Hand & Wrist Pain

At ThreeSpires Physiotherapy our physiotherapists have a large amount of expertise in treating wrist and hand pain. Together the wrist and hand make up an incredibly mobile and complex system that allows us to reach, touch, feel and do activities that require incredible dexterity such as playing the piano. Injuries to the wrist or hand can be extremely painful as the hand and fingers have a large representation in our brain and have a large number of pain receptors. We provide a home visit physiotherapy service to help people with hand and wrist pain. We are based in Lichifeld and our home visit physiotherapy service operates in surrounding areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Cannock and Walsall. 

To arrange an appointment about your hand or wrist call us on 0788 428 1623, email us at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk or alternatively use the contact form

How can ThreeSpires Physiotherapy help me with my hand or wrist?

A physio will come to your home at a time and day of your choosing – avoiding the need to take time off work, attempt to finsh early or struggle out of the house if your pain is extremely severe.

A full subjective assessment (discussion with your physio) will be conducted of your lifestyle, past medical history, symptoms, aggravating factors, nature of the condition and any predisposing factors in order to gain a full picture of your hand or wrist pain and the likely causes.

A comprehensive physical examination of your strength and range of movement at the fingers, thumb, wrist and elbow and bio-mechanics will then take place. This will enable us to identify and diagnose the underlying cause of your hand or wrist problem and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate your pain and assist you in returning to full fitness.

Treatment options during the session may include, joint mobilisation, deep tissue massage,  stretching, trigger point release, myofascial release techniques, soft tissue release, proprioceptive neuro-muscular facilitation. The appropriate combination of treatment options will be chosen by your therapist and tailored to provide maximum relief for your hand or wrist pain.

Self management is a key part of recovering from any hand or wrist injury and your physio will provide you with an individualised rehabilitation program that is tailored to meet your requirements and goals. Elements included in this program will be: a graded strengthening and exercise program, stretching exercises and self-massage techniques aimed at stopping your hand or wrist pain reoccurring.

What causes hand/wrist pain?

Due to the complexity of the structures inolved there are many potential causes of hand/wrist pain. Some of the more common causes are described below:

Repetitive Strain Injury – (RSI) is a generic term that is used to describe any injury that is caused by repetitive movements of any part of the body but most commonly the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. Many jobs require extremely large amounts of repetition of the same movement such as moving and clicking a mouse and as such there is a high incidence of RSI in these types of professions. Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons), bursitis (inflammation the bursae – fluid filled sacs) and nerve irritation are often responsible for some of the pain associated with RSI. Symptoms of RSI can be pain – worsened by movement, swelling and redness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel (located in the wrist). A large number of wrist and finger flexor tendons pass through this very small area and can sometimes push onto the median nerve. This can cause pain, numbness and weakness of the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger. It is often linked with repetive strain injuries (RSI) from actions such as repeatedly using a mouse. The symptoms commonly start gradually, with burning, tingling and possibly numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some people find their grip strength is reduced making it difficult to form a fist, hold small objects, or perform other manual tasks.

De Quervain’s Syndrome – also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of two tendons on the outside/back of the thumb that control its movement. Pain is often felt when turning the wrist, grasping objects or making a fist. Pain is often sharp and on the outside of the thumb. Its exact causes are still unknown but activities that necessate repetitive hand or wrist movement such as working in the garden, playing music and knitting can aggravate the condition.

Osteoarthritis – often called “wear and tear” of a joint is common in the area of the wrist and hand. The wrist and hand region is suceptible due to the large forces placed on them daily. Osteoarthritis causes damage to the cartilage in the joints, pain, stiffness and reduced range of movement. It is often worse in the morning and worsens with too much activity and not enough movement. It is most common at the base of the thumb.

Trigger Finger – can also affect the thumb with trigger thumb. It occurs when a tendon in either the thumb or finger swells and gets caught when the finger or thumb is bent towards the palm. It feels like the finger or thumb locks and sometimes clicks. There is no known specific cause but it is more common in women and in those with a previous finger or thumb injury.

Dupuytren’s Contracture – is shortening of the tissues of the fingers causing the fingers to bend towards the palm and restricting their ability to open and extend. Causes of Dupuytren’s are unclear but genetics and a family history of Dupytren’s are predisposing factors. Common symptoms are nodules in the palm of the hand, that may be tender and slowly thicken. Eventually it becomes difficult to open your fingers and they may become fixed into a fist.

So if you are suffering from hand or wrist pain, want to speed up your recovery and would like home visit physiotherapy, then get in touch to arrange an appointment. We provide physiotherapy at home in Lichfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Cannock.

To arrange an appointment about your hand or wrist call us on 0788 428 1623, email us at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk or alternatively use the contact form