🤔 What Is It?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve — which runs from your forearm into your hand — becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

This leads to symptoms like:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Weakness in the hand or dropping objects

• Worsening symptoms at night or with repetitive hand use

It’s common in people who:

• Spend long hours typing or using a mouse

• Perform repetitive wrist movements

• Experience fluid retention, pregnancy, or systemic inflammation

• Do frequent gripping, lifting, or hand-heavy tasks

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Poor wrist or hand posture with prolonged typing or tool use

• Tightness or overload of the wrist flexor muscles

• Reduced nerve mobility due to forearm or neck tension

• Weak scapular or shoulder stabilisers increasing forearm strain

• Workplace ergonomics that promote repetitive strain

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid prolonged wrist flexion (e.g. typing without wrist support)

• ✅ Use a neutral wrist position, especially at night (splinting may help)

• ✅ Take regular breaks from typing or gripping activities

• ✅ Gently stretch the forearm flexors and mobilise the wrist

• ✅ Begin nerve gliding exercises as advised by your physio

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Assess and confirm whether your symptoms are true CTS or referred

• Provide nerve glides and soft tissue release for the wrist and forearm

• Guide you through postural and ergonomic corrections

• Improve upper limb mechanics with shoulder and scapular control

• Refer for splinting, imaging, or medical review if required

• Help you stay active and avoid surgery where possible

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
You may feel:

• Tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Pain or burning in the wrist or palm

• Weak grip or trouble holding small objects

• Symptoms that wake you up at night or worsen with typing or phone use

2. Is it the same as “RSI”?
Not exactly. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a broad term. Carpal tunnel is a specific nerve compression, but often overlaps with other strain-related conditions. Physio can identify what’s really going on.

3. Do I need surgery for carpal tunnel?
Not always. Many mild to moderate cases improve with physio, splinting, and ergonomic changes. Surgery is usually only recommended if symptoms are severe or not responding to conservative care.

4. How can I reduce carpal tunnel symptoms at work?

• Use a keyboard with wrist support

• Keep wrists in a neutral (straight) position

• Take micro-breaks every 30–45 minutes

• Adjust your mouse and screen height

• Avoid excessive grip or pressure with the palm

5. Can I train at the gym with carpal tunnel?
Usually yes — but you may need to modify wrist-heavy exercises and focus on shoulder and postural control. We’ll guide you through a safe return to full training.

6. What exercises help carpal tunnel syndrome?

• Nerve gliding (flossing) drills

• Forearm stretches

• Wrist mobility exercises

• Postural strength and scapular control
  We’ll build a personalised plan based on your symptoms and work demands.

7. Is numbness in my fingers always carpal tunnel?
No — neck, shoulder, or elbow issues can also refer numbness into the hand. A physio assessment helps rule out cervical radiculopathy or nerve entrapment elsewhere.

8. How long does it take to improve?
With the right treatment, mild to moderate cases often improve in 4–8 weeks. More chronic cases may take longer, particularly if you’ve had symptoms for several months or more.

🤔 What Is It?

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a form of wrist tendinopathy that affects the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist:

• Abductor pollicis longus (APL)

• Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB)

These tendons help you extend and move the thumb away from the hand. When they become overused or irritated, it leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping or lifting, especially with the wrist turned (like lifting a baby or a shopping bag).

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Repetitive lifting or twisting (e.g. new mums, gym, manual work)

• Increased wrist and thumb load without adequate recovery

• Poor wrist mechanics during lifting or pulling movements

• Muscle imbalances or lack of scapular/shoulder support

• Poor ergonomics or repetitive phone use (texting thumb)

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid repeated thumb abduction and wrist deviation

• ✅ Modify lifting technique — use both hands or more neutral grips

• ✅ Apply ice or gentle compression to reduce swelling

• ✅ Begin isometric or eccentric loading with physio guidance

• ✅ Use a thumb spica brace short-term if needed

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm whether it’s De Quervain’s vs other wrist conditions

• Reduce pain and tension with manual therapy or dry needling

• Prescribe a gradual loading program for the tendons

• Address shoulder and upper limb mechanics that may be contributing

• Provide lifting modifications and daily task solutions

• Guide safe return to training, work, or parenting activities

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does De Quervain’s feel like?

