Hand therapy is concerned with treating upper extremity conditions to get patients back to doing what they love after their hand injuries. Area of practice involves the upper limb, from the thumb, fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.
ABOUT
Zhiqing is an accomplished occupational therapist with a wealth of experience in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. After graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic and completing her degree conversion program at Trinity College Dublin, she practiced at Singapore General Hospital, where her passion for this specialized field grew. In 2018, she received a scholarship to further her training in the United States, earning a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University 2019. In the same year, she also passed the HTCC specialty certification exam in hand therapy. During her time there, Zhiqing had valuable mentorship and attachment opportunities at renowned institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital Hand and Arm Center. With 10 years of experience, she is skilled in managing various hand conditions and utilises a client-centered approach to tailor rehabilitation plans to individual patients, aiming to achieve their unique goals.
Zhiqing’s commitment to evidence-based practice is evident through her active involvement in conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and professional memberships. She presents at both local and international events, sharing knowledge with hand therapists worldwide, while also contributing to the evidence base of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation through her published work. As an Active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and a member of the Singapore Association of Hand Therapy and Singapore Society for Hand Surgery, Zhiqing remains engaged in professional communities. Additionally, she has played a vital role in the professional development of future occupational therapists as a clinical educator at the Singapore Institute of Technology, mentoring students during their clinical attachments at Singapore General Hospital.
Clarence holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science from Edith Cowen University (Western Australia) and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia.
His dedication and commitment to the healthcare industry has been recognised through a long service award for his 10 years of service with the National Health Group (NHG). Throughout his tenure, Clarence has served in various institutions under NHG, including Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Woodlands Health, and Admiralty Medical Centre, and has worked closely with hand surgeons and orthopaedic/sports doctors.
As a team leader at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Woodlands Health, Clarence has mentored therapists and students, earning recognition through multiple teaching awards for Allied health educators. He also played a significant role in establishing the hand therapy services at Woodlands Health.
Clarence believes in promoting independence and focuses on achieving the highest quality outcomes for his patients using occupation-based and client-centred approaches in order to improve one’s quality of life.
| ADL Re-Training and Activity Modification | Post-Op Rehabilitation |
| Customised Orthoses Fabrication | Scar management |
| Joint Mobilisation and Stiffness Management | Sensory Re-Education |
| Kinesiotaping | Soft Tissue Mobilisation and Release |
| Neuromuscular Re-Education and Strengthening | Ultrasound Therapy |
| Oedema Management | Work Conditioning and Return To Work |
Hand therapy is concerned with treating upper extremity conditions to get patients back to doing what they love after their hand injuries. Area of practice involves the upper limb, from the thumb, fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.
In other countries, hand therapy can be provided by occupational therapists or physiotherapists. However, in Singapore, hand therapy is a highly specialised area of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are specially trained to provide treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity conditions resulting from trauma and disease. Physiotherapists are specialised to provide treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the body. However, physiotherapists may not have a comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity to provide specialised treatment in the area.
The hand therapist accreditation designates a high level of competency in the field of hand therapy. Certified hand therapists are licensed occupational therapists or physical therapists who have an expertise in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
A hand therapist can provide specialized care and rehabilitation for hand and upper extremity conditions or injuries. Through their expertise in hand anatomy and function, they offer treatments such as exercises, splinting, and manual techniques to improve hand strength, dexterity, mobility, and reduce pain for optimal hand function.
The duration of hand therapy can vary depending on the specific condition, severity of injury, and individual progress. Typically, hand therapy may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with regular sessions scheduled according to the needs and goals of the patient’s rehabilitation.
You may need to see a hand therapist if you experience hand or upper extremity pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty performing everyday activities due to conditions like fractures, sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, nerve injuries, or post-surgical rehabilitation. A hand therapist can assess, diagnose, and provide tailored treatments to improve hand function and reduce pain.
We promise to deliver excellence in patient care with the most advanced and up to date treatments. Our goal is to relieve pain and improve quality of life for all our patients by restoring hand and upper extremity function.
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