Dr Melissa Hirth

Monash University

Dr Melissa Hirth is a Melbourne-based occupational therapist, accredited hand therapist, researcher, and invited speaker with extensive clinical and research experience in hand rehabilitation. She completed her PhD at Monash University in 2021, with research focused on the relative motion approach in hand therapy and extensor tendon rehabilitation. 

Melissa has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters across hand therapy, including extensor tendon rehabilitation, finger fracture management, trigger finger, and telehealth service delivery. Her work has contributed to the growing international evidence base supporting functional and early active rehabilitation approaches in hand therapy practice. 

In 2023, Melissa co-edited the Journal of Hand Therapy Special Issue devoted to relative motion concepts and orthoses and currently serves on the journal’s editorial board. She is frequently invited to speak nationally and internationally on extensor tendon rehabilitation, tendon balance, sagittal band management, and contemporary rehabilitation approaches that support safe functional hand use.