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Date: 2 May 2024
Time: 11:16
Upper limb physiotherapy service
The upper limb service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) is a combined phsyiotherapy and occupational therapy service and is led by a team of clinical specialists. The service is supported by senior therapists trained specifically in upper limb assessment and rehabilitation. The team has strong links with the specialist surgeons who work in this area, and this close communication optimises patient care.
- Location/facilities
- Which conditions do we treat?
- How can I get referred?
- Lead clinicians
- Contact
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder surgery
- Brachial plexus Injury
- Hand injuries
Location/facilities
Many patients are treated within the main physiotherapy outpatient department but often patients are treated within the dedicated upper limb unit.
Which conditions do we treat?
The unit specialises in the treatment of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder pain, including that experienced following surgery, nerve injury or fractures/soft tissue injuries of the upper limb.
How can I get referred?
The upper limb service accepts referrals from GPs, consultants and other therapists at QEHB for their specialist opinion and ongoing management as required.
Lead clinicians
- Caroline Miller – Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Upper Limb
- Suzanne Beale – Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Upper limb
Contact
Email: QEHBphysio@uhb.nhs.uk
Shoulder pain
At QEHB, we have the expertise in biomechanics and normal movement to precisely assess your shoulder and together plan your individual treatment plan based around your goals and needs. We have very close links with the shoulder consultants here and in the neighbouring hospitals and other specialist centres, which leads to improved patient care and ensures efficient and effective communication with other appropriate disciplines.
We have open access to our new physiotherapy gym, which has the most up-to-date upper limb equipment and facilities, including an isokinetic dynamometer and work hardening equipment. These facilities enable advanced progression of exercises to assist return to your hobbies, sport or manual work. We have also developed a number of specialist shoulder classes, allowing you to develop your treatment in a class-based situation.
Shoulder surgery
Following your shoulder surgery you will often need physiotherapy to help with your rehabilitation. You will be provided with information following your surgery and will be seen by one of our physiotherapists with specialist experience soon after your operation. You will also be offered further physiotherapy appointments following this initial assessment. Evidence-based shoulder guidelines have been developed through close working with our consultants to guide your treating physiotherapist.
It's essential that you follow the guidance provided to you by your consultant, physiotherapist and in any information booklets supplied by our staff to maximise the benefit of your surgery.
Brachial plexus service
The brachial plexus service manages patients who have sustained damage to the brachial plexus and/or peripheral nerves. The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerve fibres running from the neck into the arm formed by the lower four cervical and first thoracic nerve roots (C5-T1).
Injury to the brachial plexus usually causes severe functional impairment. Injuries are often complicated due to issues with pain, loss of or change in sensation, and alterations in muscle power affecting the whole of the upper limb.
Patients with these injuries need the combined approach from consultants, pain management specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, orthotics and the scar management team.
Recovery from these injuries can be slow and may take anything from weeks up to many months, or longer.
Physiotherapy treatment may include sensory desensitisation, mirror therapy, range of movement exercises, pulley work, graded strengthening and functional rehabilitation.
Hand injuries
Physiotherapists treat a diverse range of presentations of hand injury, including fracture, soft tissue injuries, tendon injuries, nerve injuries and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
As part of the service there is a wide range of specialist upper limb and hand equipment, specialist thermoplastic and functional splinting equipment, and graded rehabilitation programmes in preparation for return to manual work, which may included treatment in groups.
