Frequently Asked Questions

 About hand therapy

A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who has a special interest and qualification in treating pain and injuries in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. 

Hand therapists work with you to understand how your hand or upper limb pain, stiffness or injury is impacting your life.  We ask you questions and get you to do some basic exercises. We use tools to assess your range of motion, weight bearing capability and strength. When you work with a hand therapist, we use all this information to create a care program that includes at-home exercises and may require the purchase and use of therapeutic splints or equipment.

No, they can’t. To call themselves an Accredited Hand Therapist, an OT or physio must have undertaken further study, completed 3600 hours of clinical hand therapy, and obtained certification with the Australian Hand Therapy Association.

About video consultations

In most circumstances, no it won’t. I can still ask the same questions, get you to perform the same exercises, and use the same tools to assess you.  Because all my consultations are via video, I’ve developed a high level of competency in working with my patients via telehealth and I can still assess in the same way I would in a clinic. 

My patients have reported that they love the convenience of video call consultations. They love that they don’t have to spend time driving, find parking and then wait in a waiting room. For those who can’t drive, or even struggle with simple tasks like getting dressed or brushing their teeth, it’s especially convenient and practical. The ones who had previously driven to see me wish that I’d started virtual consultations sooner!

If we were meeting in person, most of our consultation would not involve me touching your hands.  I would manage it in much the same way, asking you questions, talking about your physical goals, getting you to perform the same exercises, and I’d use the same tools to help me assess your condition

About Telehealth

I use Coviu. Coviu is a simple, cloud-based telehealth solution. What I love about Coviu is that it works directly in your internet browser. This means you don’t have to download or install any software. All you need is a stable internet connection, a functioning camera on your computer, and a comfortable place in your home or office. Accessing it is as simple as clicking the “Join the call” button (or clicking the link) in your confirmation email.

No, you don’t. Coviu works directly in your internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox).

It’s really easy. Unlike many video call programs, the 5-star rated Coviu works directly in your internet browser. One of the reasons users rate it so highly is because really is so simple to use.

Rebates & referrals

In most cases, no you don’t need a referral to see me. If you are seeing me as a private patient, you can simply book online. 

However if you are seeing me as part of a claim arising from a motor vehicle accident or workplace accident, you will need pre-approval from your case manager. Once you’ve done that, simply email me and I can email you an appointment invitation.

Medicare doesn’t cover most scenarios where your pain or injury requires working with a hand therapist. However, in some circumstances, patients who have a chronic condition such as arthritis may be able to claim a partial rebate through Medicare. This requires a GP Management Plan.  If you think this may apply to you, please talk to your GP.

I am not a Registered NDIS provider. However, if your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, in most circumstances I am still able to provide treatment for you. The NDIS Commission has more information about this. 

Ordering and Delivery

You can pay for your order securely by using Stripe. If you would prefer not to use Stripe simply email vanessa@virtualhandtherapy.com.au for alternate forms of payment.

We do our very very best to get your order out within 24hrs. Your order will be posted via Australia Post Priority Mail and Express Post. For Priority Mail please allow 3-5 days for delivery of your order. If you would prefer to pay for express postage, you will receive your parcel the following day in most major cities. Due to the current pandemic, some postal services may take longer.

We’ll gladly exchange your WAGs for another size within 30 days of purchase. Simply send them back to us and specify what size you need on the copy of your receipt that was emailed to you.

It is important to us that you are happy with your WAGs, Widget or any of the other hand therapy products. If they do not perform to your satisfaction we’ll refund you the purchase price. Simply mail the item to us within 30 days of purchase, include a copy of your email receipt and request for a refund. We value customer feedback and welcome your comments. Damage due to improper care or normal wear is not covered by the guarantee.

Receipts are emailed with your order confirmation from us. No worries though, we can access your receipt easily if you provide your billing name.

Mail sizes exchanges and returns to:
Virtual Hand Therapy, PO Box 208, Wahroonga, NSW 2076

 WAGs Gloves

Please review the differences between each WAGs style and recommended use on the WAGs Blog pages. Still not sure?

Give us a call at 0405 085 031 and we’ll talk you through it to help you decide.

WAGs can be used for any activity where you feel pressure in the wrists.  WAGs Customers have told us they use WAGs for indoor and outdoor cycling, weight lifting, Boot Camps in the park, TRX, gyrotonics, motorcycling, water exercises, and even mowing the lawn and gardening!

Click here to view the size chart and follow the directions for measuring your hand. Place your hand on a ruler, with the ruler under the knuckles of your palm (where the horizontal dashed lines are on the size chart). Refer to the measurements on the size chart (width across palm knuckles) to determine your size. Measure from edge to edge, outside index knuckle to outside pinky knuckle at the widest part. Glove sizes are unisex.

