Hand and wrist physiotherapy

The cost of follow-up appointments starts from £57.*

The cost of your total physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors such as your condition, how many sessions you need and what type of treatment you are recommended. Some of our specialist treatments are priced separately, however you will be informed of any additional charges as part of your treatment planning. Your physiotherapist will always discuss your treatment options with you.

*This is a guide price and may vary. You'll be told the exact cost before you book.

There are many causes of hand and wrist pain that you might need physiotherapy to manage. These include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens when the smooth cartilage across the surface of your joint wears down over time. You'll sometimes hear it referred to as wear and tear arthritis, and it's more common the older we get. The wear and tear can make your joints very painful and stiff and can really reduce your mobility. This is the most common type of arthritis both in the UK and worldwide and it is one of the most common reasons why you might have physiotherapy.

Many people experience osteoarthritis in their hands and wrists. It usually affects your index, middle fingers, and thumbs the most. Many people find that the hand they use most for everyday activities (writing and cooking) is affected more than the other.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) currently affects more than 400,000 people in the UK. It is an inflammatory joint condition caused by an autoimmune process, which happens when your body attacks its healthy cells by mistake. This often causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in your joints. Joints affected by RA are commonly surrounded by inflamed tissue, which often results in chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis in your hands and wrists is common and if left untreated, can cause deformities in your hands, making them difficult to use. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your median nerve becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand. Your median nerve starts at your arm and goes down to your hand via your carpal tunnel (a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the lower palm side of your hand), controlling movement and feeling in your thumb and three middle fingers. If your carpal tunnel becomes narrowed due to swelling, it can squeeze your median nerve, leading to discomfort and reduced function in your hand. There are a number of reasons why your carpal tunnel may swell, such as wrist injuries, or even arthritis.

Repetitive strain injury

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) describes pain caused by the repeated movement of a part of your body. People often get RSI in their hands and wrists due to typing or writing for long hours as part of an office job, or from regularly playing sports that require the repeated use of your hands and wrists, such as tennis or golf.

A wrist fracture

This can happen due to a bad fall or a direct blow to your wrist, causing one of the bones in your wrist to crack and break, such as a rugby tackle. A broken wrist can cause severe pain that worsens when you move your wrist or grip an object, as well as swelling, tenderness, and bruising.

Other conditions treated with hand and wrist physiotherapy include:

• Cyclist's palsy - nerve compression sometimes caused by the vibration from the ground through your bike
• Tendinopathy - your tendons are the connective tissue that bind muscles to bone - this occurs when they become inflamed
• Trigger finger - this affects your tendons, making it difficult to bend your finger or thumb
• Dupuytren's contracture - when the tissue under the skin near your fingers thickens and loses flexibility, causing your fingers to bend inwards

Physiotherapy typically comprises performing a series of set hand physiotherapy exercises over a dedicated number of 60-minute sessions with your physiotherapist. These will be tailored to your needs, and your physiotherapist will ask that you also perform them at home for the best results. Your individual exercise programme might involve the use of specialist equipment, which your physiotherapist will ensure you understand how to use effectively.

• Individual exercise programmes (as mentioned above)
• Strengthening programmes
• Muscle and joint manipulation techniques
• Custom-made bespoke splinting (used following a fracture and as part of your physiotherapy plan)
• Electrotherapy
• Taping
• Scar management
• Swelling management
• Expert advice managing your pain and how to perform everyday tasks

Your physiotherapist will explain which form of treatment is the best for you before they begin building your bespoke treatment plan.

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule with the best dedicated physiotherapist for you
• Bespoke physiotherapy programmes tailored to your individual needs
• Exceptional facilities and the latest technology and equipment to help you get the most out of physiotherapy
• Expert and care and advice from the same specialist who will support you throughout your journey, from beginning to end

If you want to know more physiotherapy for hand and wrist pain and find out if it's the right treatment for you, give us a call today.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.

1. Hand and wrist pain, Versus Arthritis
2. Wrist, hand and finger problems, NHS Inform
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke