What is Hand and Wrist Pain?
Hand and wrist pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that can affect people of all ages. It may develop suddenly following an injury, such as a fall or sporting accident, or gradually due to repetitive activities, overuse or underlying medical conditions.
The hand and wrist are made up of 27 bones, multiple joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves that work together to provide strength, dexterity and precision. Pain or stiffness in any of these structures can make everyday tasks such as writing, typing, lifting, gripping, driving or opening jars difficult.
Most hand and wrist conditions respond well to physiotherapy, helping to reduce pain, restore movement and improve hand function.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At Greenacre Physio, we provide a detailed assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms before developing a personalised rehabilitation programme tailored to your lifestyle, work and hobbies.
Treatment may include:
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Individualised exercise programmes
- Mobility and stretching exercises
- Tendon loading programmes
- Strengthening exercises for the hand, wrist and forearm
- Grip strengthening
- Advice on activity modification
- Ergonomic assessment for work and hobbies
- Return to work and sport rehabilitation
- Long-term injury prevention strategies
Our goal is to reduce pain, improve movement and restore the strength and function needed for everyday activities.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
At Greenacre Physio, we understand how frustrating hand and wrist pain can be. Even simple daily activities such as using a computer, lifting shopping, cooking or participating in sport can become painful.
Our clinicians provide evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation, focusing on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply treating the pain. Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to your individual goals, helping you recover safely while reducing the risk of future problems.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, with home visits and virtual consultations also available where appropriate.
What to Expect
During your first appointment, we'll discuss your symptoms, occupation, hobbies and any activities that aggravate your pain. We'll assess your wrist and hand movement, grip strength, flexibility, joint mobility and functional tasks.
Where appropriate, we may also assess your elbow, shoulder and neck, as these areas can sometimes contribute to hand and wrist symptoms.
Following your assessment, we'll explain our findings in straightforward language and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. You'll receive practical advice and exercises from your first appointment, with treatment progressing as your symptoms improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hand and wrist pain?
Hand and wrist pain can result from tendon injuries, ligament sprains, arthritis, repetitive strain, fractures, nerve irritation or overuse. A thorough assessment helps identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Can physiotherapy help repetitive strain injuries?
Yes. Physiotherapy can be highly effective for repetitive strain injuries by improving strength, flexibility, movement patterns and workplace ergonomics while reducing the load on irritated tissues.
Do I need a scan?
Not usually. Many hand and wrist conditions can be diagnosed through a clinical assessment and improve with physiotherapy. If we believe further investigations such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scan are needed, we'll advise you accordingly.
Can I continue working or exercising?
In many cases, yes. We'll advise you on how to modify activities where necessary while helping you maintain as much function and activity as possible during your recovery.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, consultants, insurers, employers and case managers.
Book an Appointment
If hand or wrist pain is affecting your work, hobbies, sport or everyday activities, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Together, we'll identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you recover and regain confidence in using your hand and wrist.
Common Hand and Wrist Problems We Treat
- Wrist sprains
- Tendon injuries
- Wrist tendinopathy
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Thumb pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Ligament injuries
- Post-fracture rehabilitation
- Post-operative hand and wrist rehabilitation
- Sporting hand and wrist injuries
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Hand and Wrist Pain?
Healthy hand and wrist function is essential for almost every daily activity, from typing and driving to lifting, exercising and playing sport. At Greenacre Physio, we provide detailed assessments to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme based on the latest evidence.
Our clinicians have experience treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, from acute injuries and repetitive strain problems to persistent pain and post-operative rehabilitation. Whether you're recovering from a wrist sprain, tendon injury, carpal tunnel syndrome or thumb pain, we'll work with you to reduce pain, restore movement and strength, and help you return to the activities that matter most.