Supporting Your Child’s Development with Specialised Care

At Sydney Kids Hand Therapy, we are dedicated to providing the best care for children with congenital hand and upper limb conditions. Our highly experienced team has over 20 years of combined experience, including working at leading children’s hospitals in their congenital hand units. We are deeply committed to this specialised area, having attended international conferences, presented at national conferences, built a strong national network, and collaborated with surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Our evidence-based approach supports children and families in achieving improved function, independence, and quality of life. Our goal is to support your child in developing independence, confidence, and the skills needed to navigate everyday tasks with ease.

Congenital Hand Conditions

We know how important it is to address each child’s needs thoughtfully and individually. Sarah Baxter and Rebecca Kilty are both accredited hand therapist (as awarded by the AHTA) with extensive experience in paediatrics, working with children who have a variety of congenital hand differences. Our areas of specialty include:

Arthrogryposis (Joint Contractures Affecting Hand Movement)

• Serial splinting and stretching programs to improve mobility
• Functional therapy to enhance grip strength and fine motor skills
• Adaptive techniques for daily activities

Clasped Thumb (Thumb-in-Palm Deformity)

• Early intervention with splinting to encourage active thumb movement
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve opposition and grasp
• Functional training for daily tasks requiring thumb mobility

Trigger Thumb (Paediatric Trigger Thumb)

• Splinting to maintain thumb extension and prevent progression
• Stretching and massage techniques to reduce stiffness
• Post-operative rehabilitation if surgical release is required

Polydactyly (Extra Fingers or Thumbs)

• Post-surgical rehabilitation following digit removal
• Splinting and scar management to optimise healing
• Strengthening and coordination exercises to enhance hand function

Syndactyly (Fused Fingers)

• Post-operative therapy to improve movement and flexibility after separation surgery
• Custom splinting to support healing and prevent contractures
• Play based therapy to assist with restoration of fine motor skills

Radial and Ulnar Deficiencies

• Functional assessments to support daily activities
• Strengthening programs to improve grip and hand use
• Casting and splinting for alignment and function

Thumb Hypoplasia or Absence

• Adaptive strategies for grasp and pinch function
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation for reconstructive procedures
• Assistive devices and splinting to support functional use of the hand

Amniotic Band Syndrome

• Wound care and scar management post-surgery
• Custom splinting for finger positioning and mobility
• Strength and play based programs for improving hand function

Symbrachydactyly (Underdeveloped Fingers or Hand)

• Activity-based therapy to maximise independence and function
• Strengthening and play based therapy for improved dexterity

Other Rare Congenital Hand Differences

• Individualised therapy plans tailored to each child’s needs
• Collaboration with surgeons and other specialists
• Parent and caregiver education