You’ll get the best performance out of WAGs if they are fitted and snug. If your hands fall between the line on the WAGs Flex or WAGs Ultra styles we recommend purchasing the smaller size; however, because the WAGs Pro is a tighter fitting glove go up in size and purchase the larger size. Fit is often a personal choice though so whatever your decision, rest assured — if your Wrist Assured™ Gloves do not fit to your liking we’ll gladly swap them for another size within 30 days of purchase.

The fabric should be snug across the back of of the hand. WAGs will loosen up slightly with wear so keep this in mind. Too Big: If your hand easily slides around inside the gloves and you can pinch excess fabric on the back of the hand then the gloves are too big. Too Small: If the gloves are very difficult to put on and take off or if the thick part of the gel pad does not rest at the base of the palm & wrist then the gloves are too small.

Each style works for multiple activities and exercises. We recommend selecting your workout gloves for women and men based on the level of support you require or desire for your wrists — WAGs Ultra has maximum support, Pro Workout Gloves with Wrist Support have medium support and no wrist wrap (so may be preferable to those with mild carpel tunnel syndrome), and the Flex Gym Gloves with Wrist Support offers general support for those with mild pain or discomfort.

Yes.  All WAGs style are sold in pairs, with one right and one left glove. Even if you only have an issue with one wrist, it’s good to protect the other wrist too. Because the gloves elevate the heel of the hand if you only wore one glove it would slightly throw off your alignment in the shoulders and spine.

The gel pad does cover the area where the thumb joint attaches to the wrist so many people find the WAGs pad improves their comfort in the thumb joint. Also the wedge shape of the gel pad decreases the angle of wrist extension which elevates the base of the thumb and alters the pressure on the joint.

YES, WAGs are washable. Recommended care: cold water wash & air dry. You’ll find the care instructions on the label inside each glove.

No, the gel pad will retain its’ shape for the life of the gloves.

Impeccable form is even more important when using a prop such as WAGs. Pressure on the wrists can be lessened by balancing the weight distribution between the hands and legs by lifting with the hips and shifting more weight back into the legs. In an open hand weight bearing position, it’s important to distribute your weight evenly throughout your hand and not sink into your wrists. In down dog the force is linear so if you have too much pressure on the heel of your hand, you’ll slide down the wedged pad and press into the fabric between the fingers. Two techniques to avoid this are:

1. Ground firmly down through the base of the knuckles and lift out of the wrists.

2. Use a cupping position with your hands by slightly flexing or curling the finger tips.

We’ve also found that washing the gloves softens the finger gussets of the gloves.

YES. WAGs work for any activity that requires you to support weight on the wrists and hands.  The Pro is especially great for off road biking to absorb shock and reduce jarring to the wrists on bumpy trails. For road cycling most people prefer the thinner pad of the the WAGs Flex style.

 WristWidgets®

It takes about a week to figure out what the tension should be for your injury.  It should be snug at night and tight with heavier activities.  For instance, if your weight bearing tolerance without the ww is only 15kgs and you are performing a task which requires 30kgs of force, the ww needs to be tight.  When you are done with the task, you will need to adjust it to a lighter tension.  The micro adjustment function of the ww is essential to ensure that you can tolerate it for up to 12 weeks. 

It is made to last for the entire length of your recovery which can be up to 4 months.  It is designed to be used in the water and last a long time.  The velcro is cut to a length to ensure that it lasts long.  If for any reason it does not last for you, email me and I will replace it free of charge- no questions asked. 

You can hand wash in cold water and hang to dry.  You can tumble dry after squeezing- not twisting- the water out.   It dries quickly.  You can place in a sock or laundry bag and launder but ensure the velcro is not exposed or it will become tangled in the wash. Absolutely no high heat to the WristWidget®. 

Yes!  It is made to provide continuous support- even in the water. 

In general, if your weight bearing tolerance is over 30kgs, you are safe to perform heavier tasks with the WW without re-injury.  Tasks which are risky are: end range rotation with weight and weight bearing: bicep curls with palm up and over 2 kgs of weight; pull ups with palms facing you; weight lifting over your current weight bearing tolerance etc.  You can email me specific questions. vanessa@virtualhandtherapy.com.au

Don't worry- you will know.  Every person who has the TFCC injury, puts it on and KNOWS.  If you put it on and it hurts- it is not for you. The WristWidget is only appropriate for those with pain with weight bearing and show an immediate change in weight bearing tolerance with it on.  It is refundable if you do not find it immediately helpful.   

 For the most part,.. yes!  

Neoprene, a special cotton for the skin, and Velcro... That's it! Free of Latex and harsh adhesive chemicals.