Hermanus | Overberg

Specialised Hand & Upper-Limb Therapy in Hermanus

Helping you regain movement, strength, function and confidence after injury, surgery or neurological conditions.

Book an assessment Do I need hand therapy?

Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS) · VHSF Fellow | CHT Candidate

The practice

Bailey Occupational Therapy

Bailey Occupational Therapy is a specialised occupational therapy practice based in the Hermanus area, with a particular focus on hand and upper-limb rehabilitation and a special interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Founded by Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS), Bailey Occupational Therapy provides individualised, evidence-informed rehabilitation for people experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, loss of movement or reduced function of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper limb.

Mikha has developed a strong clinical focus in hand therapy and works with both conservative and post-surgical conditions, from acute injuries through to complex rehabilitation where restoring precise movement and functional use of the hand is essential.

She is a Virtual Hand to Shoulder Foundation (VHSF) Fellow and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) candidate, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advanced education and specialised upper-limb rehabilitation.

About Mikha and the practice

As your hand recovers, your therapy progresses with you.

No two hand injuries are exactly the same, so your programme moves at the pace of your healing.

Protection
Movement
Strength
Function
Confidence

What we do

Specialised care with a functional focus

Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation

Our core service is specialised rehabilitation of the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow, with both conservative and post-surgical management.

Hand therapy

Splinting & Orthotic Management

Custom splinting can be an important component of hand rehabilitation. We assess, fabricate and fit orthoses to support healing and function.

Splinting and orthoses

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation for adults whose movement, coordination, strength, sensation or independence has changed after a neurological condition.

Neurological rehabilitation

See all services

Real-life goals

Rehabilitation That Makes Sense in Real Life

At Bailey Occupational Therapy, rehabilitation is centred around the activities that matter to you.

Whether your goal is to:

Return to work
Use your hand normally again
Return to sport or exercise
Play an instrument
Cook independently
Manage your household
Care for your children
Return to a favourite hobby
Regain independence after neurological injury
Use your hand without pain
Recover after surgery

…the rehabilitation programme is designed around your life and your goals.

Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between physical recovery and functional independence.

Your Hands. Your Function. Your Life.

Specialised rehabilitation for the things you need and want to do.

At Bailey Occupational Therapy, the focus is not just on your diagnosis.

It is on you — your goals, your work, your hobbies, your independence and the activities that make up your everyday life.

Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing an injury conservatively or relearning movement following a neurological condition, the aim is to provide individualised, specialised care that helps you get back to doing what matters.

Bailey Occupational Therapy
Specialised Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation
Special Interest in Neurological Rehabilitation
Hermanus | Overberg

About Bailey OT

A practice built around the hand

Specialised hand and upper-limb rehabilitation, with a special interest in neurological rehabilitation, in Hermanus and the Overberg.

Mikha Bailey, occupational therapist, in the Bailey OT treatment room

About Mikha Bailey

Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS)

BOcc Ther (UFS)
VHSF Fellow
CHT Candidate
Bobath trained

Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS) is an occupational therapist with a strong clinical focus in hand and upper-limb rehabilitation, alongside a special interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Her clinical experience includes acute hospital rehabilitation and outpatient therapy, with exposure to a broad range of orthopaedic, neurological and complex rehabilitation presentations.

She has developed particular expertise in the management of hand and upper-limb conditions, including both conservative and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Mikha has completed Bobath training and is a Virtual Hand to Shoulder Foundation Fellow and Certified Hand Therapist candidate. She is committed to ongoing professional development and continually expanding her knowledge in advanced hand therapy and neurological rehabilitation.

Her approach combines detailed clinical assessment with practical, goal-directed rehabilitation — with the ultimate aim of helping each person return to the activities that matter most to them.

The practice

Bailey Occupational Therapy

Founded by Mikha Bailey, the practice provides individualised, evidence-informed rehabilitation for people experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, loss of movement or reduced function of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper limb.

Mikha works with both conservative and post-surgical conditions, from acute injuries through to complex rehabilitation where restoring precise movement and functional use of the hand is essential.

Clinical focus

A Specialist Interest in the Hand

The hand requires an exceptionally detailed understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, tissue healing, movement and function.

Mikha’s ongoing professional development is specifically focused on this area. She is a VHSF Fellow and CHT candidate, pursuing advanced expertise in hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation.

