Hand Therapy Philosophy

For me, hand therapy is about taking every patient on a journey — from unable to able — and ensuring they receive the highest quality care throughout that process. The aim is not just recovery, but restoring confidence, function, and independence.

Professional Background

Clare Corrans is a specialist Hand Therapist who qualified with honours in Occupational Therapy from the University of Stellenbosch in 2000. She has over 15 years’ experience in hand therapy, including specialist clinical work in South Africa.

Her experience spans a broad range of hand and upper limb conditions, including trauma, plastic surgery, rheumatology, elective surgical procedures, and work-related upper limb disorders.

Clare returned to the UK in 2018 to work as a senior clinician at the Regional Hand and Wrist Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Alongside her NHS role, she worked at Hand Therapy Specialists from 2018 to 2022, providing expert rehabilitation for hand and wrist conditions following trauma and elective surgery, as well as assessment and treatment of chronic conditions in both adults and children.

Her current NHS post is at the Hand and Wrist Specialist Unit at Croydon University Hospital.

Teaching & Specialist Interests

Clare has delivered numerous courses in Hand Therapy and has extensive experience teaching and mentoring fellow therapists. She has a particular interest in work-related hand and wrist injuries and supporting patients in achieving a safe and sustainable return to work.

What Is a Hand Therapist?

A Hand Therapist is a registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who specialises in the rehabilitation of conditions affecting the hand and upper limb. This role requires advanced postgraduate training and a high level of clinical expertise.

Hand Therapists often work closely with surgeons, planning and delivering post-operative rehabilitation to optimise recovery following injury, disease, or deformity affecting the hand or arm.

What Does Hand Therapy Involve?

Hand Therapy focuses on restoring function through both surgical and non-surgical rehabilitation. A Hand Therapist will assess, diagnose, and treat conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and upper limb, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs and goals.

Commonly Treated Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Work-related upper limb disorders (RSI) • De Quervain’s tenosynovitis • Osteoarthritis • Hand and wrist pain • Dupuytren’s disease • Trigger finger • Ganglion cysts • Rheumatoid arthritis • Scarring and sensitive scars • Sports injuries • Hypermobility-related conditions

Commonly Treated Injuries

• Bone fractures • Ligament injuries • Tendon injuries • Nerve injuries • Dislocations • Sprains • Soft tissue injuries • Burns • Amputations • Post-surgical rehabilitation