Wrist injuries and pain can be caused by a variety of factors, from overuse to trauma. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for many wrist injuries and conditions, helping to reduce pain and improve function. Here are five common wrist conditions that can be treated with physical therapy:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome may include exercises to improve wrist and hand strength, stretches to improve flexibility and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Wrist Sprains:

A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. Physical therapy for wrist sprains may include exercises to improve wrist and hand strength, stretches to improve flexibility, and modalities such as ice or heat therapy.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis:

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Symptoms may include pain and swelling in the wrist and thumb, and difficulty gripping or holding objects. Physical therapy for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may include exercises to improve wrist and hand strength, stretches to improve flexibility and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Wrist Arthritis:

Wrist arthritis is a degenerative condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the wrist joint. Physical therapy for wrist arthritis may include exercises to improve wrist and hand strength, stretches to improve flexibility and modalities such as heat or cold therapy.

Wrist Fractures:

A wrist fracture occurs when one of the bones in the wrist is broken. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist. Physical therapy for wrist fractures may include exercises to improve wrist and hand strength, stretches to improve flexibility and modalities such as ice or heat therapy.

At OSR Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans based on their specific wrist condition. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and find out how physical therapy can help you recover from wrist pain and improve your wrist function.