Wrist and Hand Pain
The wrist and hand are commonly injured in falls and during repetitive activities. Wrist and hand pain can come from joint arthritis, tendon and nerve inflammation, and commonly seen conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Overuse wrist injury is frequently a result of weakness of the core and upper and lower limb muscles.
Diagnostic Tools:
A thorough examination is conducted on every patient. Our osteopathic training allows us to diagnose small subluxation of the wrist and hand joints that can be a source of a previously undiagnosed source of pain. Gentle manipulation of these joints is frequently performed during examination for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Structural deficits, restrictions, as well as muscle weakness and imbalances are identified. X-rays and state of the art ultrasound technology are used for diagnosis of structural wrist and hand problems. High-resolution ultrasound imaging is advanced enough to see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome related nerve injury, tendonitis and joint swelling that can be a cause of acute and chronic pain. Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI can be used for further assessment.
Treatment Tools:
Ultrasound guided injection techniques can relieve wrist and hand joint related pain. The injections can consist of steroids. PRP (platelet rich plasma) Prolotherapy technique is used in advanced cases for rejuvenating and strengthening of the wrist joint supporting ligaments. Prolotherapy injections are used for rejuvenating and strengthening of the wrist joint supporting ligaments.
Therapeutic Tools:
Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) is utilized during every physician encounter as needed for correction of upper limb restrictions. State of the art personalized one-on-one physical therapy is conducted to address restrictions, correct imbalances and promote strength of the supporting upper limb joint muscles. Private and small exclusive therapeutic Yoga classes are prescribed for further gentle strengthening of the core and limb muscles.
NOTE: Yoga program is typically instituted after completion of the physical therapy and rehabilitation program, but can be used as a first line treatment in cases of poor balance and advanced osteoarthritis.