What job doesn’t require the use of your hands? Did you know several of your wrist and finger muscles start at your elbow? The entire lower arm complex is essential to everyday function, making the pain in this region potentially more noticeable than other body regions. We can help get it better!
Schedule an appointmentArm pain can be a very mild experience or an extremely painful one. Arm pain is often caused by an injury to the skin, muscles, joints, or bones in the arm. Arm injuries can happen from playing sports, performing manual labor duties, repetitive overuse, trauma, and improper exercise technique. The symptoms that can accompany arm pain will depend on the cause.
Typing, writing, and jobs that require repetitive lifting continue to be a threat to developing the condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This debilitating syndrome is named for the tunnel that the nerves connecting your wrist, hand, and fingers pass through. Overly stressing the median nerve can lead to the aching wrist and numb fingers associated with CTS.
Often, hormone fluctuations can put you more at risk for CTS, so pregnant women, and women between the ages of 34-60, may be more likely to experience these injuries. New moms constantly lifting baby in and out of the crib should also be wary of their wrist mechanics.
Our goal is to help you avoid surgery, which is more likely with early intervention. Physical therapists can determine the exact source of CTS, which might not just be at the wrist!
The nerves in your wrist start from your neck and travel down the arm, exiting at the carpal tunnel into your hand. This is a long path for your nerves to travel and there are several areas along the way more prone to nerve irritation. As physical therapists, we perform soft tissue mobilization along the nerve pathways and joint mobilization at the elbow and wrist to untether restrictions that are impairing nerve mobility and causing your symptoms. Your physical therapist will also show you how to perform any repetitive tasks safely in order to prevent aggravation and re-injury.
What are some other causes of pain?
While CTS is a common issue we see in the clinic, we treat numerous conditions affecting the hands, elbows, and wrists. Among them are:
How can physical therapy help?
The first step in dealing with hand, wrist or elbow pain is evaluating the source of that pain. You’ll be well prepared for your first visit if you can identify the specific hand and arm positions as well as the activities that aggravate your pain.
Treatment will not only focus on pain-relief but also optimize your movement mechanics so that you can complete the tasks you need to do without any symptoms. Exercises for building strength are also important so that after your physical therapy treatment is over, you can maintain your new pain-free life.
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