• Pain and tenderness at the thumb side of the wrist

• Worse when gripping, lifting, or turning the wrist

• Pain when doing a “thumbs up” or tucking the thumb into a fist

• Swelling over the wrist near the base of the thumb

2. How do I know it’s not arthritis?
De Quervain’s pain is tendon-related, not joint-related. It tends to hurt with movement and loading, whereas arthritis tends to cause stiffness and aching, especially in the morning. We can easily differentiate the two during your assessment.

3. Can I still train or lift weights?
Yes — with the right guidance. You may need to reduce gripping, rowing, or pulling movements temporarily, but we’ll help you keep training while protecting your wrist.

4. How long does it take to heal?
Mild to moderate cases can improve in 4–6 weeks. More chronic cases may take longer, especially if the tendons have been irritated for months or daily aggravation continues.

5. Do I need a scan or injection?
Usually not. A physio can diagnose this condition clinically. In severe or persistent cases, cortisone injection may be considered — we can coordinate with your GP if needed.

6. Should I wear a wrist brace?
Short-term use of a thumb spica splint can help reduce pain and give the tendons a break. Long-term use without rehab isn’t recommended — we’ll advise what’s best for you.

7. What exercises are helpful?

• Isometric thumb extension holds

• Eccentric loading of the thumb tendons

• Forearm and grip control drills

• Scapular and shoulder stabilisation to reduce forearm overload
  We’ll guide progression based on your symptoms and goals.

8. Can this come back?
Yes — especially if the underlying movement pattern, technique, or load issue isn’t addressed. Our goal is to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.

🤔 What Is It?

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a group of cartilage and ligaments that support the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist. It acts like a cushion and stabiliser between the end of your forearm bones (ulna and radius) and your wrist.

A TFCC injury occurs when this complex becomes torn, irritated, or overloaded, often from:

• Repetitive twisting or gripping (e.g. racquet sports, gym lifts)

• Weight-bearing on the wrist (e.g. push-ups, handstands)

• A fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury)

• Degenerative wear, especially in people with longer ulnas

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Twisting or loading the wrist under tension (e.g. farmers carries, racquet swings)

• Falling onto the hand with the wrist extended

• Hyperextension during push-ups or front squats

• Poor scapular and shoulder control, increasing load at the wrist

• Repetitive work (e.g. tools, machinery) or grip-dominant training

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid forceful twisting, weight-bearing, or over-gripping short term

• ✅ Ice or use a compression sleeve to reduce irritation

• ✅ Modify lifts — keep wrists neutral and avoid deep flexion or extension

• ✅ Begin isometric and low-load strengthening with physio guidance

• ✅ Use wrist supports or taping if needed — short-term only

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Identify if your pain is TFCC-related vs tendon or nerve-related

• Reduce pain and improve joint control with manual therapy, taping, and rehab

• Prescribe a progressive plan from low load to full return to weight-bearing

• Guide you through wrist, forearm, and scapular strengthening

• Refer for imaging if there are signs of a complete tear or instability

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does a TFCC injury feel like?

• A deep ache or sharp pain on the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist

• Worse with twisting, pushing off your hand, or bearing weight

• Clicking or catching with movement

• A feeling of instability or “giving way” in the wrist

2. How is it diagnosed?
A physiotherapist can diagnose TFCC injuries through specific tests and movement analysis. An MRI or ultrasound may be used if the tear is suspected to be more serious.

3. Can I still train with a TFCC injury?
Yes — with the right modifications. You may need to avoid wrist-loaded exercises short term (e.g. push-ups, front squats), but we’ll help you stay active and strong while healing.

