Upper limb clinic
We are a clinic run by a team of specialist occupational therapists, who provide a full upper limb assessment service to promote function and independence, for children and young adults under the age of 19
What does this service provide?
Who we are
We are a team of specialist occupational therapists who provide a full upper limb assessment service, to promote function and independence.
What we do
We provide a comprehensive upper limb evaluation, as well as the following assessments:
- fine motor skills, including range of motion and strength of small muscle groups, grasp patterns and in-hand manipulations
- postural assessment in sitting, to ensure sufficient support is provided to optimise your upper limb functional potential
- handwriting skills (when required)
- analysis and observation of self-care and play skills
Appointment information
Appointment types
Your appointment will take place in the occupational therapy consulting room at Chailey Clinical Services. When you arrive, our receptionist will show you where to wait for your appointment.
Your appointment will last for approximately 1½ hours. If a follow-up appointment is required for further assessment or the fitting of a splint, that appointment usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
Your appointment will give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your upper limb function. With your consent, we may take photos for our clinical records only. At the end of your assessment, we'll discuss our findings and recommendations, which may include:
- a home activity programme
- a splinting regime – either to enhance the functional use of your hand or arm or to provide a continuous stretch to muscles to reduce the risk of contracture and optimise skin hygiene
- an occupational therapy treatment plan to address specific identified difficulties
Following your appointment, a report will be sent to you and your referrer, GP or any other healthcare professional you'd like to share it with, with our recommendations and a clear pathway indicating how we will work alongside local services. To see an upper limb assessment pathway, please read ‘additional information'.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
If you have any recent or relevant reports, it would be helpful to bring them. We'll also need details of any special chairs, splints or adapted equipment you use. If you already use splints, please bring those with you.
Who you'll see at your appointment
You'll see one or more of our specialist occupational therapy team.
A member of your local team will be invited to attend so that any recommendations made can be discussed and together we can ensure you can be supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Upper limb problems may arise for a number of reasons, including:
- neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy or Acquired Brian Injury, resulting in altered muscle tone (spasticity) and/or movement disorders (ataxia, dystonia)
- muscle weakness in degenerative conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy
- motor planning problems, where individuals find it hard to plan and organise what they want to do
- joint instability and pain from conditions such as Juvenile Arthritis
The ability to effectively use the upper limb for fine motor skills can impact on all aspects of an individual's life, for example, participation in play, educational activities, and the ability to manage daily living activities such as eating and drinking and dressing.
Upper limb assessment pathway
Our upper limb assessment pathway includes the following steps:
1. An assessment date will be agreed with you and your referrer.
2. You and a member of your local team will be invited to attend the assessment.
3. Following the assessment, a report with recommendations will be sent to you and your local team. After this, one of two things may happen:
-
- splint fitting – you and your local therapist are expected to attend. The splint regime is discussed and handed over to your family and local therapist
- occasionally, a bespoke splint is recommended and a follow-up appointment at Chailey Clinical Services is required for fitting. A local therapist will attend with you. Your splint regime will be discussed and handed over to your family and local therapist
4. You will then be discharged back to your local team.
5. We recommend that outcomes are measured by your local team at 3 and 6 months. They can contact Chailey Clinical Services for support by telephone if required.
6. Re-referral is needed for further intervention.
Who will fund any equipment recommended?
Simple splints will be provided by Chailey Clinical Services in the first instance.
Funding for any other intervention will be discussed with you and your local team during the assessment.
How can I access this service?
We accept referrals from GPs, paediatricians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or any other healthcare professional.
Our service is available to children and young adults under the age of 19 (at the time of referral).
Where can I access this service?
Let's get social
You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.
Get the best from your NHS
If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).
Contact details
You can contact PALS by the following:
Telephone: 01273 242 292Email: sc-tr.pals@nhs.net
Give feedback
Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.
Share this page via:
