Hand therapy clinic to treat injuries, pain, trauma, tendonitis, fractures and scars in the arms and hands - offered by Occupational Therapists
Jen Kaess grew up and Ballarat and after studying in Melbourne and gaining experience and expertise at multiple other centres both in Metro Melbourne, regionally and internationally before setting up in private practice in Ballarat. After working in a local clinic for many years, she decided that it was time to venture out on her own, to offer unique and compassionate Hand Therapy services to the people of Ballarat and surrounds. With a clear goal of offering exceptional customer service, excellent and evidenced based therapeutic intervention in a welcoming and supportive environment the location of Restore Allied Health was selected and she has worked very hard to ensure the team are exceeding this goal. We are so lucky that Rachael Leigh joined the team to be our Office Manager to keep the whole place running smoothly. Restore Hand therapy is offered by Jen Kaess as the principal Occupational therapist. Karen Goodwin and Emma Allan also provide exceptional Hand Therapy services at Restore Hand Therapy. Jen is also an Accredited Hand therapist as awarded by the AHTA, and has achieved the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist status. The therapists are experienced in Acute and long term hand and upper limb splinting. Jen is also experienced in Dry Needling. Restore Hand therapy offers a sports clinic on Monday afternoons to see people who have sustained finger, hand, wrist and elbow injuries at sport over the weekend. We endeavor to support our patients to continue to play sport safely with appropriate bracing, taping and education if at all possible, while they recover. Karen Goodwin is a kind and experienced OT with with many years of experience in pain management, arthritis and other degenerative condition care and her practical and caring intervention. Emma Allan has recently joined and has a passion for Hand therapy for almost a decade now. She is loving the teams experience and comes with a creative, driven and dynamic style to work with patients to get their best outcomes. Both Emma and Karen are participating in formal hand therapy extended education and get frequent mentorship from Jen and each other, so you will always get the benefit of all of the teams experience. Degenerative, overuse, trauma, surgical, arthritic and pain conditions of the hand and arm are expertly assessed and managed with care, compassion and skill, to maximise function and minimise pain and scaring in a timely and supportive way, to help our patients reach their goals and continue to function as quickly as possible. We primarily use Woodcast for splinting. Woodcast is a biodegradable and sustainable splinting material with all the properties of the thermoplastics we have used for decades but will become compost within a couple years if left in the garden.
23/02/2026
If your child is facing a long wait for treatment at the Hospital we are here to help.
Our expert hand therapists can assess, treat, and make custom thermoplastic splints for your child — all in one visit.
💙 Family-friendly care, fast appointments, expert support.
📅 Book now to help your child heal comfortably and quickly!
The joints in our hands are common areas for arthritis, and when these joints become arthritic they can make every day activities very difficult and even painful.
While there is no cure for arthritis, various treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve hand function.
Call us on 5303 0333 or book online with one of our Hand Therapists to make an appointment to discuss treatment options.
Did you know: In the mid-19th century, men would send Valentines that included gloves, a silent, symbolic request for her "hand."
If the lady wore these gloves to church on Easter Sunday, it signified her acceptance of the proposal.
Enjoy your Valentine's Day 💕
12/02/2026
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a condition that results in deterioration of the tendon fibres that attach to the bone at the outside of the elbow. Tendons do not stretch easily and are susceptible to degeneration under repeated or traumatic stress. Playing racquet sports is only one cause of Tennis Elbow.
Lateral Epicondylitis is most common in people aged 30 – 50. The most common causes are chronic or repeated stress to the forearm muscles or direct trauma (hit to the elbow) and sometimes there is no clear cause.
People can experience severe burning pain or tenderness at the outside of the elbow/forearm. Pain that increases with movement, prolonged rest or when pressure is applied to the elbow.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms book an appointment to see one of our compassionate hand therapists today.
“Time flies when you’re having a great time! Congratulations on 5 years of outstanding service Gaile. Your commitment and positive attitude inspire us all.”💙
05/02/2026
At Restore Hand Therapy our team can evaluate and help manage a wide range of upper limb issues to help patients regain maximum use of the affected area after injury, surgery or the onset of disease or pain.
Our therapists utilise their advanced skills to help manage wounds, pain, dysfunction and are experts at custom thermoplastic splints and cast fabrication.
If you would like to know more about the services provided at Restore Hand Therapy please visit
visit www.restorehands.com.au or phone 03 5303 0333
03/02/2026
This World Cancer Day, let's come together to rewrite the future of cancer care - one where the needs of people and communities come first.
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Jen Kaess grew up and Ballarat and after studying in Melbourne and gaining experience and expertise at multiple other centres both in Metro Melbourne, regionally and internationally before setting up in private practice in Ballarat. After working in a local clinic for many years,eh s decided that it was time to venture out on her own, to offer unique and compassionate Hand Therapy services to the people of Ballarat and surrounds.
With a clear goal of offering exceptional customer service, excellent and evidenced based therapeutic intervention in a welcoming and supportive environment the location of Restore Allied Health was selected and she has worked very hard to ensure the team are exceeding this goal. We are so lucky that Rachael Leigh joined the team to be our Office Manager to keep the whole place running smoothly.
Restore Hand therapy is offered by Jen Kaess as the principal Occupational therapist. Fiona Orton and Renee Rock also work with Restore Hand Therapy. BOth Fiona and Renee also provide Hand Therapy services at Ballarat Health Service- All therapists at Restore Hand Therapy have earned the highest level of recognition in Australia as an Accredited Hand therapist as awarded by the AHTA, and all therapists have achieved the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist status. The therapists are experienced in Acute and long term hand and upper limb splinting. Jen and Fiona are also experienced in Dry Needling.
Restore Hand therapy offers a sports clinic on Monday afternoons to see people who have sustained finger, hand, wrist and elbow injuries at sport over the weekend. We endeavor to support our patients to continue to play sport safely with appropriate bracing, taping and education if at all possible, while they recover.
Degenerative, overuse, trauma, surgical, arthritic and pain conditions of the hand and arm are expertly assessed and managed with care, compassion and skill, to maximise function and minimise pain and scaring in a timely and supportive way, to help our patients reach their goals and continue to function as quickly as possible.
We primarily use Woodcast for splinting. Woodcast is a biodegradable and sustainable splinting material with all the properties of the thermoplastics we have used for decades but will become compost within a couple years if left in the garden.