Wrist & Hand Pain Treatment

Your wrists and hands are intricate structures with 27 bones, numerous tendons, and delicate nerves that must work in precise coordination. When these structures become injured or dysfunctional, even simple tasks like opening a jar, typing, buttoning a shirt, or gripping a steering wheel can become painful or impossible.

Common wrist and hand conditions we treat at The Back Clinic include:

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis — pain on the thumb side of the wrist, often aggravated by gripping, pinching, or lifting with the thumb extended
• Trigger finger — a finger that catches, locks, or clicks when bending and straightening, caused by tendon irritation
• Post-fracture stiffness — loss of motion and strength after a wrist or hand fracture, especially following cast removal
• Wrist sprains — pain and instability after a fall on an outstretched hand or twisting injury
• Repetitive strain injuries — overuse-related pain from typing, manual labor, crafting, or other repetitive hand activities

Many of these conditions develop gradually from daily work or hobby demands, and patients often wait too long before seeking treatment. Physical therapy is highly effective for wrist and hand conditions because these areas respond well to targeted mobilization, strengthening, and activity modification — often avoiding the need for injections or surgery.

Treatment at The Back Clinic is tailored to your specific diagnosis and the functional demands of your daily life. Because the hand and wrist require such fine motor control, your therapist designs a precise program that addresses your unique limitations and goals.

Your individualized plan may include:

• Joint mobilization — restoring normal motion in the wrist, hand, and finger joints through skilled hands-on techniques
• Tendon gliding exercises — specific exercises to restore smooth tendon movement and reduce catching or triggering
• Grip and pinch strengthening — progressive exercises to rebuild functional hand strength for daily tasks, work, and hobbies
• Splinting guidance — recommendations on appropriate bracing or splinting to support healing and protect tissues during activity
• Nerve gliding — techniques to improve nerve mobility when numbness, tingling, or radiating symptoms are present
• Ergonomic modifications — workstation, tool, and technique adjustments to reduce strain on the wrist and hand during the activities that caused the problem
• Scar management — for post-surgical patients, techniques to prevent scar adhesions and maintain tissue mobility around incision sites

Every session is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist who provides direct, hands-on treatment and closely monitors your progress. This individualized approach is essential for wrist and hand rehabilitation, where small improvements in mobility and strength make a significant difference in daily function.

Your evaluation includes detailed assessment of wrist and hand range of motion, grip and pinch strength, tendon integrity, and sensation testing. We also screen the cervical spine and elbow because nerve problems in the hand sometimes originate upstream — what feels like a wrist issue may actually involve nerve compression at the neck or elbow. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your arm.

Recovery timelines depend on the specific condition and its severity. Acute tendinitis and sprains often improve within three to four weeks of targeted treatment. Post-fracture rehabilitation typically requires six to eight weeks of progressive therapy to restore motion and strength. Chronic conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may take six to ten weeks of consistent management to resolve fully.

Your therapist will provide a home exercise program and may recommend specific tools or ergonomic adjustments to support your recovery between visits. The goal is not just to reduce your current pain but to address the factors that caused the problem so it does not return.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. In Delaware, you do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy. Our front desk team can verify your benefits before your first appointment. Call (302) 998-7681 or use our online scheduling tool to get started.