Our Practice
Hunter Hand Rehab opened in 2013 and specialises in the management of hand and upper limb injuries and conditions.
After 10 years of being located in Charlestown we moved to Adamstown in December 2023. In April 2026 we opened a second clinic in East Maitland to enhance access and continuity of care for patients in the broader Hunter region. Both of our spacious premises have been custom designed and equipped to provide the highest quality service. We aim to maximise our patients hand and upper limb function by providing high quality assessment and rehabilitation following an injury or chronic hand and upper limb condition.
Our highly trained staff include occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
We will provide a thorough assessment and treatment program designed to manage the symptoms you have such as pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, numbness and loss of hand function. Our Adamstown clinic is co-located with Hunter Hand Surgery for patients who require further specialist care. We work closely with local Hand, Plastic and Orthopaedic surgeons, GP’s, radiologists, rheumatologists and other allied health professionals. We regularly liaise with insurance companies, employers and return to work consultants to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Common upper limb conditions, injuries and surgeries we treat include:
Common Injuries/Conditions
Fractures of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand
Joint dislocations and sprains
Arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compressions
Dupuytren’s contracture
Mallet finger
Dequervain’s disease
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow
Overuse injuries
Tendonitis
Wrist pain
Trigger finger
Burns and scars
Sporting injuries
Work Injuries
Neurological conditions
Common Surgeries
Fracture fixation
Wounds & complex surgical repairs
Post-operative trauma
Amputations & replantations
Tendon & Nerve repairs
Ligament repairs
Synovectomy
Tenolysis
Skin grafts / flaps
Arthodesis (joint fusion)
Arthroplasty (joint replacement)
Hand Therapy Services
& Treatments
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Hand therapy services provided at Hunter Hand Rehab include:
Thorough assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the hand, wrist and arm
Custom made static and dynamic splints using various materials:
Thermoplastic, Neoprene, Leather, Lycra, Fabrifoam. We also stock a range of off the shelf splints.
Silver ring splints
Synthetic (waterproof) and Plaster of Paris casting
Telehealth
Post surgical care
Return to Work/Sport Programs
Arthritis Management Programs
Pain Management Programs
Home Exercise Programs
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Hand therapy treatments provided at Hunter Hand Rehab include:
Wound management and dressings
Scar management
Oedema/swelling management
Hot and cold therapies; including wax bath
Soft tissue massage and trigger point release
Passive stretching
Desensitisation and sensory re-education
Graded ROM/exercise programs
Joint and neural mobilisations
Serial casting for joint contractions
Proprioception exercises
Strength and conditioning exercises
Graded motor imagery
Sports taping and bracing including Kinesiotaping
Joint protection, workplace simplification and ergonomic modification and education
Postural correction
Functional retraining
Dry needling
InterX (rental available)
Ultrasound
Our Team
Get to know the team at Hunter Hand Rehab. Click on the staff photos for more.
Dion Sandoz
Sheree Ashton
Director and Principal Occupational Therapist | Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) | Certified Hand Therapist (USA)
Occupational Therapist | Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) | Certified Hand Therapist (USA)
Occupational Therapist | Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Occupational Therapist | Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) | Certified Hand Therapist (USA)
Cameron Rae
Jebb Lane
Occupational Therapist | Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Occupational Therapist | Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) | Certified Hand Therapist (USA)
Julia Gannon
Greg Sullivan
Occupational Therapist | Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Physiotherapist | Certified Hand Therapist (USA)
Suanne Conlan
Kassie Hunter
Practice Manager
Receptionist
Rachael Searle
Gemma Woodbridge
Receptionist
Receptionist
Dianne Walker
Receptionist
Rosalie Bell
Renee Lim
FAQ’S
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“Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialised skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations”
Hand Therapy Certification Commission, 2009.
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“Registered Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who, through further education, clinical experience and independent study have become proficient in the treatment of upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease or deformity”.
Australian Hand Therapy Association
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“An Accredited Hand Therapist has demonstrated, to the Australian Hand Therapy Association, a high standard of competence in hand therapy. This practitioner has undertaken further study, a minimum of 3600 hours clinical experience in hand therapy, has completed a 12-month mentorship program within a five-year time-frame and must demonstrate continuous professional development”.
Australian Hand Therapy Association.
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A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
Hand Therapy Certification Commission.
