Vital Force Physio
ELBOW, WRIST & HAND PAIN IN West Chester
Are you grappling with persistent elbow, wrist, or hand pain that just won’t let up? These issues can have various causes, and our daily activities rely heavily on the proper functioning of these upper extremities. Whether it’s driving, preparing meals, or dressing, we depend on our elbows, wrists, and hands for essential tasks. If you’re experiencing discomfort, stiffness, or pain in these areas, our physical therapists can provide the relief you need.
Understanding Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain
Elbow, wrist, or hand pain can range from mild to severe and may come and go, depending on various factors and activities. In addition to pain, you may also encounter sensations of tingling, numbness, or difficulties in lifting or grasping objects. Such discomfort can significantly impact your daily life and your ability to perform routine tasks.
Causes of Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain
Several conditions can lead to elbow, wrist, or hand pain. Here are some common culprits:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Characterized by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, causing symptoms like numbness, burning, and pain in the hand. It may also extend to the wrist and elbow, weaken your grip, and lead to swelling.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Occurs when tissues in the elbow narrow, affecting the ulnar nerve that runs from the shoulder to the wrist. Symptoms include hand weakness, tingling, or numbness in the pinky and ring fingers, along with pain throughout the hand.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons and joints near bones. Bursitis can result from overuse and repetitive movements, affecting various body parts, including the shoulders and elbows.
- Arthritis: Affecting more than 50 million Americans, arthritis can impact joints in the elbows, wrists, and hands, causing varying degrees of pain and stiffness.
- Sprains and Strains: Common injuries, often stemming from sports activities, repetitive motions, sudden twisting, or falls, leading to pain or discomfort in the hands or wrists.
Common Wrist & Hand Conditions We Treat in West Chester
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Manifesting as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand, this condition occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed.
- Arthritis: Early symptoms include joint pain, often described as dull or burning sensations, usually occurring after increased joint use, like gripping or grasping objects. Stiffness and morning pain are common.
- Trigger Finger: Characterized by a finger getting stuck in a bent position, releasing with a snap, similar to a triggered mechanism. It occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, hindering normal tendon motion.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A painful condition affecting tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain during wrist movements, grasping, or making a fist.
How Physical Therapy Can Alleviate Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain in West Chester
Physical therapy offers an effective solution to reduce or eliminate pain in the elbows, wrists, and hands, often avoiding the need for surgery. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) even suggests that manual physical therapy can outperform surgery for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Our physical therapists collaborate with your primary care physician to identify the root cause of your pain. Following a comprehensive evaluation that includes assessing your flexibility and strength, we design a personalized program tailored to treat your pain. This program may incorporate exercises and stretches to enhance your strength and range of motion, as well as heat and ice therapy, massage, or electrical stimulation.
If you’re dealing with elbow, wrist, or hand pain, our skilled physical therapists may be able to help you find relief or complete resolution. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated physical therapists. We’re committed to improving your quality of life while eliminating your pain!
Kate Grise
Vital Force has been such an amazing driver of my recovery from a full Achilles tendon rupture and subsequent multiple surgeries. I could be sitting at home never running or jumping again, but Dr. Tom’s expertise has made all the difference in getting back to an active lifestyle that I have lived for so long! I am incredibly thankful for Vital Force!
Susie Archer
It’s been a few weeks since I completed my 6-session plan with Dr. Long, and I just realized today that I’ve had zero pain this week. ZERO! I’ve kept up the exercises and guidance and it’s definitely working. I am so so grateful for finding Vital Force!