4. How long does it take to recover?

• Mild irritation: 4–6 weeks

• Moderate tear or strain: 6–12 weeks

• Complete tear (if non-surgical): 12+ weeks, with focused rehab

• Surgical repair (rare): 3–6 months

5. Do I need a brace or wrist wrap?
In early stages, wrist braces or taping can help reduce aggravation. Long-term, building strength and control is more important than bracing.

6. Can physio prevent the need for surgery?
Yes — many partial tears or irritations respond well to rehab, especially if treated early. We focus on joint control, mobility, and tendon support to prevent ongoing degeneration.

7. What exercises help with TFCC injury?

• Isometric holds in neutral wrist position

• Wrist stability drills (band-resisted or bodyweight-supported)

• Grip and forearm control work

• Scapular stability training to reduce distal overload
  Your program will progress based on your activity goals and symptom response.

8. Can TFCC issues become chronic?
They can — especially if training or work loads aren’t adjusted. We help treat the cause, not just the symptoms, so you can return to full capacity without setbacks.

🤔 What Is It?

A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments that support and stabilise the wrist joint are stretched or torn, typically from a fall, twist, or sudden force. It often happens during:

• Falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury)

• Lifting or catching a heavy load with poor wrist alignment

• Hyperextension or sudden flexion during sport or training

Wrist sprains are graded by severity:

• Grade I: mild stretch

• Grade II: partial tear

• Grade III: full tear (may require surgical input)

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Falls or stumbles during sport, running, cycling, or gym training

• Poor wrist control during push-ups, burpees, snatches, or cleans

• Weakness in the forearm or shoulder, leading to excess load on the wrist

• Repetitive strain or accumulated microtrauma in manual jobs

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Apply ice and compression in the first 48–72 hours

• ✅ Avoid pushing through pain or forcing weight-bearing

• ✅ Use brace or tape short term if needed — not as a long-term solution

• ✅ Keep the wrist gently mobile — avoid complete rest

• ✅ Begin rehab as soon as pain allows with physio support

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Diagnose the grade and structures involved (ligaments, capsule, joint)

• Manage swelling and pain through manual therapy and support taping

• Prescribe safe, stage-appropriate mobility and strengthening exercises

• Rebuild grip strength and joint control under load

• Guide return to sport, gym, or work with progressive exposure and load management

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does a wrist sprain feel like?

• Pain with movement, especially bending, twisting, or weight-bearing

• Swelling or bruising around the wrist

• Tenderness over specific ligaments or joints

• Weakness or reduced grip strength

• A feeling of “giving way” or joint instability if moderate to severe

2. How is it different from a fracture?
A sprain affects the soft tissue (ligaments), while a fracture affects the bone. Both can feel similar in the early stages, so if you’re unsure, we’ll refer for imaging. Signs of a fracture include intense pain, inability to move, deformity, or swelling that doesn’t settle.

3. How long does a wrist sprain take to heal?

• Grade I: ~2–4 weeks

• Grade II: ~4–8 weeks

• Grade III (partial or full tear): 8–12+ weeks, possibly longer if surgery required

4. Do I need a scan?
Only if there’s concern about a fracture, full tear, or joint instability. We’ll assess your injury clinically and refer if imaging is needed.

5. Should I wear a brace or splint?
In the early stages (first 1–2 weeks), a brace or support can help reduce pain and protect the area. But long-term use can slow recovery — movement and strength are key to full healing.

6. Can I still train or go to work?
Yes — with adjustments. We’ll help you modify training or tasks to keep you active without aggravating the injury. Early rehab improves long-term outcomes.

7. What exercises are helpful for wrist sprains?

• Wrist mobility drills in pain-free range

• Isometric holds to begin loading safely

• Grip and forearm strengthening

• Progressive weight-bearing control drills
  We tailor each stage to match your healing phase and goals.

8. Can sprains become chronic?
Yes — especially if they’re not rehabbed properly or return to load is rushed. Chronic wrist instability can lead to pain, reduced function, and increased risk of future injury. We prevent this with a structured rehab plan.