Her clinical interests include

Hand and wrist biomechanics
Tendon rehabilitation
Peripheral nerve injuries
Fracture rehabilitation
Post-operative rehabilitation
Joint stiffness and contracture management
Splinting and orthotic fabrication
Scar and oedema management
Sensory rehabilitation
Thumb and wrist conditions
Complex hand injuries
Functional upper-limb rehabilitation
Neurological conditions affecting hand function

She combines this specialised hand therapy knowledge with the broader occupational therapy perspective of how an injury or neurological condition affects the person’s ability to live, work and participate in everyday life.

Our Services

Rehabilitation tailored to the individual

At Bailey Occupational Therapy, rehabilitation is tailored to the individual — taking into account your diagnosis, stage of recovery, lifestyle, work demands and personal goals.

While our primary focus is specialised hand and upper-limb rehabilitation, we offer a comprehensive range of occupational therapy services for adults, including orthopaedic, neurological and functional rehabilitation.

Jump to a service

Core service

Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation

Our core service is specialised rehabilitation of the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow.

We provide both conservative and post-surgical management for a wide range of conditions and injuries, with treatment programmes designed around tissue healing, movement, strength and functional recovery.

Splinting & Orthotic Management

Custom splinting can be an important component of hand rehabilitation.

We provide assessment, fabrication and fitting of appropriate orthoses to support healing, protect structures, improve positioning, facilitate movement or assist function.

Splints may be used for

Fractures and joint injuries
Tendon repairs
Nerve injuries
Joint instability
Contractures and stiffness
Trigger finger
Thumb conditions
Post-operative protection
Neurological weakness
Functional support

Each orthosis is selected or fabricated according to the individual’s diagnosis, anatomy, stage of healing and functional requirements.

Core service

Neurological Rehabilitation

Bailey Occupational Therapy also provides rehabilitation for adults experiencing neurological conditions that affect movement, coordination, strength, sensation or independence.

Mikha has completed Bobath training and has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation, particularly where neurological impairment affects upper-limb and hand function.

Intervention may focus on

Stroke rehabilitation
Upper-limb recovery
Motor control and coordination
Muscle tone management
Postural control
Fine-motor function
Sensory changes
Functional movement
Activities of daily living
Cognitive and perceptual difficulties where appropriate
Regaining independence in everyday activities

The emphasis is on translating improvements in movement and control into meaningful, functional activities.

Assessment

Functional Capacity Evaluations

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a structured assessment of an individual’s physical and functional abilities in relation to specific work or activity demands.

FCEs may be useful following injury, illness or disability when there is a need to establish what a person can safely and realistically do.

Assessment may consider

Lifting and carrying
Pushing and pulling
Reaching
Handling and gripping
Fine-motor abilities
Sitting and standing tolerance
Walking and mobility
Repetitive activities
Physical endurance
Positional tolerances
Work-related physical demands
Functional consistency and effort

The findings can assist with return-to-work planning, workplace recommendations, rehabilitation planning and determining appropriate functional restrictions or accommodations.

Work

Work Rehabilitation & Return-to-Work Services

Returning to work after an injury or illness can require more than simply recovering physically.

Occupational therapy can help bridge the gap between clinical recovery and the actual demands of the workplace.

Services may include

Assessment of work-related functional abilities
Graded return-to-work planning
Work simulation
Work conditioning
Identification of functional limitations
Recommendations for workplace modifications
Ergonomic considerations
Advice regarding activity restrictions
Liaison with employers and other healthcare professionals where appropriate

The goal is to facilitate a safe, sustainable return to meaningful work.

Rehabilitation

Activities of Daily Living & Functional Rehabilitation

An injury, surgery or neurological condition can affect seemingly simple everyday activities.

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people regain independence in activities such as:

Dressing
Bathing
Grooming
Eating
Cooking
Household tasks
Driving-related activities
Work tasks
Leisure activities
Parenting and caregiving
Community participation

Where full recovery is not immediately possible, we can also explore adaptations, compensatory strategies and assistive equipment to help you remain as independent as possible.

Assessment

Functional & Upper-Limb Assessments

A detailed assessment helps establish not only what is wrong, but how the condition is affecting function.

Depending on the presentation, assessment may include:

Range of motion
Joint mobility
Muscle strength
Grip and pinch strength
Dexterity
Sensation
Oedema
Pain
Scar assessment
Functional movement
Fine-motor control
Coordination
Activity tolerance
Functional performance

Assessment findings are used to develop an individualised treatment plan and can also provide objective measures of progress throughout rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation

Scar & Oedema Management

Scarring and swelling can significantly restrict movement and function following injury or surgery.

