Osteopathy for wrist & hand pain
Wrist and hand pain is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Studies indicate that approximately 10% of adults experience hand or wrist pain at some point, often related to repetitive motions or underlying medical conditions.
Research has found that wrist pain is higher prevalent in groups that partake in physically demanding activity day to day including labourers and sportspeople whilst being less prevalent in the general population and non manual workers. The median prevalence of wrist pain in the general population was 4.2% within the last year (Ferguson et al., 2019).
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Common causes of wrist & hand pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leads to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist or hand, often due to repetitive use, can cause pain and discomfort.
Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the wrist and fingers.
Wrist Sprains: Injuries from falls or overexertion can result in ligament sprains, leading to pain and swelling.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist causes pain when gripping or pinching.
Fractures: Bone fractures in the wrist or hand can occur due to falls or trauma, resulting in acute pain and swelling.
Common symptoms for wrist & hand pain
Individuals experiencing wrist and hand pain may notice a variety of symptoms, including:
Persistent pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
Limited range of motion or stiffness
Numbness or tingling sensations in the fingers
Difficulty gripping or holding objects
A clicking or popping sensation during movement
3 Osteopathic tips for wrist & hand pain
In patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, splinting may be used to reduce your symptoms and pains.
Your wrist is strongly influenced by what happens up the chain, so it is important that your elbow, shoulder and spine are moving efficiently to reduce the strain on the wrist.
For patients with osteoarthritis of the hands, joint protection and home hand exercises were shown to be effective in increasing grip strength and overall hand function (Stamm et al., 2002).
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating wrist and hand pain by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. Treatment may include:
Manual Therapy: Osteopathic techniques help relieve tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance circulation in the wrist and hand.
Exercise Rehabilitation: Customized exercise programs focus on strengthening the muscles that support the wrist and hand, improving flexibility, and promoting healing.
Postural Assessment: Evaluating your posture and movement patterns helps identify contributing factors to wrist and hand pain, guiding targeted interventions.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Osteopaths provide recommendations on proper ergonomics, activity modifications, and preventive strategies to minimize strain on the wrist and hand.
If you are experiencing wrist or hand pain, our clinic is dedicated to helping you find relief. Our experienced osteopaths will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at alleviating pain and restoring function. Don’t let wrist and hand pain hinder your daily activities— Book in online to schedule an appointment!