The wrist is a small but powerful joint that plays a vital role in everyday tasks — from lifting a bag and typing on your phone to performing in sports or playing a musical instrument. When the wrist is injured or strained, even simple activities like holding a cup or writing can become painful and difficult.
What is the Wrist?
The wrist is where the forearm bones (radius and ulna) meet the carpal bones of the hand. It is a highly mobile and complex joint made up of eight small bones, multiple ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The wrist allows for flexion, extension, side-to-side movement, and rotation — making it essential for fine motor skills and grip strength.
Common Wrist Injuries & Conditions We Treat
Our physiotherapists commonly treat the following wrist injuries and disorders:
Overuse & Repetitive Strain Conditions:
- Wrist tendonitis (e.g., De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Texting thumb and keyboard-related wrist stress
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) of the wrist
- Acute or Traumatic Wrist Injuries:
- Wrist sprains and ligament tears
- Wrist fractures (e.g., distal radius fracture, scaphoid fracture)
- Dislocated wrist
- Impact injuries during falls or sports
Post-Surgical Conditions:
- Wrist stiffness and weakness after surgery
- Rehabilitation following wrist fracture fixation or carpal tunnel release
Other Conditions:
- Ganglion cysts around the wrist
- Arthritis in the wrist (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Ulnar impaction syndrome
- Nerve entrapments affecting wrist sensation or mobility
- Referred pain to the wrist from the neck or shoulder
How We Assess Your Wrist
An accurate diagnosis of your wrist issue is essential. During your session, our physiotherapists will perform:
- A detailed history to understand the origin of your wrist pain
- Hands-on palpation to identify joint and soft tissue issues
- Joint mobility testing and range of motion analysis
- Strength and nerve assessments specific to the wrist
- Functional evaluation based on your lifestyle and activities
This assessment guides us in creating a customised treatment plan focused entirely on restoring your wrist health.
Wrist Physiotherapy Treatments We Offer
We apply evidence-based and hands-on techniques to treat wrist conditions, including:
- Manual therapy: Mobilisation techniques to reduce wrist stiffness and improve joint mechanics
- Soft tissue release: Relieves muscle tension and tendon strain in the wrist and forearm
- Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening and flexibility routines for wrist muscles and tendons
- Nerve gliding exercises: Especially helpful in carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve entrapment
- Electrotherapy: Used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in the wrist
- Bracing or splinting: To offload the wrist joint during healing
- Ergonomic advice: Tailored recommendations for desk workers, athletes, and musicians to reduce wrist overload
- Post-operative rehab: Progressive protocols to restore full wrist function safely
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Wrist Pain?
You should consider wrist physiotherapy if:
- Pain persists beyond a few days or keeps recurring
- There is swelling, numbness, or tingling in the wrist
- You feel weakness or reduced grip strength
- Everyday activities like holding, typing, or turning your wrist are affected
- You’ve had surgery or a recent wrist injury
Why Early Intervention Matters
Ignoring wrist pain or relying solely on rest can delay recovery and lead to long-term dysfunction. Starting physiotherapy early gives your wrist the best chance to heal, regain full strength, and avoid future flare-ups.
Tailored Recovery for Athletes and Active Individuals
Whether you’re a tennis player, a weightlifter, a climber, or an office worker dealing with overuse, our approach to wrist rehab is designed to match your specific needs. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your wrist regains its stability and performance for both daily and sport-specific tasks.
Let’s Get Your Wrist Back to Full Strength
Don’t let wrist pain limit your mobility or disrupt your lifestyle. With a dedicated treatment plan and expert care, you can regain full control of your wrist function. At Ace Physio, we’re here to help you move, grip, and lift pain-free again — one wrist at a time.
FAQs
Yes, a physiotherapist can diagnose the cause of wrist pain, treat it through manual therapy and exercises, and help restore full wrist function and mobility.
An orthopaedic doctor specialising in the hand and upper limb is best for diagnosing structural wrist issues, while a physiotherapist is ideal for rehabilitation and non-invasive treatment.
The number of sessions varies by condition, but most people require 5 to 10 sessions; chronic or post-surgical cases may need longer-term care.