Helping you return to the activities that matter most — with expert, one-on-one care from a Certified Hand Therapist.

Expert assessment and treatment for hand, wrist and elbow injuries at a specialist private practice in Paddington, Sydney. Mia Malan is a Certified Hand Therapist (USA) and Occupational Therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience across hospital and private practice settings. Servicing Paddington, Potts Point, Woollahra, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Bondi and surrounds.

Meet Mia

Conditions treated in Paddington

Personalised assessment and treatment for a wide range of hand, wrist, and elbow conditions, including:

Injuries & Trauma

Finger and wrist fractures, dislocations, burns, mallet finger, and WorkCover work-related hand injuries

Post-Surgical Care

Rehabilitation after hand, wrist or nerve surgery — including carpal tunnel release, tendon repair, Dupuytren's contracture surgery and TFCC repair

Arthritis & Joint Problems

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand and wrist, including thumb base arthritis (CMC joint) and joint stiffness management

Wrist Pain

Wrist pain from yoga, gym, sport or repetitive work — including TFCC injuries, ganglion cysts and wrist instability

Nerve & Tendon Conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, flexor and extensor tendon injuries, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Other Concerns

Chronic hand pain, scar management, grip weakness, and joint instability

Working alongside you, your doctor or surgeon, and case managers to create a supportive team that guides you through each stage of your recovery.

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Hand Therapy Services — Paddington, Sydney

Expert assessment & management of upper limb injuries

Hand and arm conditions are complex — and the right specialist makes all the difference. As a Certified Hand Therapist (USA) and Occupational Therapist, Mia provides evidence-based, diagnosis-specific care tailored to your injury, your goals, and your lifestyle. Appointments are available without a GP referral in most cases.

Bespoke splinting and cast application

Tailored range of motion and strengthening exercises

Swelling and pain management strategies

Desensitisation and sensory re-education

Guidance on activity modification and assistive devices

Computer ergonomic assessments and injury

Personalised exercises and ergonomic advice

Custom-made splints using soft or thermoplastic materials (finger, hand, wrist and forearm-based)

Cast application when needed

Support for wound care, stitch removal, dressings, and scar management

Taping and joint mobilisation to aid healing

Meet Mia Malan

Principal Occupational Therapist

BSc. (Hons) OT, Certified Hand Therapist (USA)

Mia Malan is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT, USA) and Occupational Therapist with over 12 years of specialist experience in hand, wrist and elbow rehabilitation. Mia trained at the University of Cape Town and has worked across leading public and private hand therapy centres, including the Hand Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg — one of the largest in the southern hemisphere — and Netcare Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town.

Before establishing her Paddington practice, Mia co-led the Hand Therapy Team at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, where the unit was awarded Allied Health Team of the Year (Sydney Local Health District, 2023). Mia's clinical focus is complex traumatic and post-surgical upper limb rehabilitation, and she works collaboratively with hand surgeons, GPs and specialists across inner Sydney.

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FAQs

What is Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb - shoulder to hand. It involves evaluation and testing to assess the injured limb from which a specific treatment program can be designed. A variety of specialised treatment techniques are used to achieve these goals.

Australian Hand Therapy Association

Do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions treated at the practice. Treatment may include custom night splinting, nerve gliding exercises, activity modification advice, and — where relevant — referral for surgical opinion. Mia has extensive experience managing both non-surgical and post-operative carpal tunnel rehabilitation.

How long is a Hand Therapy consultation?

An initial appointment is usually 50 minutes, and a subsequent consultation is usually 30 minutes.

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What is a Hand Therapist?

Registered Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who, through further education, clinical experience and independent study have become proficient in the treatment of upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease or deformity.

Australian Hand Therapy Association

Is Hand Therapy covered under private health insurance?

Hand therapy consultations may be covered by your private health fund under Occupational Therapy.

Payment is required at time of your consultation for the consult fee, and any additional splinting materials, exercise equipment and dressings you may need.

You will be provided with an invoice that you can submit to your health fund for reimbursement if you have the appropriate cover.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring any medical imaging reports for imaging you may have had (X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI), and previous relevant medical information to your consultation.

Do I need a referral to see a Hand Therapist?

A referral is not necessary to see a hand therapist in most instances. If you do have a referral please bring it in with you.

Patients covered by WorkCover or the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) are welcome. These patients require a referral from their GP or treating surgeon prior to their appointment.