Symptom Navigator: Hand & Wrist

If you are experiencing gamekeepers thumb, contact our Cranford physical therapy office as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the most common form of disability in the United States. It affects approximately 53 million Americans. There are many different forms of arthritis, but it is typically caused by repetitive motions or an injury that impacts the cartilage within the joints of the elbow, wrist, or hand.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Dequervains tendinitis, or if you have persistent pain in your wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact our ProTouch Physical Therapy as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by ulnar neuropathy, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact our Cranford physical therapy office as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by dislocation of your finger, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact ProTouch Physical Therapy as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by trigger finger, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact our Cranford physical therapy office as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by a finger sprain, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact ProTouch Physical Therapy as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by Erbs Palsy, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact our Cranford physical therapy office as soon as possible, in order to set up an evaluation.

Common surgeries in the elbow, wrist and hand involve repair of the vast amount of tendons and ligaments in these areas. Depending on the type and extent of your surgery, your physician will recommend physical therapy to help you recover completely from your surgical procedure. 

The fingers, hand and wrist are very tightly packed with tendons, ligaments and intricate structures. This means that swelling is very common in these areas after surgery and can become quite stiff leading to loss of range of motion, gripping, dexterity and normal functioning of the fingers, hand, wrist or elbow.

How physical therapy helps

We work closely with your physician and their protocol to ensure a complete recovery from your surgical procedure. Our gentle and specialized hands-on therapy manages the swelling in your fingers, hand, wrist or elbow. The better this swelling is controlled, the faster your recovery can be. Per your surgical rehab protocol, we will progress your range of motion and eventually begin strengthening of the affected areas.

Our goal is to make sure you have a complete recovery with good use of your fingers, hand, wrist or elbow for everyday tasks. For more details on our post-surgical rehab program, call us today!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common condition and is becoming more frequent. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel in the wrist where major arteries and nerves pass from the forearm into the wrist. One of the primary nerves that pass through this area is called the median nerve. When the ligaments around the carpal tunnel become tight, pressure is applied to the median nerve causing tingling, pain and even loss of sensation to the thumb and first two fingers of the hand.

One of the primary causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is poor posture and repetitive activities such as typing at a computer in the wrong position for many hours a day. The direct pressure on the wrist from the desk along with the repetitive movement of the fingers can lead to a tightening of the carpal tunnel ligaments.

Those at risk of developing carpal tunnel often have neck or shoulder problems on that side that lead to altered posture and movement of the arm. Since the median nerve exits from the neck and passes through the shoulder all the way down to your fingers, carpal tunnel is affected by the flexibility of the nerve higher up.

How physical therapy helps

Physical therapy is one of the first lines of defense in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. It is non-invasive and effective in eliminating symptoms and stopping them from returning.

Our physical therapy treatments focus on improving the mobility of the wrist and spacing of the carpal tunnel so the pressure is relieved on the median nerve. Hands on treatments mobilize tight joints and stretch tight ligaments. Ultrasound and other modalities can reduce deep swelling relieving pressure on the nerve. Finally, strengthening and range of motion exercises can support the wrist and maintain good posture, helping the normal function of the median nerve.

We also focus on long-term results by training you on specific exercises to perform at home and work. Additionally, we train you on proper postural technique to prevent future reoccurrences. Call us today to discover how we can effectively treat your carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are many nerves traveling along the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. With injuries to the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, nerve damage can result. Symptoms may be mild such as mild numbness, tingling or abnormal temperature feelings. In severe cases, muscle function and paralysis can occur. 

Many nerve injuries occur because of overuse and chronic swelling. This doesn't allow proper circulation to flow to the nerves, affecting their functioning. Poor posture while doing common activities generally causes overuse injuries and chronic swelling. If you have significant nerve sensations into your arm, wrist or hand, it is important to follow up with us and your physician. 

How physical therapy helps

Physical therapy is very important to the healing aspect of nerve injuries. Whether mild from a small injury or severe after surgery, our experts work with you and your physician to facilitate your recovery.

The emphasis of physical therapy is on removing pressure from around the nerve by restoring normal tissue movement, joint movement and range of motion. Our hands-on therapy serves to soothe and improve circulation, while stimulating nerves to restore normal function. Call us today to discover how we help relieve your nerve pain and restore normal function.

Elbow pain can come from a variety of sources, but typically occurs due to an overuse of the elbow joint from repetitive activities. Often bad posture with typing, writing, lifting or sports, makes the tissues around the elbow become irritated. 

The elbow actually has quite a few different joints that move in very unique ways. The same bones (radius and ulna) that make up the elbow also form the wrist and play a key role in the movements of the hands. Most of the muscles that make your wrist and fingers move are actually located in the forearm. 

Poor posture, repetitive activities such as typing, gripping and twisting can cause tightening in the muscles and tissues of the forearm. This can affect the mobility of the elbow, wrist and even hands. This can lead to chronic inflammation and irritation to these areas. 

How physical therapy helps

Physical therapy helps to relieve elbow pain, wrist pain and hand pain by examining the mechanics of your joints and muscles. By identifying where you are having limitations, analyzing your daily activities and strength of certain muscle groups, the root cause of your pain can be discovered.

A comprehensive plan is then built to improve your range of motion, reduce your pain quickly, soothe stiff and sore muscles and return your strength. In addition, we work with you to educate you on techniques and exercises to prevent future injury or possibly adapt your work environment. Call us today to discover how we can help relieve your elbow pain, wrist pain or hand pain. 

Fractures in the wrist and forearm area are common with falls, as the tendency is to protect oneself during the fall. Common fractures occur in the bones of the forearm near the wrist called the radius and ulna. Two common fractures are called Colles’ fracture and Smith’s fracture. Colles’ fractures typically occur from falls onto an outstretched hand and Smith’s fractures occur from falling backward onto an outstretched hand.

Another common fracture of the wrist and hand is the Scaphoid fracture, which is a small bone in the hand. The scaphoid bone connects with the radius bone of the forearm. Scaphoid fractures are more difficult to heal due to poor circulation to the bone itself.

Fractures are managed medically and depending on the type of fracture and severity you may be placed into a cast or surgically repaired with pins, plates or screws.

How physical therapy helps

During the healing phase typically in a cast or after surgery, the fingers, wrist and elbow become very stiff, range of motion and strength are lost. Physical therapy is very important in the rehabilitative process to help you regain normal range of motion, reduce swelling, resolve pain and regain function of your hand and wrist.

Physical therapy is gentle and will help you quickly resolve your pain while working with your doctor to follow protocol and restore your function. With physical therapy, you can make a complete recovery quickly and safely. Call us today to learn more how we can help you fully recover after a fracture.