Wrist Pain Treatment & Physiotherapy
Wrist pain in office workers — from keyboard use, mouse-clicking, and phone scrolling — is increasingly common. Physiotherapy targets the wrist tendons, median nerve and forearm muscles.
Symptoms of wrist pain
- Pain or stiffness in the wrist
- Numbness in the thumb and first three fingers
- Weak grip strength
- Pain that worsens at night
Common causes
- Repetitive typing / mouse use
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Old wrist fracture
Treatment approaches
Most cases of wrist pain respond very well to physiotherapy. Common modalities include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Used to reduce pain, restore movement and break down adhesions in muscles and connective tissue.
Exercise Therapy
The cornerstone of modern physiotherapy. Progressive, individualised exercises restore strength, mobility and motor control — the only intervention proven to produce long-term changes in tissue and function.
Dry Needling
Fine needles inserted into trigger points to release tight muscle bands. Effective for chronic muscle tension, headaches, and stubborn pain that doesn't respond to massage alone. Different from acupuncture in approach and goal.
Electrotherapy
Modalities like TENS, ultrasound, IFT and laser used to reduce pain and inflammation, especially in the early stages of injury. Always combined with exercise — never used as a standalone treatment.
Related physiotherapy services
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need wrist surgery for carpal tunnel?
- Mild to moderate carpal tunnel often responds to physiotherapy with nerve gliding exercises, splinting and ergonomic correction. Surgery is for severe cases with constant numbness or muscle wasting.