This specialist service accepts referrals for the treatment of hand injuries from Hounslow GPs and local hospitals / walk-in centres.
It is also a satellite service for patients living in and around the borough providing follow-up treatment for those patients having had surgery at a Specialist Hand Injury Centre.
The service also delivers clinics alongside the specialist hand surgeon at West Middlesex University Hospital.
The service provides assessment and treatment for adults and children, covering function, range of motion, strength, sensation, pain, oedema, wound healing and scarring, and psychological impact of injury.
Customised splinting is provided, as well as pre-fabricated orthotics, as part of treatment as necessary.
Assessment is on a one-to-one basis although some treatments are carried out in groups, with individual objectives, goals and treatment plans written for every patient.
Patients are provided with a home exercise programme and advice on self-management.
Treatment also includes a functional assessment and ergonomic advice where necessary.
Telephone advice and support is provided to local therapists, walk-in and urgent care centres and GPs.
Commonly seen conditions
- Fractures / dislocations of digits and wrist
- Mallet injuries
- Acquired conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, tendonitis
- Post-operative tendon and nerve repairs
- Ligament strains
- Post-elective surgery such as dupuytrens fasciectomy, carpal tunnel decompression
- Rheumatological and osteoarthritic conditions
Central neurological conditions are not covered by this service.
Referrals
Written referrals are accepted from GPs, consultants, A&E departments, walk-in centres, and other therapists/health professionals.
Urgent phone referrals are acceptable if followed up in written form.