Repetitive Strain Wrist Treatment
Understanding Repetitive Strain Wrist Injury
Repetitive strain wrist injury can be caused by a sudden sprain or fracture, or conditions that have been accumulated over some time. It is a form of repetitive strain injury caused by a build-up of stress on a tissue due to repetitive movement. Repetitive strain wrist injuries can be inflicted by poor workplace setups, sports activities, forceful gripping, and holding the wrist in a prolonged static position. Factors such as arthritis and age also contribute to the weakening of the wrist. Pain is created when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, is pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Besides feeling pain in your wrist, there are other telltale signs of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Numbness, itching, tingling in the hand and/or the fingers which can sometimes travel up the arm.
- Alternatively, you may experience a shock-like feeling, coming and going in your thumb and fingers.
- Some people also experience weakness.
Our Treatment Services
Ranging from physiotherapy to massage therapy, various treatments can help you relieve wrist pain.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Both therapists carry out a thorough assessment to understand the extent of your repetitive strain wrist injury, identifying specific muscles, tendons and movement patterns that may be causing the strain. Finding out the root cause is important in developing a targeted treatment plan.
- Manual Therapy: Massage therapists focus on deep tissue and myofascial release techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing in strained wrist tissues.
- Stretching and Mobilisation: Physiotherapists often include gentle joint mobilisation and specific stretches to increase flexibility in the wrist, hand, and forearm muscles, reducing stiffness and promoting range of motion.
- Strengthening Exercises: Physiotherapists guide patients through wrist and forearm strengthening exercises to build resilience, targeting muscles that support wrist stability and reduce the risk of repetitive strain.
- Ergonomic Education: Both types of therapists educate patients on proper ergonomics, teaching how to set up workstations and adjust movements to avoid unnecessary wrist strain during daily activities.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Physiotherapists may incorporate neuromuscular re-education to help patients develop better movement patterns, minimising strain on the wrists during repetitive tasks.
- Soft Tissue Massage: Massage therapists use soft tissue techniques to alleviate pain and break down adhesions, which can form from repetitive stress, improving blood flow to the affected area.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Physiotherapists might apply heat to relax muscles and increase blood flow or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and numb pain in the affected wrist.
- Kinesiology Taping: Physiotherapists sometimes use kinesiology tape to support wrist muscles, reducing stress on tendons during movement and aid recovery.
- Education on Activity Modification: Both therapists provide advice on modifying activities, such as taking breaks, using wrist supports if needed, and avoiding excessive repetitive movements that contribute to the injury.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re experiencing discomfort around your wrists, our experienced therapists are here to help.
Don’t ignore wrist pain or discomfort – let our therapists at one of our True Physio’s clinics help you using our repetitive strain wrist treatment services. Book your appointment online to schedule a consultation.
