Jana Nel Occupational Therapy

04/06/2026

Client testimonial

This patient sustained a wrist fracture and had severe stiffness in his wrist and digits.

Hard work and dedication = progress

Cheering our patients on to continue with exercises at home is a vital part of success.

Last stretch before that full fist is back 🤛

As hand therapists, OTs play a vital role in restoring movement, function, and independence through:

✅ Assessment of joint mobility, swelling, pain, and functional limitations
✅ Custom splinting to protect healing structures while promoting movement
✅ Range of motion exercises to improve flexibility and joint mobility
✅ Scar management techniques to reduce adhesions that restrict movement
✅ Swelling management to improve comfort and function
✅ Strengthening programmes when appropriate during recovery
✅ Functional retraining to help patients return to daily activities, work, and leisure tasks
✅ Education on protecting the hand while maximising recovery

Why is early intervention important?

The longer stiffness persists, the more difficult it can become to regain full movement. Early hand therapy can help prevent joint contractures, reduce pain, and optimise functional outcomes.

✨ Every degree of movement gained can make a difference in your ability to perform everyday activities.

04/06/2026

In Light of hand therapy awareness week. We are shedding some light on some of our patients’ journeys.

This patient had bilateral wrist fractures and delayed healing and he worked so hard to get where he is.

Well done Alex!

30/05/2026

Will I be able to use my hand again?

The first question someone asks if they sustained a hand injury.

Hand injuries as so emotional and difficult and when you meet a patient the first thing we try to do is assure them that it will get better every day.

Not everyone returns to 100% function of their hand post rehab but we work hard to get everyone to function 100% in their work and life roles.

Here we are working on Fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers that allow us to perform everyday tasks such as buttoning clothing, writing, typing, picking up coins, using cutlery, and opening containers.

Following a hand injury, surgery, or neurological condition, fine motor skills can be affected by pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, reduced sensation, or poor coordination. Hand rehabilitation focuses on restoring these essential skills to improve independence, productivity, and quality of life.

Fine motor activities help to:
✔ Improve hand strength and endurance
✔ Enhance dexterity and finger coordination
✔ Increase range of motion
✔ Improve precision and control of movement
✔ Promote sensory awareness and feedback
✔ Support return to work, hobbies, and daily activities

Muscles Involved in Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor control relies on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles:

✋ Intrinsic Hand Muscles (located within the hand)
• Lumbricals
• Interossei (palmar and dorsal)
• Thenar muscles (thumb muscles)
• Hypothenar muscles (little finger muscles)
• Adductor pollicis

💪 Extrinsic Hand Muscles (located in the forearm)
• Flexor digitorum superficialis
• Flexor digitorum profundus
• Extensor digitorum
• Flexor pollicis longus
• Extensor pollicis longus and brevis

These muscles work together to provide the strength, stability, precision, and coordination needed for intricate hand movements.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in assessing and treating fine motor deficits, helping individuals regain the hand function needed to participate fully in daily life.

23/05/2026

A relative motion splint (aka yoke splint) is a hand splint used to position one finger differently relative to the others to help protect or improve tendon movement after injury or surgery or increasing the work of flexion/extension to reach a goal.

How does it work:

• Holds one finger slightly more extended or flexed than the neighboring fingers
• Reduces stress on healing tendons
• Increases work of flexion / extension by redirecting the force of a tendon
• Allows controlled movement while protecting the hand
• Helps improve tendon glide and functional hand use

Conditions:

• Extensor tendon repairs
• Sagittal band injuries (“boxer’s knuckle”)
• Boutonnière deformity management
• Stiff joints after a ligament / volar plate injury (like in this video)
• MCP joint support
• Post-operative hand rehabilitation

Contact us if you want more information

22/04/2026

Seasonal changes can be tough on our older loved ones.
A few small habits.
Staying active - Hydrated - Keep warm!
That can make a big difference in keeping you
healthy and independent.
Take care of your body, it takes care of you.

Ready to make a booking!
📞 Faerie Glen/Centurion: 012 361 8387
📞 Silverlakes: 012 809 2238
💻 Book online: www.justphysio.co.za

21/04/2026

Meet our lovely team

Send us a WhatsApp on 0796936371 to book with any of our therapists

16/03/2026

A Volar Plate Injury occurs when the ligament on the palm side of the finger joint is overstretched or torn, often after a hyperextension injury (like a ball hitting the finger).

Occupational Therapists play a key role in conservative rehabilitation by protecting the joint with splinting or strapping while guiding safe movement.
OTs help restore range of motion, reduce swelling, and prevent stiffness through targeted hand therapy exercises.
They also educate patients on joint protection and activity modification during healing.
The goal is to regain pain-free movement, strength, and full hand function for daily activities.
Early therapy helps prevent long-term complications such as joint stiffness or deformity.

16/03/2026

At Jana Nel Occupational Therapy, we focus on improving independence, function, and quality of life through personalised therapy programmes tailored to each patient.

✨ Our Occupational Therapy Services Include:

🖐 Hand Therapy
Treatment for hand injuries, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, pain, and stiffness to restore movement and strength.

🧠 Neurological Rehabilitation
Therapy for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders to improve daily functioning and independence.

🦴 Spinal Rehabilitation
Support for patients with spinal cord injuries, prevention of repetitive strain, ergonomic retraining, back conditions, and post-surgical spinal recovery focusing on mobility, independence, and adapting to daily life.

👶 Paediatrics
Helping children develop the skills they need for daily life including fine motor skills, sensory processing, play, and school readiness.

🏠 Home-Based Rehabilitation
Therapy provided in the comfort of your home for patients who have difficulty travelling or require functional therapy within their own environment.

💥 Chronic Pain Management
Evidence-based strategies to manage chronic pain, improve function, and help patients return to meaningful activities.

🌟 And more…
If you are unsure whether Occupational Therapy can help you, please feel free to reach out.

📞 Contact us: 079 885 3960

Your journey back to independence starts here.

01/12/2025

27/10/2025

Happy world OT day!

We pride ourselves in giving holistic therapy for your individual needs. OT is not a one size fits all and we adjust each treatment programme for your needs and life!

Thank you for choosing us!