Shoulder To Hand Alliance Hand Therapy Conference 2026

Inside the Shoulder to Hand Alliance 2026 Hand Therapy Conference: Learning, Leadership and Connection

The Shoulder to Hand Alliance’s 2026 conference brought physiotherapists and occupational therapists from across Australia together to share evidence-informed approaches to hand and upper limb rehabilitation, learn from clinical and leadership speakers, and strengthen connections across our national network.

Bringing Together Hand Therapists Across Our Network

The conference welcomed clinicians from across the Shoulder to Hand Alliance: Action Rehab Hand Therapy, Action Rehab The Hands Physio, Action Rehab Northside Hand & Upper Limb, and Gold Coast Hand Therapy. The program created space to share professional experience, discuss current evidence and explore developments in hand and upper limb rehabilitation.

Delegates attending a hand therapy conference presentation on the effectiveness of splinting for medial epicondylitis.

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Inspire’. It invited clinicians across the Shoulder to Hand Alliance to consider how leadership, shared learning and collaboration can support colleagues and patients throughout rehabilitation.

The program emphasised reflective practice, professional development and evidence-informed care.As a hand and upper limb practitioner within the Shoulder to Hand Alliance, attending the conference gave me an opportunity to expand my clinical knowledge, reflect on current practice and connect with professionals from across our member brands.

Keynote speaker, Craig Bellamy

This Year's Keynote Speaker, was Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy is one of the most respected leaders in Australian sport and the long‑standing head coach of the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Since taking on the role in 2003, Craig has built one of the most successful and consistent sporting organisations in the country, renowned for its high standards, strong culture, and sustained performance. Across more than two decades, Craig has led Melbourne Storm to multiple premierships and finals campaigns, earning widespread recognition for his ability to develop talent, build resilient teams, and drive excellence under pressure. His leadership philosophy centred on accountability, preparation, and continuous improvement has influenced not only elite athletes, but leaders well beyond sport. At our conference, Craig will share insights from his remarkable career on leadership, culture, and what it takes to perform at your best over the long term.

See Last Year's Speaker

Craig Bellamy, head coach of the Melbourne Storm, shared perspectives drawn from more than two decades of leadership experience. His presentation explored accountability, teamwork, preparation and continuous improvement, and invited attendees to consider how these principles may apply within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Leadership Lessons for Hand Therapists

Reflecting on the conference theme of ‘Inspire’, Craig’s presentation reinforced the value of collaboration, shared goals and consistent support. In hand therapy settings, these principles can help teams exchange clinical knowledge, maintain a constructive workplace culture and coordinate care.

Craig’s message encouraged me to keep challenging myself professionally, embrace opportunities for growth and contribute positively across the Shoulder to Hand Alliance. It also highlighted how clinicians can support colleagues through mentorship and collaboration while helping patients stay engaged in their rehabilitation. For me, inspiration means leading by example, continuing to learn and supporting others to work towards their individual goals.

Conference delegates networking and participating in group discussions during the Shoulder to Hand Alliance 2026 Hand Therapy Conference.

Networking and Professional Connections

Beyond the educational presentations, the conference gave hand therapists from across the Alliance time to exchange ideas, discuss clinical experiences and strengthen professional connections.

Hand therapy conference delegates participating in collaborative team-building challenges and problem-solving activities.

The day also included the Shoulder to Hand Alliance Mini Games, with team challenges such as cup stacking, Oreo tower building and dice stacking.

These non-clinical activities offered a relaxed way for colleagues from different member brands to collaborate and build working relationships beyond the formal program.

Clinical Education and Evidence-Informed Hand Therapy

One of the valuable aspects of the annual conference was the opportunity to consider how new knowledge may inform everyday clinical practice.

Clinicians discussed emerging research, treatment approaches and evidence relevant to hand and upper limb rehabilitation.

Topics included early intervention programs for abattoir workers, management following distal biceps repair, and post-operative management of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries.

The sessions also revisited established approaches, including orthosis design for mallet finger and management of central slip injuries, and considered ways to support patient participation in home exercise programs. Clinical decisions remain individualised and are informed by assessment, practitioner judgement and the available evidence.

Conference delegates attending a clinical presentation featuring research findings and outcome data at the Shoulder to Hand Alliance 2026 Hand Therapy Conference.

Final Reflections and Looking Ahead

Overall, the annual conference was a rewarding opportunity to learn, build professional connections and renew our enthusiasm for hand therapy. It strengthened our shared commitment to reflective practice, collaboration and patient-centred care across the Shoulder to Hand Alliance.

Events like this provide time for clinicians to consider evolving evidence, discuss practice with peers and identify learning that may be relevant to their work.

I look forward to discussing the weekend’s learning with colleagues across Action Rehab Hand Therapy, Action Rehab The Hands Physio, Action Rehab Northside Hand & Upper Limb, and Gold Coast Hand Therapy, and to continuing my professional development as a hand therapist.

Caolan Somers

It was a valuable weekend of learning, connection and professional development across the Shoulder to Hand Alliance.

2026 Hand Therapy Conference | Shoulder to Hand Alliance

Inside the Shoulder to Hand Alliance 2026 Hand Therapy Conference: Learning, Leadership and Connection