News Feed/ Blog
-
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
3 January 2026
Understanding De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the wrist and lower thumb. This disorder can disrupt daily activities and cause significant discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into what De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is, its symptoms, causes, and how it can be treated effectively.
-
About Us and Frequently Asked Questions
10 December 2025
We are a hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder therapy clinic. Active Hand Therapy was established more then 16 years ago by our director, David Coles. He is a very laid back, friendly guy with an incredible knowledge of Hand and Upper Limb Therapy. He wanted to create a clinic where patients feel comfortable and relaxed all while getting the best and most highly trained therapist treatment.
-
Active Hand Therapy and Bond University
13 August 2025
One of the great things about working and living on the Gold Coast is that it's big enough to have excellent services, but small enough that you can get to know your community. Active Hand Therapy has had a great relationship over the years working with Bond University and this is a short video about why being an Occuapational Therapist is the hot job of the moment! Starring our director, David Coles and Sarena Sidhu, one of our awesome Hand Therapists.
-
Training With Wrist Pain? There is an Answer.
6 February 2025
Are you someone who loves the Gym, CrossFit, Gymnastics or Yoga? Then chances are you have experienced wrist pain that has impacted your training.
Read more about Training With Wrist Pain? There is an Answer. →
-
De Quervain's
18 December 2024
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. A common presentation is from repetitive grasping or lifting of bub!
Read on for what causes it and some treatment tips!
-
Shoulder Injuries
19 June 2024
Shoulder or neck pain? Our dedicated team of therapists have got you sorted.
Here at Active Hand Therapy, we are passionate about using the most up to date evidence to inform our practice. This ensures we are using treatment techniques that will provide the best outcomes for our patients.
Did you know that our therapists dedicate extensive hours to continuing professional development, including specilaised courses offered by the Australian Hand Therapy Association. This ensures we are the best in our field!
-
Active Hand Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
15 May 2024
We are a hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder therapy clinic. Active Hand Therapy was established more then 15 years ago by our director, David Coles. He is a very laid back, friendly guy with an incredible knowledge of Hand and Upper Limb Therapy. He wanted to create a clinic where patients feel comfortable and relaxed all while getting the best and most highly trained therapist treatment.
Read more about Active Hand Therapy Frequently Asked Questions →
-
Dry Needling
7 February 2024
Ever heard of Trigger Point Dry Needling?
Here at Active Hand Therapy, our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists are skilled in providing this service to reduce musclar tension and pain
-
Scar Therapy
19 December 2023
Did you know that at Active Hand and Upper Limb Therapy we also treat scars?
At Active we have been on a mission to provide the best treatment for scars for patients all over Australia.
It seems that scars can be a forgotten concern and yet the impact of pain, loss of movement and physical appearance can hugely decrease a your quality of life.
-
Skin Tears
21 September 2023
Patients with aged and fragile skin are at increased risk of skin tears, a significant problem for patients and the healthcare professionals who treat them. The right dressing is essential to better management.
-
Treatment Of A Burn
17 May 2023
With the weather hotting up and all the fires in Queensland and New South Wales we decided a refresher on Burns First Aid would be a 'cool' idea.
-
Fracture and What to do?
8 February 2023
So something stupid has happened and you have gone and broke a bone. Or maybe it's just sprained and it hurts like hell. What happens next? Hospital? GP? Physio? Did someone say Hand Therapist?!! So clearly if it's a leg - get your arse to the hospital. But if you have an injured finger, wrist, elbow or arm - there are other places to go for treatment.
-
Southern Cross University for Occupational Therapists
4 January 2023
We have been very busy at Active Hand Therapy over the last few years providing our Hand Therapy expertise to Bond, Griffith and Southern Cross University. Our team have lectured, ran splinting workshops and taken on students to improve the overall clinical excellence of our profession.
Read more about Southern Cross University for Occupational Therapists →
-
Physiotherapy at Active Therapy Gold Coast
27 December 2022
Did you know that we are more than just a Hand Therapy business? Warning - blatant plug coming - read on for WHY you should choose us!
Read more about Physiotherapy at Active Therapy Gold Coast →
-
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
27 September 2022
A quick video explaining what makes Carpal Tunnel worse and some simple tips to prevent it!
-
Sore Shoulder from Rotator Cuff Injury
15 June 2022
What is the Rotator Cuff? I am sure many of you have wondered the same question when it is mentioned by your physio. This article explores what the Rotator Cuff is and what happens when it’s not working as intended.
-
What Does A Hand Therapist Do?
16 February 2022
You are all thinking it. What does a Hand Therapist actually do?
-
Hand Therapy Job On The Gold Coast
29 December 2021
We are hiring!
