The wrist, hand and finger are made up of many small complex joints that all serve to allow us to grip, write & manipulate our hands. Injuries and pain to the wrist, hand and finger have a serious impact on ones day to day life. Injury can occur to any one of the numerous bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and/or tendons in the area.

Common injuries and causes of pain include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Dequervains synovitis

• TFCC (Triangular fibrocartilage complex) tear

• Ligament tears

• Nerve injuries

• Osteoarthritis.

How physiotherapy helps:

• Thorough assessment of subjective and objective information to determine a diagnosis which will guide treatment

• Joint manipulations to facilitate for healing and proper function of the many joints in this area

• Prescribing exercise programs targeting the injured structures such as muscle strengthening, joint range of movement, nerve gliding and ligament loading exercises

• Manual muscle release including soft tissue massage and dry needling

• Thermal therapies to promote healing and pain relief

• Splinting/bracing to limit movement into painful ranges

Things to get started:

• Heat/cold packs over the affected area or 20 minutes at a time

• Slow and gentle movement of the wrist, hand and fingers in pain-free ranges

• Gentle massage of painful/tight areas

• Avoid movements/tasks that aggravate the pain