Management may include:

Scar assessment
Scar mobilisation
Silicone therapy where appropriate
Compression
Oedema control
Positioning
Movement strategies
Education and home management

These interventions are often integrated into a broader rehabilitation programme rather than treated in isolation.

Rehabilitation

Sensory Rehabilitation

Changes in sensation can occur following nerve injuries, surgery, trauma or neurological conditions.

Therapy may include:

Sensory assessment
Sensory re-education
Desensitisation
Protective sensation education
Functional sensory retraining

The aim is to help the individual safely and effectively use the affected hand in everyday activities.

Education

Patient Education & Home Rehabilitation Programmes

Successful rehabilitation does not only happen during your therapy appointment.

Patients are provided with appropriate education and individualised home programmes to help reinforce treatment between sessions.

Programmes may include

Therapeutic exercises
Functional activities
Splint use
Scar management
Oedema management
Activity modification
Joint protection strategies
Progressive strengthening
Return-to-activity guidance

Home programmes are designed to be practical, achievable and relevant to your daily life.

Rehabilitation

Individualised Functional Rehabilitation

At Bailey Occupational Therapy, we believe rehabilitation should have a purpose.

Rather than focusing solely on isolated exercises, treatment can incorporate meaningful, goal-directed activities that replicate the movements and demands required in everyday life, work, sport and hobbies.

Whether the goal is returning to work, playing an instrument, getting back to the gym, cooking independently or simply being able to use your hand comfortably again, therapy is shaped around what matters to you.

Specialised Care With a Functional Focus

Bailey Occupational Therapy brings together specialised hand and upper-limb therapy, neurological rehabilitation and occupational therapy principles to provide comprehensive, individualised rehabilitation.

From assessment and diagnosis-specific rehabilitation to functional recovery and return to everyday life — we help you get back to doing what matters.

Bailey Occupational Therapy
Specialised Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation
Special Interest in Neurological Rehabilitation
Hermanus | Overberg

Hand & Upper-Limb Therapy

Hand therapy, conservative and post-surgical

Mikha has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of conditions affecting the fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, forearm and elbow.

Without surgery

Conservative Hand Therapy

Not every hand condition requires surgery. Many injuries and conditions can be successfully managed through appropriate therapy, education and rehabilitation.

Conservative management may include treatment for

Tendinopathies and tendon injuries
Trigger finger
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Osteoarthritis, including thumb CMC arthritis
Joint stiffness
Hand and wrist pain
Sprains and soft-tissue injuries
Nerve-related conditions
Radial nerve palsy
Peripheral nerve injuries
Fractures and fracture-related stiffness
Scar tissue and adhesions
Oedema and swelling
Burns and their associated scarring and contractures
Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
Complex regional pain presentations
Loss of strength, movement or function following injury

Treatment is tailored according to the diagnosis, stage of healing, tissue involved and functional requirements of the individual.

After surgery

Post-Surgical Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation

Following hand or upper-limb surgery, the rehabilitation process is an important part of the surgical outcome.

Mikha works closely with referring surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide rehabilitation appropriate to the surgical procedure and the healing stage of the tissues involved.

Post-operative rehabilitation may include

Fracture rehabilitation
Tendon repairs
Nerve repairs and nerve injuries
Ligament and soft-tissue repairs
TFCC injuries and repairs
Scaphoid fractures
Wrist surgery
Thumb CMC surgery, including suspension arthroplasty
Post-operative stiffness
Scar and adhesion management
Oedema management
Splinting and protective orthoses
Progressive mobilisation
Strengthening
Sensory re-education
Functional retraining
Return-to-work and activity rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is carefully progressed according to the procedure performed, tissue healing, surgical precautions and the individual’s functional goals.

Orthoses

Splinting & Orthotic Management

Splinting can play an important role in both conservative and post-operative hand therapy.

Where appropriate, custom thermoplastic orthoses can be designed and fabricated specifically for the individual’s anatomy, diagnosis and rehabilitation goals.

Individualised splints may be used to

Protect healing tissues
Immobilise or support joints
Correct or prevent deformity
Improve range of motion
Assist tendon healing
Reduce pain
Support weak or paralysed muscles
Facilitate function
Improve positioning

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after neurological injury

In addition to her hand therapy focus, Mikha has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Bobath trained

Movement, tone and function

She has completed Bobath training, which has strengthened her understanding of movement analysis, postural control, tone, motor recovery and the relationship between neurological impairment and functional activity.

Mikha has experience working with adults with neurological conditions and complex rehabilitation needs, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic and acquired neurological conditions, peripheral nerve injuries and other conditions affecting movement and function.

