Two people sit in a rehabilitation space, engaged in hand therapy. They are looking at a tablet on a tray table displaying a graphic, with exercise equipment in the background

Expanded hand therapy service to launch in March

By Helen McCarrollOn In Centre Updates, Featured

MD Support Centre is pleased to announce the launch of its expanded hand therapy service. Starting in March 2026, the service will provide one-to-one sessions designed to support hand function and maintain independence in daily life.

Many of our service users notice changes in hand strength, dexterity, and fine motor control. These changes can result directly from weakening of the intrinsic hand muscles or reduced sensation. They can also be a secondary effect of loss of control in the arm and shoulder girdle. Even small reductions in hand function can make everyday tasks more challenging.

Our new and expanded hand therapy service aims to train hand function by using specific exercises and tasks. This can involve working on muscle strength, muscle stamina, sensation and dexterity, helping you maintain hand function and independence.

Bring therapy gains into daily life

Hand therapy sessions will tailored by our therapy assistant according to your needs and recommendations from the physical therapy team. Activities may include:

  • GripAble machine – personalised exercises with real-time feedback to strengthen grip, wrist and hand movement
  • Resistance putty – improve finger, thumb and wrist strength while encouraging circulation and mobility
  • Activity boards – co-designed with our community, this equipment allows you to practice everyday tasks such as operating buttons, zips and handles
A person seated in a wheelchair holds a circular fabric frame with long fabric strips attached, in a room with notices on the wall and a water dispenser in the background.

We’re grateful to service user and accessible fashion champion Sheila Hawkins, for creating custom-made clothing for the service. Using needlework frames, garments can be held on the lap or tied at different points around the body. This helps make therapy as practical and close to real life applications as possible.

The hand therapy service is led by our Therapy Assistant, Suki, supported by our physical therapy team. Sessions last 30–60 minutes and can be tailored to one or both hands depending on your needs.

If you’d like to book a session, please speak to your physiotherapist about arranging an appointment with Suki.