Archibald finalist Tsering Hannaford’s self-portrait ‘Meditation on time’, showcases the subject wearing a wrist brace, and facilitates a discussion on the importance of braces & splinting.

Hannaford’s artwork portrays herself wearing a wrist brace following an undescribed wrist injury. In her artwork, she details the reasoning and consequences of wearing a brace; moreover, her artwork highlights that splints & braces remain a pillar of hand therapy and are crucial in the treatment of wrist injuries.

Tsering Hannaford, Meditation on time (a left-handed self-portrait), oil on canvas. Photo: Jenni Carter / Art Gallery of New South Wales

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HTG-Trigger-FInger

Clicking and locking of a finger or thumb is generally known as a “Trigger finger” or “Trigger thumb.” This is a common condition involving inflammation or thickening of the tendon that bends your fingers or thumb. The tendon passes through a pulley in the palm of the hand, however when the tendon is inflamed, it can catch or lock as you make a fist or grip items.  

Trigger-Finger
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You may be referred to see a ‘hands physio’ or hand therapist after an injury. Do you know what makes a hand therapist different to a general physiotherapist or occupational therapist? Let’s take a look.  

What does a hand therapist do?

A hand therapist, or practitioner in hand therapy, is a qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist who specialises in treating hand, wrist and upper limb injuries. Hand therapists have further gained their knowledge in the anatomy and rehabilitation of the upper limb by attending courses, clinical experience and self-directed study. 

How can a hand therapist help?

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