For those who have experienced pain in their hands and wrists, the impact is quite significant. It makes it difficult to do things that we do on a regular basis, such as type while sitting at our desks, cook, garden, and even hold our cups of coffee. Fortunately, there is always a way to deal with the pain and recover full functioning with the help of physiotherapy.
Understanding Hand & Wrist Problems
Hands and wrists consist of many components, such as bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves that interact with each other to provide us with proper movements and strength. As a result of the injury or excessive strain of any part of your hand or wrist, it becomes difficult to do everyday activities. However, hand and wrist pain doesn’t have to be permanent; there is usually a solution to it.
Common Causes of Hand & Wrist Pain
There are different causes of wrist and hand pains. Overwork, accidents during sport activity, falls, and overuse are some of the common causes. Improper body positioning, especially during work at the table for a long period of time, is one of the main factors that may cause wrist pain.
Conditions Treated Through Hand & Wrist Therapy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve in your wrist and results in numbness and tingling in your hand.
Wrist Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons which are responsible for the movement of your wrist joint. Repeated use and overuse may cause it.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is the swelling of the tendons in your wrist on the side of your thumb.
Wrist Sprain and Strain is caused due to injury to the ligaments and muscles due to a quick movement.
Arthritis causes stiffness in the joints of your hands and wrist due to its effect on them.
Repetitive Strain Injury is caused gradually due to repeated stress on the same parts.
Post Fracture Rehabilitation is the process of healing a broken wrist.
Recognizing Hand & Wrist Symptoms
The most common indications that a person needs hand physiotherapy are pain, swelling, increased stiffness especially in the morning, decreased grip strength, and inability to do fine motor activities, such as typing on the computer. Clicking sounds can be heard when moving.
How Physiotherapy Helps With Hand & Wrist Conditions
The physiotherapist evaluates your unique situation by conducting an assessment and developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The physiotherapist does not take a cookie-cutter approach but takes into account your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals to develop a treatment plan.
Hand & Wrist Therapy Treatment Techniques
The following are some of the treatment methods used by your physiotherapist which include manual treatment that enhances joint movement, exercises that are customized according to your needs, modalities such as ultrasound and ice treatment, education on ergonomics to avoid any further complications, and activity modifications.
Exercises to Improve Hand & Wrist Mobility and Strength
After your therapist gives approval, certain exercises are included in your regimen. Range of motion exercises are done to bring back flexibility while strengthening exercises help recover muscle coordination. Stretching is done to relieve tight muscles from injuries and overuse. Your therapist will teach you what type of exercise would be best for your situation.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
In cases where one experiences hand or wrist pain for several days, affecting his or her work or favorite activities, then medical attention should be sought for the same. Early medical treatment will promote a quick healing process.
Improving Hand & Wrist Function Through Physiotherapy
Having pain in your hands or wrists doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself. Physiotherapy is the practice of using scientifically proven techniques that will help you with your problem and make you free from pain. Working with a physiotherapist means that you are investing not only in yourself today but in healthy hands and wrists tomorrow. Are you having pain in your hands or wrists? Consult us about it.