Hand Physiotherapist, Hand Therapy & Upper Limb Rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates Practitioner

Jane Leathwood is a Hand Physiotherapist at Total Physiotherapy, Manly Vale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With more than 30 years of experience she assesses, diagnoses, and treats conditions relating to the hand, wrist, elbow and upper limb. Her areas of expertise include:

• Hand, wrist and elbow pain
• Hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Fractures and post-operative rehabilitation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve-related conditions
• Repetitive strain injuries and occupational hand injuries
• Sports-related upper limb injuries
• Clinical Pilates rehabilitation

Jane completed her Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy in 1992 at the Cambridge School of Physiotherapy UK before relocating to Australia in 2011. She holds a Level 2 Certificate in Hand Therapy through the British Association of Hand Therapists and is also a certified Pilates practitioner.

Jane works with people of all ages to reduce pain, improve movement and restore function. Her goal is to help patients return to work, sport and everyday activities as safely and confidently as possible. As a trained mat and equipment Pilates practitioner, Jane incorporates Pilates-based rehabilitation when appropriate to improve movement, build strength and support recovery after injury.

Jane’s evidence-based treatment combines hands-on physiotherapy and personalised exercise prescription. Custom-made splints can also be fabricated when required. Jane commonly sees patients for:

• Hand, wrist, and elbow pain and injuries, including tennis and golfers elbow, acute injuries, chronic conditions, and upper limb dysfunction.

• Rehabilitation of tendon and ligament injuries, including tendon disorders, repetitive strain injuries and overuse conditions related to work, sport, and everyday activities.

• De Quervain’s tendinopathy, trigger finger, and other tendon-related conditions affecting hand and wrist function.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve-related upper limb pain, and conditions affecting sensation, strength, and movement.

• Dupuytren’s contracture and other pre and post hand conditions requiring specialised assessment and rehabilitation.

• Sports and occupational upper limb injuries, helping patients safely return to work, sport, and active lifestyles.

Alongside her clinical work, Jane has delivered education sessions for GPs, physiotherapists and healthcare professionals on hand therapy, upper limb rehabilitation and post-operative hand management and Pilates.

Outside the clinic, Jane enjoys pickleball, jazzercise, circuit training, reformer Pilates, and playing piano, reflecting her ongoing passion for movement, health and active living.