Upper Limb Rehabilitation Tips & Guides
Rehabilitation for Upper Limb Function and Mobility

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Upper limb rehabilitation is essential for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or conditions such as stroke, arthritis, nerve damage, or amputation, which affect their ability to perform daily tasks. This type of rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and functional use of the arms, hands, and shoulders, using a range of therapeutic techniques and exercises. Tailored rehabilitation programs help individuals regain functional strength, mobility, and fine and gross motor skills necessary for independence and quality of life.

When is upper limb rehabilitation required?
 
Recognising early signs of upper limb dysfunction is crucial to prevent further complications and initiate timely therapy. Rehabilitation may be necessary following conditions such as amputation, arthritis, surgery, acquired or traumatic brain injury, or other injuries. Common indicators include:
 

• Difficulty performing daily tasks such as dressing, eating, or grooming.
• Weakness or reduced strength in the upper extremities making it difficulty to lift, grip, or carry items.  
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the joints, affecting mobility and ease of movement.
• Pain or discomfort during movement, either in specific motions or general use of the upper limb. 
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or fingers.
• Loss of limb due to amputation, necessitating prosthetic training and adaption. 
• Muscular atrophy or noticeable decrease of muscle mass in the upper limbs.
• Sensory issues such as numbness or tingling in hands or fingers, impacting grip and coordination. ​​ ​

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How Occupational Therapy Supports Rehabilitation
 
OTs are skilled professionals who assess and guide each step of the rehabilitation process, using specialised techniques to help clients improve their function. Key roles of an OT in upper limb rehabilitation include:

• Assessment: Intervention begins with a thorough evaluation of the individual’s and functional abilities, identifying strengths and specific areas for improvement. This assessment helps establish a baseline and guides the development of a personalised rehabilitation plan.

 

• Rehabilitation plan: Based on the assessment, OTs create a customised rehabilitation program with exercises to improve strength, coordination, and functional use of the limb. Progress is regularly monitored and adjusted as needed to meet goals and ensure continuous improvement.

 

• Training for daily activities: OTs provide adaptive strategies for daily tasks, breaking activities into manageable steps and teaching safe techniques. This training empowers individuals to regain independence and confidence in their ability to perform essential tasks.

 

• Prosthetic training and adaptation (when applicable): For clients with upper limb amputation, OTs offer specialised training in using and adapting to prosthetic devices. This includes guidance on movement strategies, control, and maintenance to enhance functionality.

 

• Education on body mechanics and ergonomics: OTs teach clients proper body mechanics, posture, and ergonomics for performing daily tasks safely and efficiently. This education minimises the risk of strain and injury and promotes long-term physical health.

 

• Pain management and sensory education: OTs may incorporate pain management techniques, such as desensitisation and sensory re-education exercises, especially when nerve damage or pain sensitivity is present. These techniques help clients regain comfort and tactile awareness in the affected limb.

 

• Cognitive and emotional support: For clients dealing with the psychological impact of injury or amputation, OTs provide strategies for coping and offer emotional support. This may involve relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioural strategies, or guided goal-setting to build resilience and motivation.

 

• Collaboration with other health professionals: OTs work closely with physiotherapists, prosthetists, doctors, psychologists, and social workers to provide a holistic approach to care. This teamwork ensures that physical, psychological, and social needs are met, and that clients receive consistent and coordinated support.

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Support Strategies and Tips for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

• Consult with professionals: Working with occupational therapists or physiotherapists to assess upper limb function and develop tailored rehabilitation plans help to maximise recovery outcomes. 
• Set realistic goals: Establishing achievable rehabilitation goals that focus on specific functional tasks, allowing for gradual progress. Realistic goals prevent frustration and allow progress to be tracked and made achievable. 

 

• Incorporate exercises: Targeted exercises for the upper limb are crucial for building strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. This improves overall function, confidence, and independence.  

 

• Practice activities of daily living: Practicing specific tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or making a coffee, reinforces skills and builds confidence. Simulating real-life activities helps transfer gains from the therapy setting into daily routines. 

 

• Utilise assistive technology (AT): Using AT, such as ergonomic utensils or splints can facilitate movement, reduce pain, improve functionality, and increase independence. ​

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Upper limb rehabilitation is vital for enhancing recovery and function, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence. By recognising signs of upper limb dysfunction, implementing effective strategies, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can achieve significant improvements in their quality of life. For personalised advice or assistance with upper limb rehabilitation, please contact us at Belong Health.

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​Our Values in Practice
At Belong Health, we prioritise compassion, integrity, and empowerment in our approach to upper limb therapy. Our goal is to help you regain strength, mobility, and function in your upper limb, no matter your condition or location. Whether you’re in Mandurah, Rockingham, Perth Metro, or connecting via telehealth, we are committed to supporting your rehabilitation journey with personalised care and ongoing guidance.

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NDIS Support for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Belong Health is a registered NDIS provider and offers comprehensive assessments and therapy plans to support NDIS participants. Our goal is to help each client achieve optimal recovery and independence through a customised plan that aligns with their NDIS goals.

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Telehealth Rehab Services Across WA
For clients who cannot attend our clinic, we offer telehealth rehabilitation services. Through virtual consultations, we provide expert guidance, tailored exercises, and ongoing support to help you progress with your upper limb rehabilitation from home.
Learn more

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 Upper Limb Rehabilitation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How does Occupational Therapy help with upper limb injuries?
Occupational Therapy supports recovery through targeted exercises, pain management, and task retraining to restore mobility, strength, and function in the upper limb.

What is upper limb therapy without hand therapy?
Upper limb therapy focuses on the shoulder, elbow, and upper arm. Hand therapy, which specifically addresses the wrist and hand, is not included in this service.

Can OT help with post-surgical recovery of the upper limb?
Yes, our OTs provide post-surgical rehabilitation that focuses on strength, mobility, and function while managing pain and preventing complications.

What assistive devices are used for upper limb therapy?
Our OTs may recommend braces, slings, or adaptive tools to help reduce strain and assist with daily tasks, depending on your specific needs and condition.

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Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

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V: Victoria Park
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Y: Yangebup, Yokine​