Where appropriate, therapy focuses on translating improvements in movement into meaningful functional activities, rather than treating movement in isolation.

Individually tailored

Neurological rehabilitation is individually tailored and may assist people experiencing changes in:

Upper-limb movement
Hand function
Coordination
Balance and postural control
Strength
Muscle tone
Sensation
Motor planning
Fine-motor control
Functional independence

Conditions we treat

Conditions We Treat

Hand, upper-limb and neurological conditions

Bailey Occupational Therapy provides assessment and rehabilitation for a wide range of hand, upper-limb and neurological conditions, including:

Hand & Upper Limb

Hand and wrist fractures
Scaphoid fractures
Tendon injuries and repairs
Ligament injuries
TFCC injuries and repairs
Nerve injuries and nerve palsies
Radial nerve palsy
Trigger finger
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Thumb CMC osteoarthritis
Post-operative thumb surgery
Joint stiffness
Contractures
Hand and wrist pain
Burns and scar-related restrictions
Oedema
Loss of strength and movement
Soft-tissue injuries
Overuse injuries

Neurological Rehabilitation

Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Peripheral nerve injuries
Acquired neurological conditions
Neurological upper-limb dysfunction
Impaired coordination and dexterity
Changes in tone and motor control
Reduced functional independence

Not sure if your condition is listed?

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before making an appointment.

A thorough assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your difficulties and determine whether occupational therapy is appropriate for you.

Book an assessment Are you struggling with…?

Why Visit Us

Why choose Bailey Occupational Therapy?

The hand is an incredibly complex part of the body. Small changes in movement, strength, sensation or tissue healing can have a significant impact on your ability to work, care for yourself, participate in hobbies and perform everyday activities.

More than reducing pain or increasing movement

Hand therapy is therefore about much more than simply reducing pain or increasing movement.

Treatment at Bailey Occupational Therapy focuses on understanding what is preventing you from using your hand normally, and then developing a rehabilitation programme around your specific injury, surgery, occupation and goals.

Treatment may include

Detailed assessment of movement, strength, sensation and function
Individualised rehabilitation programmes
Post-operative rehabilitation
Conservative management of hand and upper-limb conditions
Range-of-motion rehabilitation
Progressive strengthening
Tendon rehabilitation
Scar management
Oedema management
Splinting and orthotic fabrication
Neurological rehabilitation
Sensory re-education
Fine-motor and dexterity retraining
Functional rehabilitation
Work and activity-specific rehabilitation
Education and home programmes
Return-to-work and return-to-activity planning

The goal is not simply to improve a measurement in the clinic — it is to help you use your hand confidently and effectively in real life.

Our space

A Practice Designed for Hand Therapy

Hand therapy requires more than a treatment room and a few exercises.

Bailey Occupational Therapy has been purposefully designed and equipped with hand and upper-limb rehabilitation in mind, creating an environment where assessment, treatment and functional rehabilitation can all take place under one roof.

The practice combines the clinical principles of occupational therapy with the specialised requirements of hand therapy, allowing treatment to progress from pain management and protected movement through to strengthening, dexterity and return to real-life activities.

A purpose-built environment for rehabilitation

Our treatment space is equipped to support a broad range of hand and upper-limb interventions, including

Detailed hand and upper-limb assessments
Therapeutic exercise and progressive strengthening
Fine-motor and dexterity rehabilitation
Functional and task-specific activities
Splinting and custom orthotic fabrication
Scar and oedema management
Sensory rehabilitation
Tendon and nerve rehabilitation
Post-operative rehabilitation
Fracture rehabilitation
Neurological upper-limb rehabilitation
Work and activity-specific rehabilitation

From movement to function

One of the advantages of an occupational therapy approach is the ability to move beyond isolated exercises and practise meaningful functional activities.

Our space allows rehabilitation to be adapted as you progress — from controlled therapeutic movement, to strengthening, to practical tasks that replicate the demands of your home, work, sport or hobbies.

This means your therapy can continually be linked back to the question:

“What do you need your hand to be able to do?”

Individualised treatment

No two hand injuries are exactly the same, and the same diagnosis can affect two people very differently.

Your treatment programme is therefore tailored according to your:

Diagnosis and surgical procedure, where applicable
Stage of tissue healing
Movement and strength
Pain and swelling
Sensation
Functional limitations
Work requirements
Hobbies and interests
Personal rehabilitation goals

As your hand recovers, your therapy progresses with you.

