Changing the Hand Therapy Landscape in Northern Ireland
At Hand Therapy Services NI, we are driven by a single, focused mission: to transform the lives of individuals dealing with hand and upper limb conditions. Our practice was founded by us, Oonagh and Elaine, two Occupational Therapists who have dedicated our careers to restoring function, relieving pain, and empowering our clients to get back to the lives they love.
This is our story and our commitment to you.
A Journey of Shared Expertise
Together, we bring over four decades of combined clinical experience to our practice. Our professional journeys have taken us from the frontline of trauma and orthopaedics at the Ulster Hospital to the regional plastic surgery and burns units at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Elaine’s path also led her to New York City for over a decade, where she gained invaluable experience in world-leading rehabilitation centres like NYU Medical Centre and Mount Sinai. This unique blend of local NHS best practice and international clinical experience gives our team an unparalleled depth of insight into managing everything from acute traumatic injuries to chronic conditions.
Our Guiding Philosophy: The Person Behind the Injury
We believe that effective rehabilitation goes far beyond a diagnosis. Our core ethos is to treat the person, not just the injury. As Occupational Therapists, we take a holistic approach, looking at how your condition truly impacts every part of your life—from your work and personal care routines to the hobbies and sports that bring you joy.
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique goals. We listen, we understand, and we collaborate with you to help you return to the activities that matter most.
Advanced Training for Modern, Evidence-Led Care
To ensure our clients receive the best care possible, we have invested heavily in post-graduate, specialist training in the most up-to-date practices in our field. This commitment to lifelong learning includes:
- Advanced Hand & Wrist Therapy (BAHT): We have completed intensive training with the British Association of Hand Therapists, covering complex tendon and joint injuries, arthritis, and radiographic analysis.
- Specialist Injection Therapy (University of Essex): We both hold a Master’s-level qualification in joint and soft tissue injections to support conditions like trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Modern Pain Science (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute): We have studied the neuroscience of pain, allowing us to provide more meaningful, compassionate, and effective pain management strategies.
A Commitment to Our Community
From newborns with congenital differences to professional athletes recovering from injury, our passion is helping people across Northern Ireland at every stage of life. Whether you need in-person care at our Belfast or Hillsborough clinics or virtual support via telehealth, we are here to guide your journey with expertise and empathy.
At Hand Therapy Services NI, we don’t just treat hands—we help you move, function, and live with confidence again.