In the wrist and hand there are:
Due to the vast number of all these different types of tissues, a range of conditions can occur. The increase sensitivity and daily function of our hands means these conditions can take some time to recover.
Physiotherapy can help accurately diagnose the injury and provide a detailed treatment plan to improve function and speed up your recovery.
This type of pathology is due to inflammation or degeneration of tissue that connect muscle to bone. Occurring gradually over time, tendinopathies are usually down to overuse of the wrist or thumb tendons during an activity or manual task. Symptoms will present with a dull achy sensation then a sharp pain when aggravated with a task. The location can be specific to the inside / outside of the wrist of base of the thumb. Rest alone will not help this pathology, it’s essential to get a graded exercise programme to build muscle strength and help restore the tendon’s loading capabilities.
This is the build up of bone deposits and spurs which reduces joint space and causes degeneration to the tissue, either over time (Osteo) or because of an autoimmune disease (Rheumatoid). Symptoms can present with swelling, redness, stiffness and reduce range of movement. The location can be to any of the joints in the hand and in extreme cases will cause joint deformity. Regaining movement with physiotherapy is essential during the treatment for this condition, dietary changes or supplements have also been shown to help.
During a fall, the wrist is a common site at risk to injury and in worse case scenarios fracture. After a period of immobilisation in a cast to allow the broken bones to heal, the wrist will have reduced range of movement and increased stiffness. Physiotherapy helps get soft tissues moving again, builds muscle strength and improves the load tolerance of the bones to allow you to get back to your previous activities and daily routine.
This is an area in the wrist, on the palm side, where a number of tendons and the median nerve passes through to the fingers. These tissues are supported with ligaments and bones, making a tunnel formation. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome describes when the median nerve in this tunnel is being compressed by the surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms will present with numbness or tingling usually in the thumb, first and middle fingers. Pain and weakness with any gripping tasks and the sensation of swelling in the fingers. Activity modification and wrist supports can be helpful initially to ease pain, then an exercise programme can be prescribed to help restore the soft tissues and take the compression of the median nerve.
Our Physiotherapists and Rehab Specialists work together to diagnose and prepare your treatment plan. This will consist of education and advice on symptom management, as well as manual therapy and a specific home exercise programme.
Sports Massage is an amazing tool that can be used alongside or instead of Physiotherapy to help restore range of movement and mobility. It is helpful to soothe and manage flare ups causing the soft tissue restrictions to relax and release tension.
For wrist and hand pain, we would recommend booking in with one of our Physiotherapists to get a full assessment and diagnosis. Many patients also find that Sports Massage helps with the pain.
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Whether it’s pain caused by injury, tight/sprained muscles or recovery from surgery, we can get you back to full health.