Protection
Movement
Strength
Function
Confidence

Specialist knowledge

Purposeful rehabilitation

Bailey Occupational Therapy is led by Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS), a VHSF Fellow and CHT candidate with a particular focus on hand and upper-limb rehabilitation and a special interest in neurological rehabilitation.

With specialised clinical knowledge and a practice environment designed around rehabilitation, Bailey OT provides a space where your recovery can be assessed, treated and progressed with purpose.

Your hand deserves specialised attention.
Your rehabilitation should be built around what you need to get back to doing.

Are You Struggling With…?

Pain, stiffness, weakness or difficulty using your hand?

You don’t have to simply put up with it. If an injury, surgery, neurological condition or ongoing pain is making everyday activities more difficult, Bailey Occupational Therapy can help.

Are you struggling with

Pain in your hand, wrist, forearm or elbow?
Stiffness or difficulty bending or straightening your fingers?
Swelling after an injury or surgery?
Weak grip or difficulty holding objects?
Difficulty using your thumb?
Numbness, tingling or altered sensation?
Difficulty with fine-motor tasks such as buttons, writing or picking up small objects?
A hand that feels different after surgery or an injury?
Difficulty getting back to work, sport or hobbies?
A tendon, ligament, nerve or fracture injury?
Recovery following hand, wrist or elbow surgery?
A scar that is painful, tight or restricting your movement?
Ongoing difficulty following a stroke or other neurological condition?
Loss of coordination or control in your hand or arm?
Difficulty using your arm for everyday activities?
Uncertainty about whether your hand has healed enough to start strengthening or return to normal activities?

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before making an appointment.

A thorough assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your difficulties and determine whether occupational therapy is appropriate for you.

Who should you see?

A specialised hand therapist

If your problem involves the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, particularly following an injury or surgery, a specialised hand therapist can assess your movement, strength, sensation and function and develop an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

At Bailey Occupational Therapy, Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS) provides specialised hand and upper-limb rehabilitation, with a particular focus on both conservative and post-surgical conditions.

Mikha is a Virtual Hand to Shoulder Foundation (VHSF) Fellow and CHT candidate, and has completed Bobath training with a special interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Your hands are part of almost everything you do.

When your hand isn’t working properly, even simple things can become frustrating.

Don’t wait until the problem starts affecting more of your life.

Book an assessment with Bailey Occupational Therapy and take the first step towards getting back to doing what matters to you.

Specialised care for your hands. Functional rehabilitation for your life.

Book an assessment

For Referrers

Working alongside surgeons and healthcare professionals

Mikha works closely with referring surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide rehabilitation appropriate to the surgical procedure and the healing stage of the tissues involved.

Post-operative care

Rehabilitation that follows the procedure

Following hand or upper-limb surgery, the rehabilitation process is an important part of the surgical outcome.

Rehabilitation is carefully progressed according to the procedure performed, tissue healing, surgical precautions and the individual’s functional goals, so it helps to include these details with a referral.

Post-operative rehabilitation we provide

Fracture rehabilitation
Tendon repairs
Nerve repairs and nerve injuries
Ligament and soft-tissue repairs
TFCC injuries and repairs
Scaphoid fractures
Wrist surgery
Thumb CMC surgery, including suspension arthroplasty
Splinting and protective orthoses
Scar, adhesion and oedema management

Conservative management

Many injuries and conditions can be managed through appropriate therapy, education and rehabilitation, including trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, thumb CMC arthritis and nerve-related conditions.

Hand therapy

Functional Capacity Evaluations

A structured assessment of physical and functional abilities against specific work or activity demands, to assist with return-to-work planning and functional restrictions.

Our services

Work rehabilitation

Graded return-to-work planning, work simulation and conditioning, with liaison with employers and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.

Our services

Referring a patient

Please contact the practice to discuss a referral or to ask about a patient’s rehabilitation.

Contact the practice

Contact

Book an assessment

Take the first step towards getting back to doing what matters to you.

Phone: 063 159 6853
Email: info@baileyot.co.za
Practice: Bailey Occupational Therapy
Hermanus | Overberg
Shop 2B Hemel en Aarde Craft Village, Onrusrivier, 7201
Hours: Monday to Friday
09:00 to 17:00

Before you book

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before making an appointment.

A thorough assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your difficulties and determine whether occupational therapy is appropriate for you.

Referring surgeons and healthcare professionals are welcome to make contact to discuss a patient’s rehabilitation.

Mikha Bailey, BOcc Ther (UFS)
VHSF Fellow | CHT Candidate
Specialised Hand & Upper-Limb Rehabilitation
Special Interest in Neurological Rehabilitation