About Us
First Hand Rehab is a specialist provider of hand therapy and treatment for hand, wrist and forearm injuries in Hawke’s Bay, NZ.
Our qualified therapists are members of the New Zealand Association of Hand Therapists (NZAHT) and are accredited for ACC referrals as well as referrals from your GP or local hospital. If you are an ACC client, contact us, you have a choice!
Our clinic is located in Napier. If your condition is the result of an injury and is covered by ACC then there is no surcharge for either your initial consultation or for your follow-up appointments.
If you are in any doubt or have any questions about your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact us for free initial advice.
Our Team
Brigitte Hulks, Dip OT, MHSc (Hons)
Brigitte is a qualified and accredited member of the New Zealand Association of Hand Therapists and is registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
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Brigitte qualified as an Occupational Therapist from the Central Institute of Technology in 1988 and after working in both Europe and America, developed an interest in hand therapy. She returned to New Zealand in 1996 and completed her Masters in Hand and Upper Limb Therapy at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) whilst working in the area of hand therapy at Hawke's Bay DHB. Brigitte was one of the first fully registered hand therapists in New Zealand in 1999 and the original founder of First Hand Rehab in 2000..
Brigitte is experienced in the provision of pressure garments for burn injuries and has specialised splinting skills. Brigitte has been involved with ACC in establishing guidelines for managing musculoskeletal conditions of the forearm which were published in 2009.
Daniella Rothwell, B.O.T, PG Cert (Rehab)
Daniella is a qualified and accredited member of the New Zealand Association of Hand Therapists and is registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
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Daniella qualified as an Occupational therapist from Otago Polytechnic in 2014 where she developed an interest in hand therapy. She began working as a Hand Therapist in 2015 and then went on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation in 2017 at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). She has been working as a Hand Therapist in Australia for the last few years before deciding to return to the Hawkes Bay.
Sonia Cook
Sonia joined the team in 2018 as the receptionist. She has over 20 years’ experience in administration and enjoys meeting as well as helping a diverse range of people.
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She will be able to help with booking your appointments, advise you on the ACC process or answer any questions you may have regarding hand therapy and the services we provide.
“I am pleased to offer this endorsement for First Hand Rehab.It is always comforting to receive care at a level that is both effective and fixes the problem that we can face from time to time in health matters. I have been particularly impressed with the professional approach, guidance and support given during my treatment.As a specialist provider, First Hand Rehab can feel proud of the quality of care and healing treatment they achieve and I am confident other clients share my endorsement of their achievements.”
Ken Gilligan, MNZM, JP
Contact us today to book your appointment
Referrals not mandatory.