CONDITIONS

Shepparton Hand Therapy may assist in treating conditions of the elbow, wrist, fingers or thumb, including;

Sporting injuries such as finger dislocation, mallet finger, boutonniere deformity and skiers thumb
Post-surgical repair of tendons, fractures or nerves
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Nerve injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome
Tendon pathology including De Quervain's syndrome, trigger finger, lateral and medial epicondylitis
Soft tissue disorders such as Dupuytren's disease
Wounds and scars

Treatment

Treatment

Shepparton Hand Therapy provides a range of customized treatments and services, including:

Provision of custom made thermoplastic splints and prefabricated braces
Wound, scar and oedema management
Movement and strengthening programs
Sensory assessment, retraining and desensitization
Implementation of pre and post-operative rehabilitation protocols
Assessment of activities of daily living (ADLs) and task modification
Pain management

What to expect

Cost of treatment

Worksafe

If you have an accepted Worksafe claim you may access hand therapy services. However, you will be required to pay for any costs incurred that are not covered by the insurer.

TAC

If you have an accepted Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claim you may access hand therapy services . However, you will be required to pay for any costs incurred that are not covered by the insurer.

DVA

The type of Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) card you have will determine your level of cover for the cost of treatment and aids/equipment.

Medicare

Clients with chronic or complex care needs may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for 5 allied health (including occupational therapy) visits per year. A GP management plan is required. Please note there will be an out of pocket fee.

Private health insurance

The type and level of ‘Extras’ cover you have will determine the amount the insurer is prepared to contribute to the cost of treatment.

NDIS

If you are either a self-managed or plan-managed registered participant of the NDIS you may access hand therapy services. However, services provided will be limited to upper limb splinting or post-surgical rehabilitation only.

Do I need a referral?

Worksafe, TAC or DVA

You need a medical referral if you are claiming through a compensable body such as Worksafe, TAC or DVA.

Medicare

You need a Chronic Conditions Management Plan (formally EPC) to claim a Medicare rebate.

Privately Insured | Self Funded

Privately insured or self-funded patients are not required to have a medical referral.

What should I bring?

Relevant medical reports or x-ray scans.

Worksafe and TAC clients need to bring their claim number, and contact details of their claim manager and employer.

What to expect

About

ABOUT NATASHA

Natasha grew up in the Goulburn Valley and completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at Charles Sturt University in 1999. She then completed a Master of Science in Hand Therapy at the University of Derby in 2021.

Natasha is an Accredited Hand Therapist as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association and member of Occupational Therapy Australia. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as an Occupational Therapist.