Physical Therapy for Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain

At Bull Dawg Athletic Training and Physical Therapy, we know that elbow, wrist, or hand pain can make even the simplest daily tasks a challenge and prevent you from participating in sports or completing necessary work assignments. Elbow, wrist, and hand pain can be caused by many factors and affect everyone regardless of age or lifestyle.

See below for how physical therapy can help relieve elbow, wrist, and hand pain. 

Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis and Medial epicondylitis are prevalent elbow injuries. Often referred to as tennis and golfer’s elbow, these injuries occur due to overuse, improper technique, or even trauma. The use of various modalities and even effective in treating these problems. Other injuries, including fractures and contusions, must be dealt with to control pain and swelling and increase function.

Wrist

Various injuries such as fractures, tendonitis, and overuse syndromes are commonplace regarding the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is effectively treated both pre- and post-surgically with physical therapy. CTS is a compression of the median nerve, other tendons, arteries, and veins that travel through an area called the carpal tunnel. The difficulty arises when the pressure in this ‘tunnel’ is increased due to swelling, overuse, or trauma. Surgically, the thick band of tissue forming the roof of the tunnel (called the flexor retinaculum) is cut, thus releasing the pressure in the ‘tunnel.’

Hand

The hand is a complex, intricate area that can be difficult to manage properly. Here, injuries such as tendonitis, arthritis, and post-surgical cases can be effectively treated with physical therapy. Hands that have been exposed to severe trauma often make up the majority of the most difficult cases. Due to the proximity of various structures, such as tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, hand rehabilitation can be challenging but rewarding. The hand is very mobile and is capable of many movements. Proper rehabilitation focuses on function and the balance of edema and pain control.