Blog

18 Mar 2021

Wrist Pain! Public Service Announcement for Those Who Use their Hands!!!

Repetitive hand movements can be tough on the wrists. Spring cleaning season has begun… and maybe you’re feeling the impact! Are you someone that gets wrist pain? Have you heard of the condition Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Let’s give that some attention!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist):

The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passageway through the wrist for nerves and blood vessels to connects the forearm to the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when one of the nerves in the tunnel (typically the median nerve) gets compressed. This can occur from repetitive movements such as gripping with the hand.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Wrist:

• Pain, numbness and tingling in the hand – specifically the index and middle fingers, and sometimes the thumb – as well as up the forearm on occasion
• Weak grip strength

Does any of that sound familiar? Well hold tight, we’ve got some suggestions for you! We’ve compiled a couple of exercises to show you to help get you started on the path to wellness!

Quick stretch for the wrist:

Forearm stretch: Sit or stand with your arm out straight and palm up. Gently grab fingers with other hand and pull them toward the floor to stretch forearm muscles. Hold 20-30 seconds, repeat 3X several times per day.

Other factors:

In the physio world, we are taught to look for aggravating factors.

• A pinched nerve in the neck could lead to weakness in muscles in the forearm, subsequently resulting in abnormal use or forces at the wrist joint.
• Neural tension of the nerves anywhere from the neck down to the wrist might be a problem and nerve gliding techniques might help the situation.
• Carpal bone mobility could be restricted, thus resulting in irritation to the nerve and/or compression of blood vessels within the carpal tunnel.
• A brace could be used to minimize over-use of the wrist as well.

There are lots of factors your physio might consider in addressing your carpal tunnel syndrome!

Need more help?

Don’t let injuries affect your ability to enjoy the beginnings of spring! Physiotherapy can help, and Two Hands Physiotherapy is specifically geared toward treating dog owners. We’re dog lovers too! We do ‘dog things’ in our spare time, and we ‘get’ where you’re coming from!!! Just to emphasize that point, our treatment room is conveniently located within The Canine Fitness Centre (Calgary’s premiere physical rehabilitation facility for dogs!)

A physiotherapist at Two Hands Physiotherapy can examine and assess your wrist, neck, elbow, back, (or other problem area), and give you specific exercises and treatment based on your specific diagnosis. Best of all, you don’t need a doctor’s referral. You know your body! Just give us a call!


Two Hands Physiotherapy
4515 Manhattan Rd SE,
Calgary, AB
403-860-0058