Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Referred Pain
What is referred pain in the hand?
Referred pain in the hand occurs when pain originates from another part of the body but is felt in the hand. This type of pain is often linked to issues in the neck, shoulder, or upper back. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for managing referred pain by addressing the underlying source and relieving symptoms in the hand.
What can cause referred pain in the hand?
There are several possible causes of referred pain in the hand. The nerves that supply sensation and movement to the hand originate from the cervical and upper thoracic spine. If these nerves become irritated, compressed, or damaged—such as by a herniated disc, spinal degeneration, or poor posture—pain may be referred to the hand, even though the problem lies elsewhere in the body.
What are the symptoms of referred pain in the hand?
You may experience symptoms such as numbness or pins and needles in the hand, which can worsen with certain activities. Muscle weakness in the hand may also develop due to damage to the motor nerves that normally supply these muscles. Some individuals report a burning sensation or pain in the affected area. Other possible symptoms include:
- Loss of coordination or dexterity
- Decreased grip strength
- A feeling of heaviness in the arm or hand
- Increased discomfort at night or with prolonged positioning
What should I do if I have referred pain in my hand?
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. They will assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis, which may involve nerve conduction tests to determine the extent and location of nerve damage. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. However, for milder cases, physiotherapy is often an effective treatment to reduce pain, improve function, and manage other symptoms.
Physiotherapy for referred pain in the hand.
Physiotherapy treatment may involve the use of specialist equipment and techniques to support nerve recovery and reduce symptoms. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) may be used to stimulate damaged nerve endings, while other nerve stimulation techniques can assist in promoting nerve regeneration. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can be effective in managing pain, and postural advice may be provided to reduce strain on the affected nerves. Manual mobilisations of the cervical and thoracic spine may also be performed to alleviate referred pain. Other physiotherapy treatments may include:
- Postural Realignment
- Soft Tissue Treatment
- Manipulation / Mobilisation
- Ergonomic Assessment
What shouldn’t I do if I have referred pain in my hand?
You should not ignore your symptoms if you are experiencing referred pain in the hand. Delaying specialist assessment and treatment can prolong your recovery and make it harder to return to your usual activities. Avoid attempting to treat the condition yourself or relying on general advice found online, as this information is unlikely to be tailored to your specific needs and may delay appropriate care.
Can referred pain in the hand have any long-term effects?
If your symptoms persist, surgery may be necessary to relieve the nerve compression. Following surgery, physiotherapy is highly recommended to prevent long-term complications and reduce the risk of symptoms returning in the future.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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