FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to be seen at Action Rehab?
No. Only patients who are having their consultations paid for by a 3rd Party (eg. WorkCover, TAC) need a referral.
Does my private health insurance cover my consultation?
Yes. All our therapists are registered will ALL private health insurance agencies. For more information visit the rebates page.
What should I bring to my appointment?
– Any x-rays, scans and tests relevant to your condition
– A copy of your new patient form completed on line (if possible)
– Your workers compensation, TAC or DVA claim number information if applicable, or your accident or employer details.
– Your referral letter if you have one (not required for private patients not under WC or TAC)
What is a Hand Therapist and why would I need one?
Our therapists have chosen to specialise in hand therapy following their undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy? In some cases this has meant 6 years of study. We each made the choice to devote ourselves to this concentration of practice and there are direct benefits to our patients from our choice. Our team are passionate, hard working individuals, committed to excellence. The diligence required developing comprehensive knowledge and skills in hand therapy is evident in our care. Each patient and their symptoms are viewed as unique and challenging. If you have a shoulder, elbow, sprained wrist or hand injury, you should see Action Rehab.
I just need an orthotic/splint/brace. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. All our braces are custom made by our team of hand therapists. Our therapists need to formally assess your condition in order to treat it. During the consultation they will give you education and exercises to further assist your recovery. We will continue your care after the initial splinting phase to ensure you regain your strength and range of motion through exercises.
I’ve only just had surgery. Isn’t it too early to start rehabilitation?
No. Hand Therapists generally see patients within the first three days following surgery to fabricate orthotics/splints/braces and remove bulky post surgery dressings. Initially the rehabilitation is focused on reducing swelling, fitting these splints and keeping unaffected joints moving. Our Hand Therapists are experienced in simple wound care also and can even remove your stitches where instructed to by your Doctor!
I’ve got an appointment with my surgeon in 2 weeks. Why do I need to see you before then?
Generally once the surgery has been done our therapists will manage your care. Following the advice of the surgeon we will remove your dressings, protect you in a splint and get you moving. Over the next few weeks we will strengthen you and return you to your activities of daily living. During this time we liaise closely with your surgeon keeping them informed of your care. It is important you see your therapist regularly for this and so often appointments with your therapist will happen much more frequently than your surgical appointments.
I’ve been referred to Ben Cunningham. Do I need to see him or can I see one of your other therapists?
As the business owner, Ben’s contact details are often on the referral letters and many referrers know Ben, however all the therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the treatment of hand/wrist/elbow and shoulder rehabilitation as well as tennis elbow treatments so it does not matter which therapist you are booked in to see.
My GP is having trouble getting me a surgical appointment and I have to wait can you get me seen earlier?
Yes. We have relationships with many of Melbourne’s best Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Surgeons and in many cases we are working in their rooms directly across from them. Waiting two months for an appointment is not appropriate for a hand injury so call us and we can see you within one week, assess your injury and triage it appropriately to our surgeons without you waiting. We will also write to your GP and keep them informed too. Tell your GP to refer you to Action Rehab and the surgeon and we will sort it all out for you and have you seen ASAP.
Why wouldn’t I just go to my local Physiotherapist? Why come to Action Rehab instead?
At Action Rehab our therapists are the experts in the care of shoulder/elbow/wrist and hand injuries and we have been helping people with conditions of the upper limb for the last 20 years. Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists only treat upper limb conditions. We undergo further specialist training in upper limb management and our experience can be seen on our About Us page. We have a good working relationship with local Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths and many refer to us for hand injuries so if you would like us to talk to your local therapist then please let us know. It might also be worth asking your local therapist if a referral to Action Rehab would assist your recovery further? Remember when it comes to your shoulder/elbow/wrist or hand, your outcome is our passion! Book an appointment today!
How long are the consultations?
Initial consultations are booked in for 40-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your injury. Follow up consultations are booked in for 40 minutes. Your time will never be cut short if you need it. The frequency of your reviews will depend on the complexity and severity of your injury and how you are progressing. In general our goal is to get you pain free and back to work/life/sport/living as soon as possible.
Patient Questions
I broke my wrist 3 months ago and now it hurts when I carry the shopping home or lift something heavy. Is there anything else you can do?
Wrist pain while carrying is often associated with the ligaments in your wrist and the position of your previously injured bones. We can formally assess your condition, and prescribe a rehabilitation program to strengthen surrounding muscles and work on improving your stability. We may even suggest ways to tape or strap your wrist for exercise. If we suspect a problem we can organise diagnostic tests to determine if any other intervention is required.
My GP has diagnosed me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Can I avoid an operation?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is compression of one of the three main nerves in your wrist (the median nerve). Pressure on the nerve can have multiple causes. While surgery is the appropriate option for some patients, there are other ways of reducing the pain and compression in the wrist. These include exercises to free up the nerve, using splints at night and by looking at what you might be doing to cause your symptoms.
My wrist always hurts when I do yoga or a gym session. Is there anything you can do?
Wrist pain when weight bearing is often associated with instability of ligaments that connect the bones in your wrist. We can formally assess your condition, and prescribe a rehabilitation program to strengthen surrounding muscles and work on improving your stability. We may even suggest ways to tape or protect your wrist for exercise. If we suspect a tear we can organise diagnostic tests to determine if any other intervention is required.
A few months ago I was playing sport for my local club and I dislocated my finger. My local therapist and GP managed it but my movement and strength is limited and I wanted to see if there is anything you can do?
Our team of experts in hand and wrist injuries know all the relevant modalities and exercises that other general therapists might not be aware of. We will tailor a strengthening and range of motion program that increases your range, strength and function no matter how old your injury is. Your injury and your outcome are our passion so we won’t let a stiff or sprained finger slow you down.
My daughter has broken her wrist and we are about to go on a swimming holiday. Is there anything she can wear to swim with and still protect the fracture?
Yes we fabricate thermoplastic braces that can be worn in replace of plaster and allow your child to swim! The plastic brace is water resistant and stronger than plaster. It can go in water as with wearing it in there, you just dry it off like a plastic plate once you are done. We commonly treat stable injuries in children in this way.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Call: +1300 762 227
Action Rehab provide assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb. Come and see our highly qualified and friendly staff today at a location convenient to you.
