Category: BODYSYSTEM Blog

Injuries to the thumb can have a surprisingly large impact on daily function. One of the most common thumb ligament injuries is Skier’s thumb, a condition affecting the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. This ligament plays a crucial role in grip strength and pinch stability, meaning an injury can significantly affect tasks such as opening jars, writing, or holding ski poles.

Pulley injuries in rock climbers: What are pulley injuries and what to do about it?

Injuries to the flexor tendon pulleys in the fingers are common amongst rock climbers. Climbing is one of the only activities that puts an incredible amount of strain on these structures! If you’ve injured your finger climbing, there is a strong chance it could be a pulley injury.

These are injuries to the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (middle joint) of the finger. They happen quite often in sport where you go to catch the ball and it hyperextends your finger and dislocates, or from diving to the ground for a catch or tackle and bend your finger back.

Tasmania’s long surgical waitlists and limited access to conservative care highlight the need for evidence-based physiotherapy. But the insights from my research extend far beyond our island. One of my PhD studies was awarded the 2025 Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Rehabilitation Discussion Group Paper of the Year, showing that regional research can have global impact.

Shoulder pain can be frustrating—whether it’s a dull ache while reaching overhead, stiffness that limits daily activities, or discomfort that seems to appear without injury. The good news? For most non-traumatic shoulder pain, physiotherapy is not only effective, it’s often the best place to start.

Roll your ankle on the weekend? The difference between a quick recovery and months of repeat niggles may not just be how bad the sprain was — it may actually be what happens next.
How should you manage this injury? Who should you see? What should you do within the first few weeks?

Have you ever noticed your hands shaking a little when you’re holding a cup of coffee or trying to write something or perhaps even at rest ? You’re not alone. This kind of involuntary movement or shaking is called a tremor, and while it can be harmless it can also give us clues to possible underlying causes or medical conditions. Tremors can also occur in the arm, legs, head, trunk or vocal cords. Interesting new research is demonstrating possible links between certain types of hand tremor & dementia enabling possible identification of those at risk before any cognitive or memory issues have appeared.

Your Hands, Our expertise
Every year, Hand Therapy Week shines a spotlight on the vital role hand therapists play in rehabilitation, recovery, and injury prevention. This week, we’re focusing on a critical yet often overlooked topic: workplace hand injuries.

May is Exercise Right Month, a national campaign that encourages all Australians to move more and move better—regardless of age, ability, or health status. It’s a great time to ask yourself: Am I exercising in a way that’s right for me?

Andrew Willcox is the lead physiotherapist for the Tasmanian Devils Talent Program, encompassing boys and girls under 16 and under 18 squads, as well as the newly formed Senior Talent Academies for men and women. Andrew has been working for the Devils for the last 6 years, and can be found on the sidelines either in Hobart or interstate most weekends of the AFL season.