Getting your hands back to everyday life.

No. You can book directly, with or without a referral.

A referral does become relevant for funded care. If you want to claim a Medicare rebate, or your treatment is covered by TAC, WorkSafe or the Department of Veterans' Affairs, you will need the appropriate referral or claim details. Contact us and we can talk through what applies to your situation.

Appointments take place at the Focus On Hands clinic in Wonthaggi. The clinic address is provided when you book, so you know exactly where to go.

This means Bass Coast and South Gippsland residents can access specialised hand therapy without the drive to Melbourne or Traralgon.

Bass Coast and South Gippsland, including Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Kilcunda, San Remo, Phillip Island, Grantville, Korumburra, Leongatha, Meeniyan, Mirboo North and Foster.

If you're coming from further afield, get in touch. This can often still be arranged.

Hand therapy is a specialised area of rehabilitation focused on the hand, wrist and upper limb. It combines assessment, targeted exercise, custom splinting, scar and swelling management, and graded return to activity.

The hand is a dense and unforgiving structure. Small amounts of stiffness or scarring cause disproportionate loss of function, and the timing of movement after an injury or operation matters a great deal. Hand therapy exists because that combination needs dedicated training.

Usually as early as your treating doctor or surgeon allows, and often within days.

Early therapy assists with pain management, restoration of movement, prevention of stiffness and long-term function. If you are unsure whether it is too early, call and we can check against your surgeon's protocol.

It can. Medicare may rebate a limited number of allied health sessions each year when your GP refers you under an eligible care plan. Your GP decides whether you qualify, arranges the plan and issues the referral, so the best first step is a chat with your GP about your eligibility.

Focus On Hands also accepts TAC, WorkSafe, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), Department of Veterans' Affairs where applicable, and private self-funded patients. Eligibility criteria apply to each scheme, so contact us to confirm coverage before your first appointment.

Yes. Custom thermoplastic splints and orthoses are fabricated and fitted during your appointment, so you leave with the splint on rather than waiting for one to be ordered.

A custom splint is moulded directly to your hand, which matters for fit, comfort and how well it does its job compared with an off-the-shelf brace.

Nothing is required, but a few things help if you have them: any referral letter, X-ray or scan reports, details of your operation if you have had one, and an existing splint or brace.

It also helps to think about the specific tasks your injury is stopping you from doing, whether that is work, sport, driving or getting dressed. Those tasks become the goals your rehabilitation is built around.

Yes. Referrals are welcomed from GPs, specialists, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.

Referrals can be sent by email to admin@focusonhands.com.au or discussed by phone on 0483 736 389. There is no fax to chase.