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WRIST & HAND
Wrist and Hand Pain Physiotherapy in Richmond
See below for the Richmond Physiotherapist guide to Wrist and Hand Pain
Wrist and Hand Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Wrist and hand pain are common conditions that can affect daily activities such as typing, lifting, gripping, and sports. Pain in this area often develops due to repetitive strain, overuse, or irritation of the muscles, tendons, and nerves in the wrist and hand.
Many people experience wrist or hand discomfort from work-related activities, gym training, or prolonged computer use. Without proper treatment, symptoms may worsen and begin to interfere with everyday function.
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring strength in the wrist and hand.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for wrist and hand pain in Richmond to help patients return to normal activities comfortably.
Wrist and hand pain may be related to specific conditions that can be treated with physiotherapy.
These include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb pain or “mother’s wrist”)
- Trigger finger
- Tendonitis
- Repetitive strain injuries
Each of these conditions may require a slightly different treatment approach.
What Causes Wrist and Hand Pain?
Wrist and hand pain can develop from a variety of conditions affecting the joints, tendons, and nerves.
Common causes include:
• tendonitis or tendon irritation
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• wrist sprains
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb pain)
• trigger finger
• overuse from typing or mouse use
• weight training or gripping activities
These conditions may develop gradually and worsen with continued use.
Symptoms of Wrist and Hand Pain
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition.
Common symptoms include:
• pain in the wrist or hand
• discomfort when gripping or lifting
• stiffness or reduced mobility
• numbness or tingling in the fingers
• weakness in the hand or wrist
• pain during typing or repetitive movements
• thumb pain with lifting or pinching
If symptoms persist, physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
How Physiotherapy Helps Wrist and Hand Pain
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on improving movement, reducing strain, and restoring strength in the affected area.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• wrist and hand mobility
• forearm muscle strength
• nerve involvement (for numbness or tingling)
• grip mechanics
• movement patterns during daily activities
• contributing factors from the elbow or shoulder
Understanding these factors helps guide an effective treatment plan.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Wrist and Hand Pain
Treatment may include several physiotherapy techniques depending on the condition.
Common treatments include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises designed to strengthen the wrist and hand and improve function.
Dry Needling / IMS
Helps release muscle tension in the forearm and surrounding muscles.
Shockwave Therapy
May be used for chronic tendon irritation.
Movement Education
Advice on workstation setup, grip technique, and activity modification.
These treatments help reduce pain and restore normal function.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• wrist or hand pain persists for several weeks
• gripping or lifting becomes painful
• numbness or tingling develops
• weakness affects daily activities
• symptoms interfere with work or exercise
Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.
Looking For More Physiotherapy Treatment Options?
Explore the full list of physiotherapy conditions we treat and the physiotherapy servicesavailable in Richmond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear a wrist brace?
Short term, yes, especially at night or during aggravating work. But don’t live in it. Long term bracing weakens the wrist because the muscles stop doing their job. We use it as a bridge while we build strength, then wean off it.
Is my wrist pain from typing?
Possibly. Hours of keyboard and mouse work with poor wrist position overloads the tendons. But typing alone rarely causes wrist pain without other factors like grip strength deficits or a recent increase in load. Ergonomics matter but they’re not the whole answer.
Do I need an X-ray for wrist pain?
If there was a trauma like a fall on an outstretched hand, yes, to rule out a fracture. For gradual onset pain with no injury, imaging usually doesn’t change the plan. We assess movement, strength, and specific structures first.
When should I worry that wrist pain is arthritis?
Morning stiffness lasting more than thirty minutes, swelling in multiple finger joints, and pain that doesn’t warm up with movement point toward inflammatory arthritis rather than mechanical pain. That’s a rheumatology conversation. Mechanical wrist pain usually eases as you move.
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