HAND AND WRIST THERAPY CLINIC
What is the Hand Therapy Clinic?
The Hand and Wrist Therapy program at Group23 Sports Medicine provides a team approach of care for complex hand and wrist injuries, disorders, and post-op cases* requiring treatment from a physiotherapist with specialty training. Its focus is to return patients to their functional level of performance in their chosen sport and activities of daily living.
*Please note: we are not an AHS funded clinic for post-operative and post-fracture physiotherapy, even with a prescription. All appointments must be covered by personal insurance or paid out of pocket.
Is it different from physiotherapy?
Not really – just more specialized and focused below the elbow. At Group 23 our physiotherapists provide comprehensive assessment and treatment programs focused on injury prevention, returning you to an optimal level of performance and also helping to prevent recurrence of an injury.
Appointments booked through the Hand Clinic will be overseen by Stacey Will, our Hand Therapy team lead and experienced CHT. You may be working directly with Stacey or with one of our other hand therapy physiotherapists.
**as of Nov 1/23 Stacey Will is not taking new patients due to full caseload. Please book with Mark or Stephen. While not CHTs they have a lot of experience with all manor of wrist and hand injuries. We work as a team, and as Stacey is there everyday so her expertise will be part of your care plan when needed.
What is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
At Group23 Sports Medicine, we are fortunate to have one of the first physiotherapists to receive a CHT designation in Alberta; currently there are only a few CHTs working in private clinics in our province.
“A CHT is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who has a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the CHT has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.” (Source: Hand Therapy Certification Commission)
What common conditions would a hand therapist treat?
Finger injuries ex. mallet injuries, finger sprains and dislocations, skier's thumb
Wrist sprains and injuries ex. scapho-lunate/wrist sprains, TFCC injuries
Trigger finger or thumb
Tendonitis (deQuervain's)
Osteoarthritis of wrist, hand or thumb
Pre-operative and post-surgical conditions*
Fractures of hand, wrist and forearm
Upper extremity nerve compression or neuropathy (carpal tunnel)
Repetitive sprains or strains and any undiagnosed wrist or hand pain
*Please note: we are not an AHS funded clinic for post-operative and post-fracture physiotherapy, even with a prescription. All appointments must be covered by personal insurance or paid out of pocket.
How do I access the program?
If you believe you could benefit from our Hand and Wrist Therapy Clinic, click here to book. You can also call our mainline 403-284-4040 and a booking coordinator can assist you.
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
No. You can access the Hand and Wrist Therapy Clinic without a formal referral from your family doctor.
Is there a cost to the program?
Yes, our clinic’s standard physiotherapy rates apply to the Hand Therapy Clinic. Please note that physiotherapy appointments at Group23 are not covered by Alberta Health Care, but may be covered by your personal extended health benefit plan.
What can I expect in my first visit?
The first consultation will allow the specialist to review the nature of your hand or wrist disorder/injury and begin mapping out a treatment plan. Therapy sessions will vary depending on the nature of the injury/disorder. In general, therapy sessions are generally once every 1-2 weeks with a home program focus, unless more frequent and hands-on treatment is indicated.
What do I need to bring to my first in-person appointment and what are the expectations?
The first consultation will allow the therapist to review the nature of your hand or wrist disorder/injury and begin mapping out a treatment plan. Therapy sessions will vary depending on the nature of the injury/disorder. In general, therapy sessions are once every 1-2 weeks with a home program focus, unless more frequent and hands-on treatment is indicated.
Is X-ray available, if needed?
For our patients only, we have x-rays available on-site. EFW Radiology’s hours within Group23 are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What does the clinic look like?
Watch the video below to get a feel for our clinic ahead of your appointment!