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TREATMENT
Best care, advice and support post surgery
TREATMENT
The physiotherapists at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb have many years of experience in treating a diverse range of upper limb problems. This includes sporting, recreational and work related injuries, rehabilitation following surgery and management of chronic conditions.
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Working closely with the specialists of Newcastle Shoulder, Elbow and Hand Surgery, the physiotherapists are able to make use of this connection to assist with the management of conditions which are complex or have not responded well to other treatments.
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While our focus is on problems with the upper limb, the physiotherapists at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb are also able to treat the full range of soft tissue, nerve and bony conditions in the spine, torso and lower limbs.
GP REFERRAL
If you have been injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident, your doctor will provide you with a referral for treatment at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb.
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If you have a chronic health condition your doctor may provide you with an extended health care plan (EPC) which can provide you with a limited number of subsidised physiotherapy treatments. Your doctor will need to provide you with a specific referral for this service.
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If you are the holder of a Veteran's Affairs white card (only specific conditions covered) or gold card (all conditions covered) you will also require a referral for physiotherapy treatment.
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If your doctor has provided you with a referral, please ensure that you bring this with you to your first appointment. Even if a referral is not strictly required and your doctor has still provided one, it is always an advantage to bring this with you as it usually contains valuable health information and details of your previous treatment or investigations.
SPECIALIST REFERRAL
Your specialist may suggest physiotherapy treatment as part of your conservative management or following surgery, and will in most cases provide you with a referral for treatment outlining their specific requirements and any special conditions that need to be noted.
If you have been provided with a referral, please bring this with you to your first appointment. If your specialist suggests treatment but does not provide you with a referral, the physiotherapists at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb will contact your specialist directly to discuss your specific situation and needs.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Different surgeons have certain post-operative requirements that compliment their specific method and approach to specific surgeries. In order to achieve an optimal result post-surgery, the physiotherapists at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb will follow these specific post-operative protocols. These protocols are guides only, and as such your physiotherapist will also liaise with the treating specialist to ensure the most appropriate treatment programme is achieved.
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If you are a patient of Newcastle Shoulder Elbow & Hand Surgery, use the following link to find more information Dr Stephen Kemp and Dr Benjamin East's post-operative instructions; nseh.com.au/post-op
SELF REFERRAL
For most people a referral is not required to make an appointment to see the physiotherapists at Hunter Hand and Upper Limb, and this does not affect your cover or rebate if you are privately insured.
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A referral from your doctor is only required if you have an injury sustained at work or in a motor vehicle accident, your doctor has provided you with a Extended Care Plan (EPC) referral for chronic conditions or if you are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.