Our Hand Therapists
A hand therapist at Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre specializes in rehabilitating and treating hand, wrist, and nerve injuries using advanced techniques and personalized care for optimal recovery and function.
about
Clarence
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.
about
Tui Sze Sze
Sze Sze is an experienced Occupational Therapist and Hand Therapist with more than a decade of clinical experience in acute hospitals, hand therapy, rehabilitation, and post-operative care in Singapore. She holds a Diploma in Occupational Therapy from Nanyang Polytechnic and Bsc (Hons) Occupational Therapy from Trinity College Dublin.
She previously worked at Centre for Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery and Changi General Hospital, where she managed a wide range of hand injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, tendon repairs, fractures, nerve injuries, and complex upper limb conditions. She also served at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, providing rehabilitation services across both acute and community care settings.
In recognition of her dedication to patient care and service excellence, she received the Service Quality Awards in 2016 and 2017, as well as the Community Care Excellence Silver Award in 2018.
She has a special interest in post-operative swelling management, scar management, and lymphatic rehabilitation. In 2025, she obtained certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 1 to 3 and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) in Melbourne through the Dr. Vodder School.
Her expertise includes the application of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which encompasses:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression therapy, including bandaging and compression garments
- Edema exercises
- Skin care management
She provides treatment for upper and lower extremity lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency edema, as well as post-operative swelling and wound healing support. Through Manual Lymphatic Drainage, she aims to address swelling systemically, promote tissue recovery, improve scar mobility, and support optimal functional outcomes following surgery.
She is passionate about delivering personalised, evidence-based care to help patients regain function, reduce pain and swelling, and return confidently to their daily activities.
Get moving and Get back to doing what you love
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.
Services
- 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
- MRI Therapy
- Oedema Management
- Work Conditioning and Return To Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hand therapy?
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.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy in the field of hand therapy?
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.
What is a certified hand therapist?
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.
How can a hand therapist help me?
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.
How long does hand therapy typically last?
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.
When do I need to see a hand therapist?
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.
Make An Enquiry
Got Questions? Please fill in the enquiry form below and we look forward to addressing your question.
Accredited To Perform in Private Hospitals and Centres
Dr. Tan is accredited to admit patients and to perform surgeries at most private hospitals, including:
