NORTH SHORE HAND THERAPY

Frequently asked questions

  • Hand therapy is a specialised field of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy dedicated to addressing conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm.

    Accredited Hand Therapists’ have completed additional post graduate study, clinical hours and independent learning to become specialised in the treatment of hand and upper limb injuries and conditions.

  • Hand therapists are physiotherapists or occupational therapists who have done extra postgraduate study, clinical hours and independent learning in hand and upper limb injuries. That means we focus on your hand, wrist and elbow every day.

  • We have two clinics on the North Shore. Milford is at 193 Shakespeare Rd, inside PhysioAction and opposite North Shore Hospital, with plenty of on-site parking. Northcote is at 29C Woodside Ave, with 3 dedicated parking spots and good public transport links.

  • Your first hand therapy appointment at North Shore Hand Therapy takes about 30 minutes, at our Milford or Northcote clinic in Auckland.

    Here’s what happens:

    • We talk it through. We ask about your injury or surgery, your symptoms, and what you need your hand to do for work, sport or home life.

    • We assess your hand, wrist or elbow. We check movement, strength, swelling, sensation and pain.

    • We start treatment. This might be exercises, hands-on therapy, scar or wound care, or a custom splint made for you on the day.

    • We make a plan. You leave knowing what to do at home, how long recovery should take, and when we’ll see you next.

    Bring any referral, scan results or surgery notes. If you’re covered by ACC, we can help with your claim paperwork. We see ACC and private patients.

    Ready to book? Book your hand therapy appointment online.

  • It is helpful if you can supply any of the following prior to your appointment:

    ✔ X-rays and/or reports

    ✔ Any other investigation results (MRI, Utrasound)

    ✔ Hospital dischalrge papers

    ✔ Operation details

    ✔ Referral form from GP, A&E, hospital, surgeon, physio etc

    ✔ ACC details (if already registered)

  • Please see our pricing page

    ACC Intial Appointment‍ ‍

    • ACC initial assessment - $20 (Under 18 and CSC holders are no co-payment)

    ACC Follow Up Appointments

    • ACC follow up - $10 (Under 18 and CSC no co-payment)

    Private Hand Therapy - $135

    There may be charges for dressings and splinting not covered by ACC or if paying privately. This will be discussed with you during the appointment.

  • No referral is needed. You can self refer to North Shore Hand Therapy.

    We can lodge your ACC form, send for further imaging and refer to specialists if required.

    If your injury is related to a gradual process or work related please see the GP first

  • Please call 0800 674 878 or click here to book online.

    If there is no suitable time please email reception@northshorehands.co.nz

  • Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend.

    Please call 0800 674 878 or email reception@northshorehands.co.nz

  • We are always open to feedback and wish to hear any you may have. Please contact reception@northshorehands.co.nz.

    You are always welcome to have a second opinion with either another therapist or specialist and we can happily arrange this for you.

    Please visit this link to understand your rights.

  • Your surgeon will usually tell you when to start. Bring your operation details and discharge papers to your first appointment. We'll look after your splint, swelling and scar, and guide your exercises step by step.

  • There is plenty of parking onsite and it is level with wheelchair/disabled access.

    Please contact us on 0800 674 878 if you have specific accessibility requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  • If your injury is the result of an accident we can lodge your ACC form on your behalf.

    Click here for what counts as an ACC injury

    If your injury is a gradual onset or work-related injury claim you will need to see your GP first to lodge the claim.

  • Yes. Finger sprains, wrist fractures, dislocations, climbing pulley strains and cricket injuries are all things we see often. We'll plan your recovery around getting you back to your sport.

  • We treat fractures, ligament injuries, strains and sprains, tendon injuries, mallet finger, trigger finger, ganglions, TFCC injuries, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and recovery after hand or wrist surgery. If you're not sure whether we can help, call us on 0800 674 878.

  • You can buy Iceman cold therapy units and pads from the North Shore Hand Therapy online store. We ship around New Zealand.

    Cold therapy is popular after knee surgery, including total knee joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, and after knee injuries. It helps ease swelling and pain while you recover. Check with your surgeon or physio on how often and how long to use it.

    Shop cold therapy in our online store