Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy Service Update
The Hand Therapy service is continuing to see patients for assessment and treatment of acute hand injuries/conditions.
Where possible, the service can offer a virtual ‘Near Me’ video consulting appointment to patients. Should a patient require a face to face appointment (e.g. wound management, manual therapy, splinting etc) they will be invited to attend the main hand therapy clinic within the Occupational Therapy service at University Hospital Monklands or the Physiotherapy Department at University Hospital Hairmyres. The service has altered the treatment areas to allow for physical distancing and adherence to infection control precautions as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Patients are requested not to attend any earlier than their appointment time and alone, if possible.
For further information, please contact:
- Debbie Pipe – Occupational Therapy Advanced Practitioner call 01698 752088
- Mandy Sinforiani – Occupational Therapy Advanced Practitioner call 01698 752088
- Margaret Merrill – Physiotherapy Advanced Practitioner call 01355 585298
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapists provide assessment and treatment of many Hand conditions including after injury or surgery.
Hands are complex structures with a great deal of anatomy in a condensed space.
Due to this complexity, it is important that following injury or surgery treatment is offered in a timely and effective way. This allows the patient to achieve the best possible recovery and functional outcome returning to independence in everyday activities, work and hobbies.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and their needs.
Following assessment of your hand, a plan of treatment will be put in place to aid recovery.
The Team
The Hand team consists of Hand Therapists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Specialist Nurses and Plaster technician services.
How are patients referred?
Patients are referred to the service from the Orthopaedic clinic, by other allied health professionals and the Accident and Emergency Department. We also accept appropriate GP referrals.
What should I expect from my appointment?
Appointments can last up to 45 minutes, or longer if you need a specialised splint. We also offer virtual appointments via video call, using a service called NHS “Near Me.” Telephone consultations are also available.


What treatment can a Hand Therapist provide?
Hand therapists can offer a range of treatments, depending on your condition or the surgery you have had. This might include advice on wound and scar management, manual therapy, as well as other treatments such as ultrasound if required. We can make splints to aid your recovery or protect healing structures.
We also offer assessment and advice on activities of daily living that you may be finding difficult, as well as recommending specific exercise programmes and self-management advice. Hand Therapists will set up an individual therapy programme for you. Hand injuries can be distressing, and therapists can help you with psychological and emotional support.
Contact Us
If you wish to speak to someone in the Hand Therapy Service please contact the appropriate number listed below.
- Occupational Therapy Hand Service (University Hospital Monklands) call 01698 752088
- Physiotherapy Hand Service (University Hospital Hairmyers) call 01355 585298
For Further Information on Hand Therapy please visit :
Useful Links
Aids and adaptations
- (South Lanarkshire): https://equipu.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/
- (North Lanarkshire): https://www.makinglifeeasier.org.uk
Pain Management
Managing Arthritis
Lanarkshire Mental Health Resources
Employment After An Injury
Your Feedback – comments, concerns and complaints
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We therefore want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.