Registered specialists
Every clinical team member is registered with Physiotherapy New Zealand (MPNZ) and Hand Therapy New Zealand (HTNZ).
Specialist Hand Therapy · Bay of Plenty
Expert care for hand,
wrist and upper-limb
injuries.
Bay Hand Therapy has delivered specialist physiotherapy for hand and upper-limb injuries across the Western Bay of Plenty for more than 18 years. Our registered hand therapists provide advanced, evidence-based rehabilitation in close partnership with hand surgeons, GPs and the wider clinical community.
18+
Years of service
5
Registered hand therapists
3
Clinics in the Bay
ACC
Accredited provider
MPNZ & HTNZ registered clinicians
ACC accredited & claims handled for you
Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider
Three clinics — Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puna
Our Approach
Eighteen years of specialist hand therapy in the Bay of Plenty.
Hand therapy is the advanced assessment and treatment of hand, wrist and elbow injuries by physiotherapists or occupational therapists who have undergone extensive post-graduate training. Our team of passionate hand therapists offers advanced, up-to-date rehabilitation in close partnership with hand surgeons, GPs and the wider clinical community.
Bay Hand Therapy opened in February 2007 when Danielle Ellis returned home to address a clear gap in specialist hand therapy services. The practice has grown steadily and now employs four other Hand Therapists alongside a dedicated administrator.
Evidence-based care
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's specific condition and goals, drawing on current best-practice rehabilitation.
ACC made simple
We complete ACC claim forms on your behalf for accident-related injuries — and accept self-referrals as well as GP and surgeon referrals.
Three clinic locations
Main rooms in Tauranga (Fraser Street), with satellite clinics in Katikati and Te Puna for convenient access across the region.
What we do
A complete hand therapy service.
From the first comprehensive assessment through to bespoke splinting and rehabilitation, every visit is built around an evidence-based treatment plan and a clear set of goals.
Hand & upper-limb assessment
01On the first appointment a comprehensive assessment is performed where we aim to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient. The initial assessment involves taking a verbal history, performing a physical examination of the affected limb(s), and from there establishing a clear treatment plan and set of goals.
- Verbal history taking
- Physical examination
- Diagnosis
- Treatment planning & goal setting
Treatment modalities
02Treatment may involve a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to each patient's specific condition and goals. Follow-up appointments involve reassessment and ongoing treatment techniques.
- Custom thermoplastic splinting
- Pre-fabricated bracing
- Swelling control
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Passive stretches
- Joint mobilisations
- Soft tissue techniques
- Strengthening exercises
- Activity modification
- Wound & scar management
Telehealth consultations
03ACC-covered telehealth consultations are available at no charge for eligible ACC patients — a convenient option for follow-ups, advice, and patients who cannot easily travel to clinic.
No co-payment for eligible ACC telehealth visits
Referrals & ACC claims
04We accept referrals from hand surgeons, GPs, and other physiotherapists and health professionals. We also accept self-referrals and are able to complete ACC claim forms on your behalf for accident-related injuries.
- Hand surgeon referrals
- GP & physiotherapist referrals
- Self-referrals welcomed
- Visitors to NZ covered by ACC
Conditions treated
From the elbow to the fingertips.
At Bay Hand Therapy we assess and treat injuries of the hand and upper limb — from the elbow to the finger tips. We also see post-surgical patients, both elective and trauma.
Book an assessment- ·Sprains & strains
- ·Fractures
- ·Lacerations
- ·Tendon repairs & injuries
- ·Tendonitis & tendonosis
- ·Nerve injuries
- ·Amputations
- ·Replantations
- ·Crush injuries
- ·Burns
- ·Arthritis
- ·Gradual process injuries
- ·Post-surgical Dupuytren's release
Our team
Six experienced professionals, one shared standard of care.
Five registered hand therapists, each with extensive post-graduate training and clinical experience, supported by a friendly administration team.