🤔 What Is It?

Thumb arthritis, also known as CMC joint osteoarthritis, is a type of wear-and-tear arthritis that affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb — where the thumb meets the wrist.

As the cartilage wears down over time, the joint can become painful, stiff, swollen, and less stable, especially with gripping, pinching, or twisting activities.

It’s most common in:

• Adults aged 40+

• Women (post-menopausal)

• People who’ve had repetitive hand use or thumb injuries

• Those with joint hypermobility or systemic arthritis

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Repetitive gripping, twisting, or pinching (e.g. lifting, opening jars, tools)

• Previous thumb or wrist injuries

• Weakness in thumb stabilisers or intrinsic hand muscles

• Poor upper limb mechanics or overuse of the thumb joint

• Postural issues or proximal weakness (shoulder, elbow)

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid excessive pinching or forceful gripping short term

• ✅ Use jar openers, larger pens, or grip aids to reduce strain

• ✅ Apply heat or warm water immersion for stiffness relief

• ✅ Try thumb stabilising splints during repetitive or heavy tasks

• ✅ Begin joint-specific strength and mobility exercises under guidance

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm diagnosis and differentiate from tendon or nerve issues

• Teach joint protection strategies and functional modifications

• Reduce pain and inflammation with manual therapy, taping, or dry needling

• Guide a progressive strengthening and stabilisation program

• Improve upper limb mechanics and posture to reduce distal strain

• Liaise with your GP or hand specialist if needed

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does thumb arthritis feel like?

• Pain at the base of the thumb, especially when gripping or pinching

• Difficulty opening jars, turning keys, or using a phone

• Swelling or a visible bump at the thumb joint

• Stiffness or grinding with thumb movement

• Weakness or loss of thumb stability over time

2. Is it the same as tendonitis or trigger finger?
No — although symptoms can overlap. Arthritis involves the joint surfaces, while tendonitis affects the tendons, and trigger finger causes catching or locking. Physio can differentiate these based on movement tests and palpation.

3. Do I need a scan to confirm it?
Often no. Clinical tests and symptoms are usually enough. Imaging may be used to confirm severity or rule out other conditions if symptoms are complex.

4. Can physio help with arthritis?
Absolutely — physio helps reduce pain, restore function, and improve hand control through joint support strategies and targeted exercise, especially in early and moderate stages.

5. Will I need surgery for thumb arthritis?
Only in more severe or long-standing cases that don’t respond to conservative care. Surgery options include CMC arthroplasty or fusion, but many people manage well with splinting, exercise, and joint protection.

6. Can I keep working or training with thumb arthritis?
Yes — but you’ll need to modify aggravating tasks or grips, and build back strength gradually. We’ll guide you through what’s safe and effective.

7. What are the best exercises for thumb arthritis?

• Isometric thumb presses for stability

• Thumb opposition and mobility drills

• Grip strengthening with putty, bands, or small tools

• Wrist and forearm endurance work

• Shoulder and scapular control to reduce distal compensation

8. Can it be cured?
There’s no “cure” for osteoarthritis, but with early physio, joint protection, and smart loading, you can greatly reduce symptoms, improve function, and delay progression.

🤔 What Is It?

Trigger finger is a condition where the tendon that bends the finger or thumb becomes irritated and can no longer glide smoothly through its sheath. As a result, the finger may click, catch, or lock when moving — particularly when trying to straighten from a flexed position.

