The Team
Sophie Crapper
Sophie is on maternity leave from November 2024.
Sophie founded Surf Coast Hand Therapy with the goal of providing the Torquay community high quality care in the diagnosis and treatment of upper limb injuries. She has since expanded to include clinics in Geelong and Ocean Grove.
Sophie graduated from La Trobe University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree and has since specialised in hand and upper limb rehabilitation.
Sophie made the sea change from Melbourne where she was working in a busy private hand therapy practice, working in conjunction with specialist hand surgeons, rheumatologists and sports medicine physicians. She continues to work on a part-time basis in Melbourne consulting at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre.
Sophie enjoys the wide variety of conditions and patients she sees as a hand therapist, from elite athletes to patients following all types of hand and wrist surgery. She has a special interest in treating sporting injuries and joint hypermobility syndromes.
Outside of work Sophie likes to try her ‘hand’ at all sorts of hobbies including stand-up paddle boarding, golf and tennis. She loves the great outdoors and exploring her new backyard of the surrounding surf coast.
Qualifications / Associations:
Bachelor Physiotherapy, La Trobe University
Associate member Australian Hand Therapy Association
Specialist Lecturer (Assessment & management of Hand, Wrist and Elbow, sporting injuries of Hand, Wrist and Elbow) Swinburne University
Annie Grattan (Nee Clapham)
Annie is on maternity leave from January 2024.
Annie joined the Surf Coast hand therapy team in 2021. Annie graduated from Deakin University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and since graduating has dedicated her practice to specialising in hand and upper limb rehabilitation.
Annie originally started her career in private practice, working at Western District Hand Therapy in Warrnambool, and in rooms at Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Annie then made the move back to Geelong, and has extensive experience in public health, working in the hand therapy team at Barwon Health since 2015. She continues to work on a part-time basis as a clinical lead in the team at Barwon Health, giving her an in-depth knowledge of the available health services and processes across the Geelong region.
In 2019 Annie achieved her Certified Hand Therapist accreditation from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (USA) showing her dedication to the field of hand and upper limb rehabilitation. She is currently studying her Masters of Hand Therapy with the University of Derby.
Annie has a special interest in treating acute injuries including multi traumas and complex finger and hand fractures/injuries.
Annie’s interests outside of work include photography, yoga, cooking and playing her lab x kelpie Elsie!
Jarrod Gist
Jarrod graduated from Deakin University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and has since worked in a variety of settings across public and private health. Jarrod is passionate about helping people recover following an upper limb injury, and seeing them get back to the important things in life.
After living in Wollongong for the past 8 years, Jarrod has recently moved back home to the Bellarine to be close to family again. Jarrod also works at the Geelong Hospital in a clinical lead Hand Therapy role, which allows for plenty of exposure to both acute and chronic conditions.
Jarrod is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and continues to attend regular courses for best practice. Jarrod enjoys treating a wide range of injuries, with a special interest in managing chronic conditions that impact daily living.
Outside of Hand Therapy, Jarrod enjoys surfing and walking his dog, Murray.
Julia Twigg
Julia has joined Surf Coast Hand Therapy in 2024 after having previous experience in private practice clinics and outpatient community rehab in the public system where she currently works part time.
Julia grew up in country Victoria with a very active lifestyle and went on to graduate from La Trobe University, Bendigo with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Physiotherapy degree. She has always had an interest in Hand Therapy due to having her own thumb injury as a teenager which sparked the interest to complete an elective placement in Outpatient Hand Therapy.
Julia is passionate about helping patients return to their sports/hobbies and enjoys treating a variety of finger and hand injuries. Around her work Julia loves her netball, pilates, getting runs in around the Barwon River and waterskiing when it is warm enough!
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Exercise Science, La Trobe University
Masters of Physiotherapy Practice
Associate member Australian Hand Therapy Association
Dry Needling