Excellent Hand Therapists apply within!
-
David Coles Hand Therapist
21 November 2021
Our amazing director has had a very busy few months featuring at the Gold Coast City Council Service Providers, Australian Hand Therapy Association QLD Symposium, Bond University and the QLD Hand Surgeons Conference. Not bad for a bloke from the Goldy!
-
Working with the Titans
15 September 2021
With the Gold Coast Titans run ending in a cliffhanger and finals footy getting down to the wire - we have been busy treating and supporting the Titans again this year.
-
Bond University Student Placements
14 July 2021
Active Hand Therapy is very proud to be involved with Bond University for another year.
-
Hand Therapy Clinic Near Me
30 March 2021
Our State of the art Hand Therapy Clinic has opened in Palm Beach!
-
Mindfulness and Recovery after Injury
18 February 2021
There is more and more research coming out that suggests Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques can reduce pain and anxiety after injury. We have a few favorite apps at Active Hand Therapy that can help - Anyone in need of some Zen time?
-
Northern NSW Hand Therapy Clinic
22 December 2020
It is official! Active Hand Therapy is bringing Hand Therapy to Northern NSW!
-
Coomera Clinic - Now Open!
16 September 2020
Active Hand Therapy is very excited to announce that our Coomera Hand Therapy Clinic is now open every day Monday to Friday!!
-
New Clinic Burleigh Heads
1 September 2020
We have temporarily moved to a new location while our new state of the art clinic is built at Palm Beach.
-
Avoid The Hospitals During an Emergency - Coronavirus Update Gold Coast
5 August 2020
Active Hand Therapy offers a Mobile Casting Clinic. We specialise in the treatment and care of all fractures, breaks, broken bones, sprains and wounds.
Read more about Avoid The Hospitals During an Emergency - Coronavirus Update Gold Coast →
-
Partnering with the Gold Coast Suns for another year
1 July 2020
As the AFL season ramps up, our director, David Coles, looks forward to another year with the Gold Coast Suns.
Read more about Partnering with the Gold Coast Suns for another year →
-
Tele-Health, Home Visits, Private Fracture Clinic and more
1 May 2020
Active Hand Therapy has been offering Tele-Health and Remote Services to our patients for many years. We also have a mobile clinic where our therapists can visit you at home, including a home based casting service.
Read more about Tele-Health, Home Visits, Private Fracture Clinic and more →
-
Coronavirus Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Appointments
15 April 2020
How to keep safe and look after your health? Here are some tips from David Coles at Active Hand Therapy to keep in mind when visiting our clinics.
Read more about Coronavirus Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Appointments →
-
Splinting Workshops
6 April 2020
Big week at Active Hand Therapy taking the Bond University Occupational Therapy students and the Physiotherapy students though their splinting courses. Our director David Coles, has been running these courses, in conjunction with the Universities, for a number of years now. This year the Physios wanted a piece of the action.
-
Partnering with Bond University Physiotherapy
26 February 2020
Active Hand Therapy is excited to welcome the first lot of students from Bond University for the year!
Read more about Partnering with Bond University Physiotherapy →
-
Active Hand Therapy Best Year
7 January 2020
Active Hand Therapy has had a cracking year! We have opened new clinics and welcomed new team members along the way.
-
Best Occupational Therapist of the year
11 December 2019
Out of hundreds of applications all around Australia, Active Hand Therapy was gobsmacked to receive two finalist nominations at the Allied Health Awards in Melbourne. Here is a blatant call out for how awesome we are!!!
-
Handwashing Latest Guidelines
21 November 2019
We all know the benefits of washing our hands but do we know what the latest guidelines suggest and why?
-
NAIDOC Week Focus on Healthcare
10 July 2019
NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8th July and continue through to Sunday 15th July. This year it spotlights the invaluable contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women make to our communities and families. It is also a perfect time to reflect on aboriginal health and the gap that still exists for Indigenous Australians
-
Partnering with Bond University
12 May 2019
Last month Active Hand Therapy ran a course for a group of Occupational Therapy students from Bond University.
-
Fracture Clinic Gold Coast and Hand Clinic Southport
12 February 2019
Did you know that we have a specialised finger, hand, wrist and arm fracture clinic?
Read more about Fracture Clinic Gold Coast and Hand Clinic Southport →
-
Elite Female Athletes
1 January 2019
Did you know that in some sports women are 6 times more likely to sustain injuries than their male counterparts? Mikayla Southam, one of our specialist hand physiotherapists explains some of the reasons behind this trend.
-
SCU for Occupational Therapists
21 November 2018
We have been very busy at Active Hand Therapy this year with students and lecturing. Our latest guest appearance has been with Southern Cross University.