It’s caused by thickening or narrowing of the tendon sheath, which traps the tendon and restricts movement. In some cases, the finger may even lock in a bent position and require passive straightening.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Repetitive or forceful gripping or tool use

• Tendon overload in manual labour, gym, or sporting activities

• Underlying inflammatory conditions (e.g. diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)

• Scar tissue, tendon swelling, or previous hand trauma

• Weak grip and poor tendon gliding from inactivity or overload

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid or modify repetitive grip-heavy tasks

• ✅ Apply heat or warm water soaks in the morning to ease stiffness

• ✅ Gently massage and move the affected finger or thumb

• ✅ Use a finger splint overnight to prevent locking

• ✅ Begin tendon gliding exercises under physio guidance

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm the diagnosis and differentiate from joint or nerve issues

• Reduce inflammation and improve mobility with soft tissue work or dry needling

• Guide tendon gliding and stretching techniques to restore smooth movement

• Recommend adaptive tools or ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain

• Collaborate with your GP for corticosteroid injection if needed

• Plan a safe return to activity, work, or training with proper tendon loading

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does trigger finger feel like?

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb

• A sensation of clicking, catching, or locking when bending or straightening

• Stiffness, especially in the morning

• In more advanced cases: the finger may lock and need help to straighten

2. Who gets trigger finger?
It’s most common in:

• People over 40

• Those with repetitive hand use (e.g. tools, weights, instruments)

• People with diabetes or inflammatory arthritis

• Manual labourers and crafters

3. Do I need a scan to confirm it?
No — it’s usually diagnosed clinically through symptoms and movement testing. Ultrasound may be used to assess severity or inflammation, but is not always required.

4. Will it go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle with rest and activity modification. However, early treatment leads to better outcomes, especially before the finger starts locking regularly.

5. Is surgery required?
Not in most cases. Physio, splinting, and sometimes a cortisone injection can resolve it. Surgery (tendon release) is considered when conservative treatment fails or locking becomes constant.

6. Can I keep working or training with trigger finger?
Often yes — with modifications to grip and load. We’ll help you adjust your routine while keeping the tendon mobile and pain under control.

7. What exercises help trigger finger?

• Tendon gliding drills to restore smooth sliding

• Isometric gripping for tendon load

• Finger extension stretches and soft tissue massage

• Grip and wrist stability exercises once pain is under control
  These are tailored to your activity level and recovery stage.

8. Can physio help even if it’s been going for months?
Yes — we regularly help clients with long-standing trigger finger reduce locking and avoid surgery through targeted tendon rehab and technique coaching.

🤔 What Is It?

Guyon’s Canal Syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve becomes compressed as it passes through Guyon’s canal — a narrow tunnel in the wrist, just next to the pisiform bone (on the pinky side). This nerve controls feeling and movement in the ring and pinky fingers, and part of the palm.

Unlike cubital tunnel syndrome (which occurs at the elbow), this condition causes symptoms only in the hand — not the forearm.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Prolonged pressure on the wrist or palm (e.g. cycling, push-ups)

• Repetitive gripping, tool use, or weightlifting

• Direct trauma or compression (e.g. wrist braces or resting on hard surfaces)

• Swelling or ganglion cysts compressing the nerve

• Poor shoulder or upper limb mechanics increasing nerve strain

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid pressure on the wrist crease (e.g. handlebars, desk edge)

• ✅ Modify hand positions during grip-heavy or weight-bearing tasks

• ✅ Begin ulnar nerve gliding exercises with physiotherapy guidance

• ✅ Use padded gloves or ergonomic adjustments when cycling or working

• ✅ Reduce inflammation with ice, rest, and soft tissue release

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Differentiate Guyon’s canal syndrome from cubital tunnel or neck-related causes

• Teach nerve mobility drills and neural desensitisation techniques

• Improve wrist, shoulder, and postural control to reduce nerve strain

• Guide you in ergonomic and load modifications

• Monitor strength, sensation, and hand control — and refer for imaging if needed

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does Guyon’s Canal Syndrome feel like?

• Numbness or tingling in the pinky and ring fingers

• Weakness when pinching or spreading the fingers

• May feel worse when leaning on the wrist or using handlebars

• Unlike cubital tunnel syndrome, symptoms do not involve the forearm

2. How is it different from cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow, often causing symptoms that travel through the forearm into the hand. Guyon’s canal syndrome affects the same nerve at the wrist, so symptoms are localised to the hand only.

