Patient Guides & Education

Patient
Guides

Practical guides and clinical information written to help you understand your condition, what to expect from treatment, and how to get the most from your rehabilitation.

Evidence-based
Articles by a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) based on clinical evidence and specialist practice.
Plain English
Written for patients, not clinicians. Clear explanations without unnecessary medical jargon.
Not a substitute for advice
The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have a concern, please book a consultation.
General
6 min read

Hand Therapy vs Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is well known. Hand Therapy less so. If you have a hand, wrist or upper limb condition understanding the difference could change your outcome.

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General
5 min read

Choosing a Hand Therapy Specialist

Not all Hand Therapists offer the same scope of practice. This guide covers what to look for when choosing a specialist, what a Consultant Hand Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can offer and the questions worth asking.

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General
6 min read

Caring for Your Hand and Wrist Splint

Your custom thermoplastic splint is an important part of your recovery. This guide covers how to wear it, keep it clean, wash your hand while wearing it and what to do if something does not feel right.

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Hand
5 min read

Managing Swollen Hands & Wrists: Patient Guide

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after hand or wrist injury and surgery, but it needs to be managed actively. This guide explains the practical steps you can take at home to reduce swelling and support your recovery.

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Hand
6 min read

Using Therapy Putty: A Guide for Patients

Therapy putty is one of the most effective tools for rebuilding hand strength and dexterity after injury or surgery. This guide explains how to use it correctly and get the most from your exercises.

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General
6 min read

RSI: Understanding What It Actually Means

RSI is one of the most commonly used and least understood terms in upper limb healthcare. This guide explains what RSI really means, why the label is not a diagnosis and what you need to know to get the right treatment.

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Wrist
7 min read

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Universal Guide

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers. It can also produce forearm and arm pain. This guide covers causes, diagnosis, the link between CTS and arm pain, treatment without surgery plus when to see a specialist.

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Hand
6 min read

Triggering: A Guide to Grades & Treatment

Trigger finger and trigger thumb are conditions where a finger or thumb catches, clicks or locks when you try to straighten it. This guide explains what causes it, the different grades of severity and how Hand Therapy and other treatments can help.

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General
6 min read

What is Hand Therapy?

What exactly is Hand Therapy, who practises it and what does treatment involve? A guide to the clinical specialism that covers the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.

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Cannot find what you're looking for?

If you have a question about your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder that is not answered here, the best next step is a specialist consultation. Ms Razo offers prompt appointments with no waiting list.

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