News Feed/ Blog
Dry Needling13 August 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
Dynamic Splitning5 June 2024
At Active Hand and Upper Limb Therapy, we can help you regain range of motion through Dynamic Splinting.
Whilst a quick manual stretch is helpful, it is often not well maintained. Studies show that a prolonged stretch under low load is painful and creates more permanent change.
Dynamic splinting compliments therapy completed in clinic by allowing you to make significant gains from home.
Shoulder Injuries20 March 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!
Scar Therapy15 October 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.
Active Hand Therapy and Bond University29 July 2023
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.
Active Hand Therapy Frequently Asked Questions15 May 2023
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 →
Fracture Healing Timeframes8 March 2023
Breaking a bone sucks. It is not only painful, uncomfortable and inconvenient - it also puts your life and plans on hold for weeks or months. Let's look at bone healing times - Do we have to wear a cast or splint for the full 6-8 weeks? Can we get back to sport or work sooner if we have broken something? How can we maximise our chances of recovering quicker after a break? David Coles, our Active Hand Therapist guru, talks us through all things healing.
Southern Cross University for Occupational Therapists4 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 →
Osteoporosis And Fractures11 October 2022
More than 66% of over 50's have poor bone health. This can lead to fractures from minimal trauma. Think falling over a rug, a knock on the wrist or a wrong movement at the gym. Osteoporosis is one of the contributing factors of brittle bones. You don't need to break a bone to come visit us in our clinics! Read on to reduce your risk.
Physiotherapy at Active Therapy Gold Coast29 August 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 →
Managing Hand Arthritis29 June 2022
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease usually characterised by joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It is the most common form of arthritis in Australia. It mainly affects the hands, knees and hips however other joints can be affected. Guidelines for treatment has mainly focused on the larger joints however these recommendations cannot always be transferred to management of the hand. Read on for all the latest evidence for this specific area!
Carpal Tunnel Treatment27 April 2022
A quick video explaining what makes Carpal Tunnel worse and some simple tips to prevent it!
De Quervain's23 February 2022
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!
Hand Therapy Job On The Gold Coast29 December 2021
We are hiring!
Excellent Hand Therapists apply within!
David Coles Hand Therapist21 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 Titans15 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 Placements14 July 2021
Active Hand Therapy is very proud to be involved with Bond University for another year.
Skin Tears7 May 2021
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.
Hand Therapy Clinic Near Me30 March 2021
Our State of the art Hand Therapy Clinic has opened in Palm Beach!
What Does A Hand Therapist Do?20 January 2021
Hand Therapists treat any injury or condition from the fingers to the shoulders. They can identify the problem and provide specialised treatment options. Personalised splints, dry needling, massage, wound care, taping, electrotherapy and many more!
We are experts, passionate about getting our patients better and want to help!
Treatment of Osteoarthritis27 November 2020
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease usually characterised by joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It mainly affects the hands, knees and hips however other joints can be affected. Treatment options are usually based on symptom control. Here are some Do's and Don'ts when it comes to improving swelling and pain of Osteoarthritis of the fingers.
New Clinic Burleigh Heads1 September 2020
We have temporarily moved to a new location while our new state of the art clinic is built at Palm Beach.
Northern NSW Hand Therapy Clinic13 July 2020
It is official! Active Hand Therapy is bringing Hand Therapy to Northern NSW!
Avoid The Hospitals During an Emergency - Coronavirus Update Gold Coast1 May 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 →
Tele-Health, Home Visits, Private Fracture Clinic and more1 April 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 Appointments28 March 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 →
Treatment Of A Burn16 February 2020
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.
Sore Shoulder from Rotator Cuff Injury21 January 2020
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.
Active Hand Therapy Best Year7 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 year11 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!!!
Carpal Tunnel19 November 2019
Chances are, you have heard of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Many Australians suffer from CTS and experience symptoms that usually start slowly and worsen over time. It may be that a friend has a feeling of tingling or pins and needles in the fingers. Or you wake up in the morning with numbness in your hands. If left untreated it can cause muscles near the base of the thumb to waste away. So here is a little more information about Carpal Tunnel and its treatment.
What Does A Hand Therapist Do?16 October 2019
You are all thinking it. What does a Hand Therapist actually do?
Coomera Clinic - Now Open!18 September 2019
Active Hand Therapy is very excited to announce that our Coomera Hand Therapy Clinic is now open every day Monday to Friday!!
Partnering with the Gold Coast Suns for another year1 July 2019
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 →
Splinting Workshops8 April 2019
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.
Fracture and What to do?30 March 2019
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.
Partnering with Bond University Physiotherapy26 February 2019
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 →
Tennis Elbow17 January 2019
With the Australian Open hotting up and every man and his dog making their way to a tennis court the Active Hand Therapy team thought it would be a great time to write a post about Tennis Elbow. So whether your elbow pain is due to a mean Isner serve or just from gripping your celebratory champagne - Here are some pointers on this niggling injury.
Mindfulness and Recovery after Injury7 December 2018
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?
SCU for Occupational Therapists21 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.
Training With Wrist Pain? There is an Answer.28 October 2018
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. →
The Gold Coast's best Hand Therapist by Channel 7 News1 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 Suns9 September 2018
As the AFL season draws to a close, our director, David Coles, reflects on another year with the Gold Coast Suns.
Partnering with the Titans15 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.
NAIDOC Week Focus on Healthcare15 July 2018
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
Handwashing Latest Guidelines13 June 2018
We all know the benefits of washing our hands but do we know what the latest guidelines suggest and why?
Partnering with Bond University10 May 2018
Last month Active Hand Therapy ran a course for a group of Occupational Therapy students from Bond University.
Treatment of Bluebottle Stings15 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.
Elite Female Athletes3 April 2018
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.
Sally Pearson Comeback from Hand Injury9 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 Information18 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.
Fracture Clinic Gold Coast and Hand Clinic Southport13 February 2018
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 →
Bond University Lectures24 October 2017
David Coles gave a great lecture today at Bond University discussing the role Hand Therapists have within the Multidisciplinary Team.
Static Splinting Workshop 20171 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.
Full AHTA Membership24 August 2017
Congratulations to Shawn McDowell one of Active Hand and Upper Limb Therapy's Occupational Therapists. Shawn has recently completed his full membership to the Australian Hand Therapy Association.
Animal Welfare League27 July 2017
Today our Physio Mikayla Southamvisited the Gold Coast Animal Welfare League to donate offcuts of our thermoplastic materials.
Certified Hand Therapist13 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 News11 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 Week1 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 Foundation5 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 University7 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 University14 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 20161 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.
QuickDASH Scores Study30 September 2016
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
Active Hand Therapy in the news5 September 2016
Congratulations to Jarrod Harbrow winning the Sun's Club Champion Award.
Sagittal Band Injuries6 March 2016
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.
Upper Limb Sports Injury Symposium23 February 2016
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.
Physical Therapies in China28 January 2018
In part two Dee looks more specifically at the Physical Therapies and Hand Therapy in particular in the Chinese Healthcare system.
Healthcare in China29 November 2017
Our directors, David and Deanna Coles, recently had the pleasure of visiting China to present some lectures and workshops on Hand Therapy and Orthopaedic medicines. During the visits, they gleaned many insights into the eastern perspective of healthcare and physical therapies.This month, Dee shares some of her reflections regarding the Chinese healthcare system.
Welcome to Active Hand Therapy16 September 2015
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.
About Us and Frequently Asked Questions31 December 2008
We are a hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder therapy clinic. Active Hand Therapy was established more then 10 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.