3. Who’s at risk of developing this?

• Cyclists (due to handlebar pressure)

• Lifters who use wrist wraps or tight straps

• Tradespeople or tool users who lean or grip repetitively

• People with wrist trauma, swelling, or cysts

4. How long does it take to heal?
If caught early and managed well, symptoms can improve within 4–6 weeks. More severe or chronic cases may take longer — especially if strength loss or sensory changes are present.

5. Can I train with ulnar nerve compression?
Yes — with modifications to reduce wrist compression or aggravating grips. We’ll help you adjust training while protecting nerve health.

6. Do I need imaging or nerve tests?
Not always. Clinical assessment is usually enough. If symptoms are progressing or aren’t improving, we may refer for nerve conduction studies or ultrasound.

7. What exercises are helpful?

• Ulnar nerve glides (nerve flossing)

• Grip strength and hand control drills

• Wrist, shoulder, and postural stability work

• Mobility for the neck and thoracic spine if contributing to nerve strain

8. Can physio help even if my hand is weak or numb?
Yes — early physio improves outcomes, and we monitor nerve function carefully. If needed, we work alongside your GP or specialist to coordinate care and prevent permanent changes.

🤔 What Is It?

Not all wrist or hand pain comes from a local injury. Sometimes, the pain you're feeling is referred from another part of the body, most commonly the neck, shoulder, or upper arm nerves.

This happens when nerve roots or soft tissues higher up the chain are irritated or compressed, sending signals down the arm. The brain may interpret this as pain, tingling, or weakness in the wrist, hand, or fingers — even if those areas are structurally fine.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)

• Thoracic outlet syndrome

• Shoulder dysfunction or poor scapular control

• Postural overload (e.g. tech neck, rounded shoulders)

• Repetitive strain on a sensitised neural pathway

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Pay attention to whether pain changes with neck or shoulder movement

• ✅ Avoid prolonged slouched postures — especially at a desk or driving

• ✅ Try gentle neck mobility drills, chin tucks, or thoracic stretches

• ✅ Seek a professional assessment to confirm the pain source

• ✅ Avoid jumping to wrist braces or splints without a full diagnosis

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Identify if your symptoms are referred or truly local

• Use nerve tension tests and movement screening to pinpoint the source

• Reduce pressure on the nerve with manual therapy, mobility, and posture work

• Prescribe nerve glides and upper limb mobility drills

• Correct poor movement habits contributing to overload

• Coordinate care with your GP or specialist if imaging is needed

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What are signs that my wrist pain is referred?

• Pain, tingling, or numbness that travels or moves around

• Pain that worsens with neck movement or poor posture

• Symptoms that come on without a clear wrist injury

• Weakness or coordination issues in the hand

• Pain that doesn’t improve with local wrist treatment

2. Where could referred pain be coming from?

• Cervical spine (neck): nerve root irritation can affect the arm, wrist, and fingers

• Shoulder: dysfunction here can change movement down the chain

• Thoracic outlet or neural tension: compression of nerves higher up can mimic wrist or hand issues

3. How do I know if it’s nerve-related?
Physio testing will assess nerve mobility, spinal mechanics, and sensation patterns. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness are key clues.

4. Do I need a scan?
Not always. We can often confirm referred pain through clinical testing. If symptoms are severe, progressive, or unclear, we’ll refer for MRI, ultrasound, or nerve conduction studies.

5. Will physio still help if the problem’s not in my wrist?
Yes — in fact, this is where physio shines. We focus on treating the root cause, not just the painful site, using tailored strategies that restore normal movement and reduce nerve irritation.

6. How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on the cause and how long the nerve has been irritated. Many clients improve in 2–6 weeks with focused physio. More chronic or complex cases may take longer but respond well with consistent care.

7. What exercises can help?

• Nerve gliding (flossing) for the median, ulnar, or radial nerves

• Postural strengthening for deep neck flexors, upper traps, and scapular stabilisers

• Thoracic mobility drills (foam rolling, open books)

• Shoulder and grip control work to offload distal strain