See physical therapy specialists for hand and wrist injuries.

Wrists and hands are invaluable tools that help humans perform countless tasks every day. When these parts of the body are healthy and working properly, among other things, they allow us to eat, drink, drive, play sports and enjoy various hobbies. When an individual is not able to use their hands or wrists properly due to some type of injury, it can be very difficult to perform even basic routine tasks. Fortunately, there are specific treatments available to physical therapy specialists to help address issues such as pain, numbness, swelling, weakness, and issues with flexibility, dexterity and coordination in these extremities. Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine discusses some of the common reasons why individuals might experience issues with their hands and/or wrists, and the overall goals of physical therapy treatments to resolve the various issues.

 

Hand and Wrist Injuries

One of the more common injuries people experience is carpel tunnel syndrome.  This generally occurs from nerve compression in the wrist area.  Repetitive activities like texting, using a keyboard, and any other activities that require excessive use of the hands and/or wrists can lead to this syndrome.  

Other common hand and wrist injuries occur from some type of accident, perhaps vehicular or industrial in nature. Arthritis may also occur in the wrists, hands or fingers, making them stiff and inflexible.  

In some cases, nerve compression occurred in another part of the body such as the cervical, brachial plexus (collarbone area), or elbow area which could potentially lead to nerve damage in the hand.

 

Physical Therapy Goals

If your physician prescribed physical therapy treatment for a hand or wrist issue, physical therapy specialists have goals for you that might include treatments to reduce pain and swelling, exercises to increase flexibility, dexterity and coordination, strengthening exercises to combat weakness, and manual manipulation techniques designed to ultimately reduce pain and numbness. Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine has a team of in-house physical therapists who work with your physician to ensure you get the treatment you need.  If you need more information about physical therapy treatments for hand and wrist issues, please contact us.