Danielle Ellis
Hand Therapist & Director
BPhysio (Otago, with credit) · MPNZ · HTNZ
Danielle graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (with credit) in 1997 and has 18 years of hand therapy experience. After hand trauma work in the UK and Auckland private practice, she established Bay Hand Therapy in 2007. Special interests include nerve recovery, wrist injuries and complex finger fractures.
Mike Ellis
Hand Therapist
BKin · BScPhysio (UBC) · MHPrac (First Class) · PGCert Acupuncture · MPNZ · HTNZ
Mike holds a kinesiology degree from the University of Victoria (1997), a BScPhysio from UBC (2000), and a First-Class Master's in Health Practice (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, 2006). A registered hand therapist with 7+ years' experience, Mike joined Bay Hand Therapy in 2010 and has a special interest in sports-injury rehabilitation.
Evelyn Willmann
Hand Therapist
BPhysio (Otago) · Hand Therapy cert AUT · PGCert Acupuncture · MHPrac (Distinction) · MPNZ · HTNZ
Evelyn graduated from Otago University in 2003. After four years in hospital and private musculoskeletal physiotherapy, she completed her Hand Therapy training at AUT in 2007. She also holds postgraduate certification in Acupuncture and a Master's in Health Practice with Distinction. Evelyn joined Bay Hand Therapy in 2017.
Susan Muspratt
Hand Therapist
BPhysio (AUT) · MHPrac inc. Hand Therapy cert · MPNZ · HTNZ
Susan graduated as a physiotherapist from AUT in 1997. After four years in hospital acute inpatient paediatrics, volunteer work in Cambodia and West Auckland practice, she completed her Master's in Health Practice in 2018 including Hand Therapy certification. Susan joined Bay Hand Therapy in 2018 with eight years of hand therapy experience and special interests in trauma, post-surgical rehab and paediatrics.
Kathryn (Kat) Hay
Hand Therapist
BPhysEd · BPhysio (Otago) · Hand Therapy cert AUT · PGCert Ergonomics · MPNZ · HTNZ
Kat graduated from Otago University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy after completing a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2001. She worked in private physiotherapy practice before completing her hand therapy training through AUT in 2016, and also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Ergonomics and Human Factors. Kat joined Bay Hand Therapy in 2022.
Kyra May
Administrator & Receptionist
Practice administration · since 2016
Kyra started with Bay Hand Therapy in 2016 and is the friendly face of the front desk. She looks after appointments, ACC paperwork and the day-to-day running of the practice — often the first voice you'll hear when you call.
Fees
Clear, up-front pricing.
We accept ACC-funded treatment with a standard co-payment, Southern Cross Easy-Claim, and private visits. Visitors to New Zealand are covered by ACC for accident-related injuries.
ACC Claims
Most commonFor accepted ACC claims. We complete the claim paperwork on your behalf.
-
Initial visit co-paymentFirst appointment, including assessment.$40
-
Follow-up visit co-paymentPer subsequent visit.$30
-
ACC telehealth consultationNo co-payment for eligible ACC patients.Nil
Private visits
No ACC claim requiredFor non-accident injuries or where ACC is not applicable.
-
Initial consultationComprehensive assessment and treatment plan.$168
-
Follow-up visitPer subsequent visit.$126
Additional charges apply for materials and splinting. Southern Cross Easy-Claim is available for eligible members.
Visit us
Three clinics across the Western Bay of Plenty.
Our main rooms are on Fraser Street in Tauranga, with satellite clinics in Katikati and Te Puna. Phone us on 07 577 9790 or to arrange an appointment.
Accreditations
A registered, recognised practice.
Bay Hand Therapy has been a trusted provider in the Western Bay of Plenty since 2007, with close referral relationships across the regional clinical community.
- MPNZ — Physiotherapy New Zealand
- HTNZ — Hand Therapy New Zealand
- ACC Provider — co-payment claims
- Southern Cross Easy-Claim
- Visitors to NZ covered for accident injuries
- 18+ years of specialist service
Begin your recovery
Ready to book your assessment?
Self-refer online, or call us during practice hours and Kyra will walk you through what to expect at your first appointment.