury at the middle finger joint (the proximal interphalangeal or PIP joint).
Early assessment and hand therapy can make a big difference — helping you recover faster, return to play sooner, and avoid long-term problems.
The volar plate is a strong ligament on the palm side of the middle finger joint. It helps stabilise the joint and prevents it from bending backwards too far. When injured, this small structure can cause surprisingly big issues with movement and grip.
In ball sports like cricket or netball, the injury often happens when a ball strikes the fingertip and forces the joint backwards. This can stretch or tear the volar plate, sometimes pulling off a small piece of bone (an avulsion fracture) or even causing a dislocation.
Common signs include:
If not managed properly, volar plate injuries can lead to stiffness, joint instability, or even early arthritis. For athletes, this means time off sport and ongoing issues with catching or gripping. Early diagnosis and the right hand therapy can help you heal well, restore movement, and get back to sport safely.
If you suspect this type of injury:
Most volar plate injuries heal well without surgery. Treatment usually includes:
Surgery is only needed in more severe cases with large fractures or unstable joints.
A “jammed” finger may seem minor, but a volar plate injury needs proper care to prevent long-term stiffness or instability. Early treatment and guidance from a hand therapist can help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love — pain-free and confident on the field.
Have you experienced exceptional care or teamwork from someone at MHT? We’d love to hear about it.
Help us celebrate those who go above and beyond.
Vin
Max has been amazing with the treatments. Always willing to go above and beyond to help with injuries.
Rowena
Caring, dedicated and always greeted with a smile.
Pam
I broke both wrists in December 2024. I cannot imagine I would have progressed as well and quickly without Diana’s expertise and care. She’s a gem.
Stuart
Colleen is always friendly and nothing is too much trouble, she has really helped with my hand over the last few months.
