Special Interest Groups of NZSP   Special Interest Groups   Cardiothoracic group   Hand Therapists   Continence and Women's Health group   Neurology group   NZ Manipulative Physiotherapists   NZ Private Physiotherapists Association   Occupational Health Physiotherapy group   Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of NZ   Paediatric group   Physiotherapy for Older Adults   NZ Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

NZ Association of Hand Therapists
www.nzaht.org.nz

For all enquiries please contact NZAHT (Inc) Administrative Assistant
Marlene Pouri-Lane,
41 Boundary Road, Hamilton
Ph/Fax (07) 854-8949
email: mpourilane@xtra.co.nz

Definition of Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity. It involves evaluation and specific testing to assess the injured limb from which treatment goals can be set. A variety of specialised modalities are utilised to achieve these goals.
Chai et al (1987) A Role Delineation Study of Hand Therapy. J Hand Ther Vol 1(1)

Hand Therapists are registered Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who, through continuing education, clinical experience and independent study have become proficient in the treatment of upper extremity conditions resulting from trauma, disease and congenital deformity.

Hand Therapists have...

Familiarity with most of the following assessment techniques for the upper limb:

• Range of motion
  
• Biomechanics
  
• Strength
  
• Vascularity
  
• Dexterity
  
• Hand function
  
• Oedema
  
• ADL
  
• Work capacity
  
• Psychosocial skills
  
• Wound and scar condition
  

In addition, they have familiarity with the following treatment regimens:

• Wound care
  
• Scar management
  
• Splint fabrication
  
• Oedema control
  
• Work site visits
  
• ADL training
  
• Work conditioning
  
• Muscle re-education
  
• Pain management
  
• Joint mobilisation
  
• Prosthetic training
  
• Functional re-education
  
• Desensitisation programs
  
• Sensory re-education training
  
• Active and passive joint ROM exercises
  
• Tendon rehabilitation programs
  
• Fracture and sprain management
  

Eligibility for Registered (Full) Membership

• Practicing registered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist who is a current member of their parent body (NZSP/NZAOT)
  
• Has a letter of recommendation (sponsorship) from a Hand Surgeon (FRACS) or a Registered Hand Therapist [RHT(NZAHT)].
  
• Must have treated hand conditions for a minimum of 1,800 work hours in the past 3 years (Case load should be comprised of a minimum of 70% forearm and hand conditions)
  
• Completed an NZAHT Inc Hand Therapy Training Program (including exam), or provide written evidence of equivalent qualifications/experience.
  
• Must present a written case presentation (as per criteria

OR

• Is a current member of an overseas national hand therapy association with equivalent entry criteria
  

Why Join the NZAHT?

• Your expertise is acknowledged by your peers by hand surgeons and by some insurers
  
• To access a professional support network
  
• Annual publication and circulation of the membership book assists in raising your professionÕs and personal profile
  
• The NZAHT newsletter is published quarterly with member articles and practice tips
  
• Access to specialised workshops at Annual Conferences which are additionally discounted to members
  
• The Annual Scientific Meeting and AGM provide a forum for advancing the profession
  
• Access to the New Zealand Hand Surgeons Society Meetings
  
• Access to information about the international Hand Therapy scene
  

Eligibility for Associate Membership

• Practicing registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
  
• Has a letter of recommendation (sponsorship) from a Hand Surgeon (FRACS) or a registered member of the NZAHT
  

What does Associate Membership offer?

• Attend meetings with fellow specialists
  
• Access to Newsletter
  
• Serves as interim to becoming a registered member
  
• Serves as an alternative for registered members who are unable to maintain their status but still wish to maintain an active interest in Hand Therapy. The option is always available to
• upgrade to registered membership status.
  

Annual Subscription Rates

• Registered membership $100.00
  
• Associate membership $100.00
  
• Newsletter subscriber $30.00
  

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements for Retention of Membership

• CPE categories include:
  
  • Attendance at courses and conference
    
  • Teaching
    
  • Self-directed learning
    
  • Professional development
    
  • Publication of articles
    
• Registered members - Must accrue 80 points* in every 2 year period (log book to be submitted)
  
• Associate members - Must accrue minimum of 45 points** in a 2 year period
  
• Contact Executive for guideline
  

New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists

Phone: 64 4 801 6500, Fax: 64 4 801 5571

email: nzsp@physiotherapy.org.nz

Level 5, 195-201 Willis Street, PO Box 27 386, Wellington, NZ