Hand Therapist – Laura

Laura is a clinical specialist in hand therapy with over ten years’ experience specialising in the rehabilitation of individuals with conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.

Laura graduated from Brunel University in 2011 as an occupational therapist. She has undertaken advanced post graduate education and research in the field of hand therapy.

Alongside her clinic at MOVE, Laura works as a clinical specialist in hands at Dorset County NHS Foundation Trust treating hand and wrist patients following trauma and elective surgery as well as acquired conditions, congenital hand abnormalities and sport related injuries.

As a specialist, Laura has comprehensive knowledge of the wrist and hand. She is competent in evaluating and identify problems affecting the hand and wrist and providing a range of therapeutic treatments to enable the person to restore and maintain function.

Common conditions treated by hand therapy:

• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Joint replacements and fusions
• Dupuytrens release
• Trigger finger/thumb
• Dequervain’s syndrome
• Wrist pathologies and surgeries
• Tendonopathies
• Joint stiffness and contractures
• Arthritis
• Nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Scarring
• Hypermobility

Hand specialists recognise that the hand and wrist are complex and treatment options are tailored to the individual and focus on the patient returning to the functional activities they enjoyed prior to injury.

Treatments include:

• Splinting-both thermoplastic and neoprene
• Joint moblisations
• Bespoke home exercise programs
• Strengthening
• Ultrasound
• Kinesio-taping
• Sensory re-education
• Advice regarding returning to functional activities

Alongside her work commitments Laura is a keen netball player and enjoys yoga and the arts.