-
The Gold Coast's best Hand Therapist by Channel 7 News
1 October 2018
It's not everyday you get a phone call from Patty Welsh wanting to know who Dave Coles is and why he hasn't heard of him before?
Read more about The Gold Coast's best Hand Therapist by Channel 7 News →
-
Partnering with the Gold Coast Suns
9 September 2018
As the AFL season draws to a close, our director, David Coles, reflects on another year with the Gold Coast Suns.
-
Bond University Lectures
23 October 2018
David Coles gave a great lecture today at Bond University discussing the role Hand Therapists have within the Multidisciplinary Team.
-
Partnering with the Titans
15 August 2018
With only a few more weeks left of the NRL season for 2018 the therapists have been busy treating and supporting the Titans again this year.
-
Treatment of Bluebottle Stings
15 April 2018
So seriously what is the treatment for bluebottle stings? Seawater? Hotwater? Vinegar? Coldwater? Guess what, it has changed again! We get our resident pharmacist to review the evidence.
-
Sally Pearson Comeback from Hand Injury
9 March 2018
Sally Pearson has come a long way from her wrist injury back in 2015. She is now a dual world champion after winning the final of the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in London. In the leadup to the Commonwealth Games, David Coles, director of Active Hand Therapy, talks about her recovery.
-
Commonwealth Games Travel Information
18 February 2018
If you are visiting one of our clinics at Coomera, Southport or Palm Beach over the Commonwealth Games period please read the following information.
-
Static Splinting Workshop 2017
1 October 2017
Need to develop static splinting skills? Our workshop is on again. Book now on (07) 5526 4066 or email: admin@activehandtherapy.com.au. for our October 2017 workshop at our Southport clinic.
-
Certified Hand Therapist
13 June 2017
Luke McCarron has recently completed his Hand Therapist Certification. This worldwide commision only recognises an elite few who undergo rigorous advanced testing and Active Hand Therapy could not be any more proud of this down to earth therapist.
-
Active Hand Therapy News
11 June 2017
Gary Ablett took the Gold Coast Suns to another win this weekend even with his injured thumb. David, our director, has an avid passion for all things football having played for many years himself. With his vast knowledge he has perfected the form vs function for these supportive splints.
-
Hand Therapy Awareness Week
1 June 2017
This year Hand Therapy Awareness Week is celebrating the 'Art and Science of Hand Therapy' and is held from 5-11 June 2017
-
Make a Wish Foundation
18 May 2017
Mikayla Southam our resident Physiotherapist is a proud supporter of the Make a Wish Foundation. She regularly raises money for this charity to enable seriously ill kids to have a wish come true
-
Partnering with Bond University
7 April 2017
Active Hand Therapy is very proud to be involved with the first cohort of Bond University's GEMS Occupational Therapy students.
-
Partnering with Griffith University
14 February 2017
The director, David Coles, was again a guest lecturer for Griffith University Masters Physiotherapy students. His talks included discussing 'Clinical Assessment of the Hand and Wrist'.
-
Static Splinting Workshop 2016
1 October 2016
Need to develop static splinting skills? Book now on (07) 5526 4066 or email: admin@activehandtherapy.com.au. for our October 2016 workshop at our Southport clinic.
-
Active Hand Therapy in the news again!
30 September 2016
Ash Taylor has won the Daly M Medal for rookie of the year despite his finger injury.
-
Active Hand Therapy in the news
5 September 2016
Congratulations to Jarrod Harbrow winning the Sun's Club Champion Award.
-
Animal Welfare League
27 July 2017
Today our Physio Mikayla Southam visited the Gold Coast Animal Welfare League to donate offcuts of our thermoplastic materials.
-
QuickDASH Scores Study
26 September 2014
Active Hand and Upper Limb Physiotherapist Mikayla Southam has recently published a retrospective cohort study of QuickDASH scores for common acute trauma conditions presenting for Hand Therapy
-
Upper Limb Sports Injury Symposium
18 February 2010
Members of our staff recently visited Melbourne to attend Action Rehab Sports Injury Symposium. David Coles, our director, was also a guest lecturer at the event. Some interesting new ideas were taken on board by the team in managing sports injuries.
-
Sagittal Band Injuries
12 March 2009
Last month the director of Active Hand Therapy, David Coles, presented at the Melbourne Sports Injury Symposium. One of his lectures focused on Sagittal Band Injuries.
-
Welcome to Active Hand Therapy
24 September 2008
Welcome to our new Active Hand Therapy news feed/ blog. Active Hand Therapy is a private hand and upper limb practice located on the Gold Coast, providing specialised Hand Therapy services to our clients. It has been operating since 2009 and has been the premier hand clinic on the Gold Coast for many years.