Hand & Wrist Pain
Wrist pain and hand pain make typing, lifting and even holding a cup hard. Physical therapy restores motion, strength and function after a sprain, a fracture or an overused tendon. We treat the hand and wrist at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Hand and wrist problems we see
Wrist sprain and broken wrist
A wrist sprain from a fall or a broken wrist leaves the joint stiff and weak after a cast or a brace. Wrist fracture recovery means gentle exercises and mobility training to win back motion and grip at a safe pace.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, often with lifting a baby, gripping or texting. Thumb pain with pinching or twisting is the typical sign.
Trigger finger
A finger that catches or locks as it bends, from an irritated tendon.
Thumb arthritis and hand arthritis
Thumb arthritis and arthritis in the hand cause stiffness and aching joints. We teach exercises that improve movement and reduce discomfort. See Arthritis & Joint Pain.
Tendonitis
Inflamed tendons cause sharp pain with movement. Manual therapy and movement training help them settle.
After hand, wrist or elbow surgery
We build a plan to rebuild strength and motion. See Post-Surgical Rehab.
Numb, tingling fingers?
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, especially at night, is often carpal tunnel syndrome. That has its own page: Carpal Tunnel. Pain that runs along the arm from the elbow is on Elbow Pain (Tennis & Golfer's Elbow).
How we treat the hand and wrist
Your therapist checks wrist and finger motion, grip and pinch strength, swelling and the way you use the hand at work. Treatment may include:
- Range of motion exercises for the wrist, thumb and fingers
- Grip and hand strengthening
- Manual therapy for stiff joints and tight tendons
- Dry needling for tight forearm muscles
- Neuromuscular re-education, including neuromuscular stimulation
- Posture and ergonomics education to prevent future problems
Nerve testing when numbness is part of the picture
When pain comes with numbness, weakness or tingling, the cause may be a nerve rather than a tendon or joint. EMG and nerve conduction studies at our clinics show how well the nerves in the arm and hand are working, which helps us pick the right treatment.
Hand therapy questions
Is there a hand therapist near me in El Paso?
Our physical therapists treat the hand, wrist and elbow at both clinics, Edgemere and Physicians. Call us to ask which therapist is the best fit for your problem.
Do I need a referral?
In many cases no. Texas allows you to begin physical therapy without one, and we can help verify your insurance requirements.
Can you help after a cast comes off?
Yes. Stiffness and weakness are normal after a cast, and we progress your motion and strength within your surgeon's or doctor's instructions.
Hand and wrist care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic and tell us what your hand can no longer do.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.