Find the tools and knowledge you need to stay active and independent.
Hand Therapy Hub
Find the tools and knowledge you need to stay active and independent.
Why Choose Online Group Hand Therapy Education?
Accessible from Anywhere
The information sessions are delivered online, making specialist hand therapy education accessible to people living in rural or regional areas, or anyone unable to attend face-to-face appointments.
Cost-Effective
Group sessions offer a cost-effective way to access expert hand therapy knowledge.
No Long Waitlists
Timely access to education and support, without the long waiting times often associated with face-to-face specialist appointments.
Expert, Trusted Advice
With experience across both public and private sectors, you receive up-to-date, evidence-based information from an Accredited Hand Therapist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the wrist and hand. It often causes symptoms such as hand pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. CTS develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow space in the wrist. When this nerve is squeezed, it can interfere with normal hand function and lead to ongoing discomfort if left untreated.
causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome
Several factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand and wrist movements such as typing or computer use, medical conditions like diabetes, pregnancy-related swelling or injuries to the wrist.
carpal Tunnel Symptoms
- Tingling or numbness in hand, often starting in the thumb and first two fingers
- Burning or pins-and-needles feeling in the hand
- Hand or wrist pain, sometimes spreading to the forearm
- Symptoms often worse at night or with certain activities for example when using the computer or holding steering wheel
- Weak grip/ thumb pinch, dropping things
- Trouble with fine motor tasks for example writing, buttoning
- Stiffness in fingers
treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome
Our information sessions focus on conservative treatment options and self-management strategies designed to help reduce symptoms and improve function. These include rehabilitation exercises, guidance on appropriate splinting protocols, education on activity modification, and information about additional treatment options, such as medications or surgical care when needed.
Arthritis in fingers
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that lead to joint inflammation, and when it affects the small joints of the hand, it is known as finger joint arthritis. The most common types affecting the fingers are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of finger arthritis and typically develops over time. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can result in joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium). This leads to ongoing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage, often affecting the fingers and hands on both sides of the body.
causes of arthritis
Although arthritis is often associated with ageing, it can affect people of any age. Several factors may increase the risk of developing arthritis in the finger joints, including family history and genetics, lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking, and occupations that involve repetitive hand movements or prolonged joint strain. Arthritis is also more commonly seen in women.
symptoms of finger joint arthritis
- Pain (often worse with movement or after activity)
- Stiffness (especially in the morning or after resting)
- Swelling around the joints
- Warmth or redness over the joints
- Reduced range of motion (harder to bend or straighten fingers)
- Tenderness when pressing on the joint
- Weakness in hand
- Joint deformities for example nodules around joints
treatment for finger joint arthritis
Our information sessions focus on conservative treatment options and self-management strategies designed to help reduce symptoms and improve function. These include rehabilitation exercises, guidance on appropriate splinting protocols, education on activity modification, joint protection techniques, and the use of adaptive equipment to reduce strain. We also provide information about additional treatment options, such as medications or surgical care when needed.
thumb arthritis
What is thumb Arthritis?
Thumb arthritis, also known as 1st carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (1st CMC OA), is a common condition that affects the joint at the base of the thumb. It occurs when the cartilage in this joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced hand function. Thumb arthritis can make everyday tasks such as gripping, pinching, opening jars, or turning keys difficult.
causes of thumb arthritis
Thumb arthritis develops when the joint at the base of the thumb gradually wears down over time. Ageing can cause the cartilage in this joint to deteriorate, increasing the risk of arthritis. Genetics also play a role, as individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis are more likely to develop 1st CMC osteoarthritis. In addition, repetitive thumb use, particularly activities that involve frequent pinching or gripping, can place extra stress on the joint and speed up joint degeneration.
symptoms of thumb arthritis
- Swelling and tenderness round the base of the thumb
- Lump/ Bump around base of thumb
- Difficulty opening the thumb wide enough to grasp objects for example a bottle
- Weakness when opening a jar for example
- Aching and pain at the base of the thumb, often when gripping, pinching, or lifting
- Stiffness in thumb that may cause difficulty with fine motor skills
treatment for thumb arthritis
Our information sessions focus on conservative treatment options and self-management strategies designed to help reduce symptoms and improve function. These include rehabilitation exercises, guidance on appropriate splinting protocols, education on activity modification, joint protection techniques, and the use of adaptive equipment to reduce strain. We also provide information about additional treatment options, such as medications or surgical care when needed.
trigger finger
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a common hand condition that affects the tendons of the fingers or thumb. It develops when a tendon becomes inflamed or thickened and can no longer glide smoothly through its protective sheath during finger movement. This irritation may cause pain in the affected finger or thumb and it can be difficult to straighten the finger. In severe cases the finger may get stuck in a bent position.
causes of trigger finger
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Trigger Finger. Repetitive hand and finger movements, such as frequent gripping, tool use, or typing can strain the tendons. It can also develop after a hand or finger injury. Underlying medical conditions, including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, are also linked to a higher risk. Trigger finger is more common in women.
symptoms of trigger finger
- Finger or thumb stiffness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or catching when moving the finger or thumb
- Finger or thumb locks in a bent position and may suddenly straighten
- Pain or soreness at the base of the finger or thumb (near the palm)
- Tender lump or swelling at the base of the affected finger or thumb
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger or thumb
treatment for trigger finger
Our information sessions focus on conservative treatment options and self-management strategies designed to help reduce symptoms and improve function. These include rehabilitation exercises, guidance on appropriate splinting protocols, education on activity modification, and information about additional treatment options, such as medications or surgical care when needed.
de quervains tenosynovitis
What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, which help move the thumb. It occurs when these tendons become irritated or inflamed, leading to wrist pain, thumb pain, and discomfort with gripping or lifting.
causes of de quervain's tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is often associated with overuse or repetitive thumb and wrist movements, such as texting and typing, gardening, playing musical instruments or holding and lifting a baby, which can strain the tendons and lead to inflammation. Injury to the thumb side of the wrist or individual anatomical factors may also cause symptoms.
'symptoms of De quervains tenosynovitis
- Pain at the base of thumb, thumb side of the wrist, pain can radiate up the forearmPain with thumb and wrist movement
- difficulty gripping, pinching, or lifting
- Swelling and/or Tenderness at the forearm near the wrist
- A catching or snapping feeling when moving the thumb
- Weakness in thumb
treatment for de quervain's tenosynovitis
Our information sessions focus on conservative treatment options and self-management strategies designed to help reduce symptoms and improve function. These include rehabilitation exercises, guidance on appropriate splinting protocols and education on activity modification. We also provide information about additional treatment options, such as medications or surgical care when needed.
DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
what is DUPUYTREN'SCONTRACTURE
Dupuytren’s Contracture, or Dupuytren’s Disease, is a condition that affects the connective tissue in the palm of the hand. It occurs when thickened, fibrous tissue knots or bands develops under the skin and gradually tightens over time. As these tissue bands contract, they can cause one or more fingers to bend toward the palm, making it difficult to fully straighten the hand.
causes of DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing the condition. Genetics play a significant role, as Dupuytren’s disease often runs in families. It occurs more frequently in men than women. Ethnicity also appears to be a factor, with individuals of Northern European descent being more susceptible.
symptoms ofDUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
- Thickening of tissue in the palm, most commonly near the base of the fingers
- Thick cord from palm to fingers
- Finger contractures: Gradual bending of one or more fingers toward the palm, unable to straighten affected fingers
- Nodules: Small, firm lumps beneath the skin of the palm
- Little or no pain
treatment for DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
This information session focuses on education about Dupuytren’s contracture, including symptoms, progression, and guidance on when to seek a surgical opinion, as surgery is the most common treatment option for moderate to severe Dupuytren’s contracture. We will also discuss the post-operative hand therapy treatment such as splinting, wound and scar management and exercises.
Calendar Information sessions 2026
CARPAL TUNNEL
ARTHRITIS FINGER
ARTHRITIS FINGER
Tuesday 17 March 2026 7pm to 8pm Melbourne Time
ARTHRITIS FINGER
ARTHRITIS FINGER
ARTHRITIS FINGER
Wednesday 18 March 2026 7pm to 8pm Melbourne Time
Can't find the session you need?
Can't find the session you need?
If you don't see the information session scheduled that you re looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss different options.
About Amanda
Hello and Welcome to Hand Therapy Hub.
My name is Amanda.
I am an:
- Occupational Therapist registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Accredited Hand Therapist as recognised by Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA)
With over 10 years experience in Hand Therapy I gained in depth knowledge in treating various hand conditions and injuries. I graduated in 2011 as an Occupational Therapist from Berlin, I have dedicated my career to the field of Hand Therapy, driven by a passion for helping others regain their functionality. Since moving to Melbourne in 2016, I have gained extensive experience working in private and public settings. Having a background in Occupational Therapy I focus on both- improving function and enhancing my clients' quality of life.