Hand Rehab Meet the Team

Hannah Jennings

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Hand Rehab?
Hello! My name is Hannah, and I am the clinic admin for Hand Rehab in the Majestic Centre. I also work alongside a team of admins who look after bookings and all things admin for Habit Health in the lower North Island! I have a degree is Classical Studies and English Literature, my skills are put to work here as I proofread many emails for the team, hehe.

2. What do you enjoy most about working at Hand Rehab?
The teams I get to work with! I really enjoy the team here at Majestic as well as my remote teams! Plus all the regulars I have formed connections with, its like a little (HUGE) family here.

3. What’s a common concern or question patients have?
We get a lot of questions about ACC! As there are many factors for ACC claims please keep asking! Rule of thumb – if it was in an accident (falling downstairs, playing sports, or getting your fingers jammed in something they shouldn’t be) you’ll probably be under ACC!

4. What’s your go-to coffee order?
Large Cappuccino with Cinnamon (Specifically from Ragland Roast or Urban On Manners if you ever feel so inclined to get me one).

Anna Dargan

1. What inspired you to specialise in hand therapy?
I wanted to specialise in hand therapy as I’m passionate about helping patients achieve their functional goals and return to meaningful activities.

2. How long have you been working in this field?
2.5 years.

3. What’s your favourite part about helping people recover from hand injuries?
Providing support and education on how they can manage their pain and achieve their functional goals.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to someone dealing with hand pain, what would it be?
Avoid movements and activities that cause pain and ensure adequate rest by wearing a support or avoid aggravating factors.

Katherine Holmes

1. What inspired you to specialise in hand therapy?
I completed a rotation as a band 5 physiotherapist for 6 months in hands several years ago. I absolutely loved it and felt the mix of hands on, splint making, exercise prescription was the type of variety I was looking for in an area. I also loved seeing such quick changes through rehabilitation techniques and how much of a positive impact this had on the clients I was seeing.

2. How long have you been working in this field?
Just over one year purely working in hand therapy. I also worked within the physio field prior to this and often treated hand injuries.

3. What’s your favourite part about helping people recover from hand injuries?
Like I mentioned previously just in a 30-minute session we can see such positive improvements. It’s amazing and so rewarding being able to work with clients and see those visible changes in such a short space of time. Hand injuries can be really debilitating so being able to have this positive impact getting clients back to full function whether that be high level sports or returning to work is great to see.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to someone dealing with hand pain, what would it be?
If you haven’t been to get things looked at, don’t just ignore the pain. There’s often lots of things we can do to help within the hand therapy setting.

Josh

1. What inspired you to specialise in hand therapy?
I love helping people recover from their injuries whilst working as a physio and hand therapy offers the additional benefit of bringing a creative edge (love my creativity) to the table when making custom-made splints catered specifically to each individual’s requirements. Our hands and wrists are also some of our most important tools used in day-to-day tasks so I wanted to be able to assist in guiding people towards regaining full function and use of these master structures.

2. How long have you been working in this field?
2.5 years

3. What’s your favourite part about helping people recover from hand injuries?
Making splints and using some kiwi ingenuity towards what can be created.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to someone dealing with hand pain, what would it be?
Use it, don’t abuse it 😊 or, movement is medicine.

Dolly Ting

1. What inspired you to specialise in hand therapy?
I’ve always had an interest in both the anatomy of the body and the mechanics of movement. Hands are essential for everyday task and hand therapy seemed to be the perfect way to do that.

2. How long have you been working in this field?
I’ve been working in hand therapy for 2 years. Before this, I worked in the hospital and community as an Occupational Therapist for 2.5 years.

3. What’s your favourite part about helping people recover from hand injuries?
I enjoy helping people get back to doing everyday tasks, like holding a cup or lifting a dumbbell, it is incredibly rewarding.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to someone dealing with hand pain, what would it be?
My advice would be to seek help early and listen to your body. Don’t push through the pain, especially in the gym. Hand injuries often need rest and rehab to heal. These can help prevent long-term issues and get you back to your workouts faster.