When to See a Physiotherapist for Hand Pain?  - Hand Therapy Clinic Sydney (2025)

Hand pain is a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s caused by an injury, overuse, or an underlying medical condition, hand pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks. If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening pain, it’s important to understand when it’s time to consult a physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Hand Pain?

Hand pain can manifest in several ways, depending on the cause. It can affect your fingers, wrist, or the entire hand, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, tingling, or reduced mobility. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate the need for physiotherapy:

  • Persistent Pain: If the pain doesn’t subside with rest and basic care, it’s essential to seek professional treatment.
  • Swelling: Any noticeable swelling in the hand or wrist should be examined by a physiotherapist.
  • Numbness or Tingling: These sensations are common in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve impingement.
  • Limited Mobility: Difficulty in fully moving or extending the fingers or wrist may require intervention.
  • Pain During Everyday Activities: If activities like typing, gripping, or holding objects cause discomfort, it might be time to seek help.

Why Should You See a Physiotherapist for Hand Pain?

Physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain, including hand pain. They use a combination of hands-on techniques, exercises, and modalities to alleviate symptoms and improve function. Physiotherapists can help in various ways, including:

  • Restoring Mobility: Physiotherapists can assess joint stiffness and prescribe mobility exercises to improve your range of motion.
  • Pain Management: Using methods such as manual therapy, dry needling, and electrotherapy, physiotherapists can reduce pain.
  • Strengthening Muscles: Weakness in the hand muscles can contribute to pain and poor function. Physiotherapists can design a programme to strengthen the affected muscles.
  • Post-Surgery or Injury Rehabilitation: If you’ve had surgery or a hand injury, physiotherapists can guide you through the recovery process, ensuring that your hand regains full function.

What Conditions Are Treated by Physiotherapists for Hand Pain?

There are several conditions that physiotherapists treat when it comes to hand pain. These conditions often result from overuse, injury, or underlying diseases like arthritis. Below is a list of some common hand pain conditions treated by physiotherapists:

  1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common causes of hand pain. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Physiotherapy Treatments for CTS:

  • Wrist splints
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Ergonomic advice and adjustments
  1. Arthritis

Arthritis, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the joints in the hands, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Inflammatory types of arthritis can cause further joint damage over time if not managed effectively.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Arthritis:

  • Joint mobilisations
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Thermal therapy (heat or cold packs)
  • Pain management techniques
  1. Tendonitis (Tendinopathy)

Tendonitis, or tendinopathy, occurs when the tendons in the hand or wrist become inflamed due to overuse. Common conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis cause pain on the thumb side of the wrist.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Tendonitis:

  • Soft tissue mobilisation
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Ultrasound therapy
  1. Fractures or Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

Injuries like fractures or surgeries on the hand often result in stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion. Physiotherapists play a critical role in rehabilitation, helping patients regain function and mobility.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Post-Injury Rehabilitation:

  • Progressive exercise programmes
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Edema management (swelling reduction)
  1. Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when one of your fingers becomes stuck in a bent position and then suddenly releases, often accompanied by pain. This condition is caused by inflammation in the tendons of the finger.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Trigger Finger:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Soft tissue mobilisation
  • Splinting
  1. Overuse Injuries

Many hand injuries are caused by repetitive movements. Activities such as typing, playing musical instruments, or using handheld devices can lead to conditions like tendonitis, nerve impingement, or muscle strains.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Overuse Injuries:

  • Rest and modification of activities
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Ergonomic adjustments

How Does Physiotherapy Help with Hand Pain?

Physiotherapists have specialised knowledge and techniques to address hand pain. The key benefits of physiotherapy include:

  1. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to manipulate joints and soft tissues to relieve pain and restore movement. Physiotherapists can use joint mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, and myofascial release to reduce pain and improve function.

  1. Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy is central to physiotherapy treatment. For hand pain, physiotherapists will design specific exercises to:

  • Improve joint flexibility
  • Strengthen muscles
  • Promote proper movement patterns
  • Prevent the recurrence of pain
  1. Ergonomic Advice

For people with work-related hand pain, physiotherapists can provide ergonomic advice to modify workstation setups, postures, and activities to prevent further strain on the hands.

  1. Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or interferential current therapy can reduce pain and promote tissue healing by stimulating nerves or muscles.

What Hand Pain Conditions Can Physiotherapy Address?

Below is a helpful table summarising common hand pain conditions and the physiotherapy treatments commonly used:

ConditionCommon SymptomsPhysiotherapy TreatmentDuration/Expected Outcome
Carpal Tunnel SyndromeNumbness, tingling, weakness in handManual therapy, wrist splints, stretchingImprovement in 4-6 weeks
ArthritisJoint pain, swelling, stiffnessJoint mobilisations, strengthening exercisesLong-term management
TendonitisSwelling, tenderness, pain with movementIce, ultrasound therapy, stretches, soft tissue mobilisation4-12 weeks depending on severity
Trigger FingerFinger locking, pain when movingFinger exercises, stretching, splintsTypically 4-8 weeks
Fractures (post-healing)Reduced mobility, stiffnessRehabilitation exercises, joint mobilityVaries, typically 8-12 weeks
Overuse InjuriesSoreness, tightness, fatigueRest, ergonomic correction, strengthening exercisesVaries depending on cause

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Hand Pain?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is a good idea to consult a physiotherapist. Seeking early intervention can help prevent the pain from worsening and avoid long-term damage. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to see a physiotherapist for your hand pain:

  • The pain persists despite rest and self-care measures.
  • You notice swelling or bruising in the hand or wrist.
  • Your hand feels weak or stiff.
  • Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain is affecting your ability to use your hand.
  • You have had an injury, and the pain isn’t improving.

Hand Therapy Clinics Sydney: Your Partner in Hand Pain Relief

At Hand Therapy Clinics Sydney, we specialise in treating hand pain, from overuse injuries to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Our expert physiotherapists are trained to provide personalised care, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or struggling with a chronic condition, we are here to help you restore function and alleviate pain. Visit us today and take the first step towards a pain-free hand.

Read more: Blog Best Hand Exercises for Strength and Flexibility: A Comprehensive Guide

References

  1. Australian Physiotherapy Association. “Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.” APA, 2021.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common cause of hand pain?

The most common causes of hand pain are overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis. These conditions develop over time due to repetitive movements, aging, or underlying medical conditions.

  1. How can a physiotherapist help with hand arthritis?

A physiotherapist can provide joint mobilisations, strengthening exercises, and thermal therapies to reduce pain and stiffness. They can also offer advice on how to manage the condition long-term.

  1. Can physiotherapy treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes, physiotherapy can effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome through wrist splints, stretches, ergonomic adjustments, and manual therapy to relieve compression on the median nerve.

  1. How long does it take for physiotherapy to improve hand pain?

The duration of physiotherapy treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Generally, improvements can be seen within 4 to 6 weeks, but for chronic conditions or post-surgery rehabilitation, it may take longer.

  1. Should I see a physiotherapist for hand pain after surgery?

Yes, after surgery, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises and mobility techniques to restore hand function.

  1. What happens if I ignore hand pain?

Ignoring hand pain can lead to chronic pain, reduced function, and permanent damage. Early treatment through physiotherapy can prevent long-term complications and help restore your hand’s full functionality. Hand therapy Sydney

When to See a Physiotherapist for Hand Pain?  - Hand Therapy Clinic Sydney (2025)

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