NEWS

WINTER SPORTS HAVE BEGUN

Daylight savings is now officially over, with that comes shorter days, longer nights and more importantly winter sports. The most popular winter sports in New Zealand are rugby union, netball, football, basketball, hockey and rugby league.

With winter sports comes injuries and approximately 9% of winter sporting injuries occur to the hand and wrist. (ACC Injury Statistics 2008)

Many sporting injuries to the hand may be minor ones, but some of them are more significant. With these more significant injuries we need to ensure correct diagnosis to enable the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan to be put in place.

Finger injuries may range from a simple joint sprain to a more significant dislocation, ligament rupture and / or tendon damage. If poorly managed these injuries can have potential long term issues such as the inability to grip.



Wrist injuries also vary in severity, the simple wrist sprain may in fact be something more significant such as a scaphoid fracture or cartilage tear. Delay in treatment and management of these injuries may have devastating consequences in the long term.

At Hands On Rehab, our therapists, have an excellent knowledge of the complex anatomy of the hand and wrist to ensure that a differential diagnosis of an injury can be made. We are able to complete all ACC documentation at the first appointment, and can refer on for x-rays and specialist opinions if this is indicated. We also ensure that we have excellent communication with the sports person’s general practitioner and coaching staff.

At Hands On Rehab, if your injury is accepted by ACC, your treatment and splinting needs are fully covered by ACC.

Our therapists at Hands On Rehab understand how long tissues take to heal and can therefore make recommendations and give realistic time frames for a safe return to training and contact sport. We are able to provide splints or supports to enhance this safe return to sport and ensure that these splints comply with various sporting code regulations.

At Hands On Rehab we will endeavor to see injuries as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any queries contact your nearest Hands on Rehab clinic.