The Most Common Wrist Injuries and How Chiropractic Can Help
Wrist injuries are surprisingly common and can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level. Whether from sports, repetitive motions, or an unexpected fall, wrist pain can severely affect your daily life, from typing on your computer to enjoying your favourite hobbies. At Neurohealth Wellness, we understand the importance of treating wrist injuries holistically, and chiropractic care can play a key role in rehabilitation and prevention. This blog will cover the most common wrist injuries and how chiropractic treatments can help you recover and prevent future problems.
Common Wrist Injuries
1. Sprains and Strains
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn, typically from a sudden twist or impact. Strains, on the other hand, involve injury to the muscles or tendons around the wrist. These injuries are often caused by falls, sports accidents, or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that results from compression of the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This can occur due to repetitive motions, such as typing or using a mouse, or from conditions like arthritis. Symptoms of CTS include tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist.
3. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which can affect the wrist when it becomes irritated from overuse or repetitive strain. Common causes of wrist tendinitis include sports like tennis (lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow") or activities that involve repetitive wrist movements. Tendinitis leads to pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the affected area.
4. Fractures
Wrist fractures are common after a fall, especially when an individual instinctively extends their hands to break the fall. Fractures can range from minor cracks to complete breaks in the bones of the wrist. Symptoms often include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity.
5. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) can develop in the wrist as a result of years of wear and tear on the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. OA is more common as people age, but it can also occur earlier due to previous injuries or repetitive stress on the joint.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to treating wrist injuries, focusing not just on the injury itself, but on the whole body’s function and alignment. Here's how chiropractic care can assist in healing and prevention:
1. Joint Manipulation and Mobilisation
Chiropractors are highly trained in joint manipulation and mobilization techniques, which can be used to restore movement in the wrist joint. If your wrist has become stiff or restricted due to injury, chiropractic adjustments can help improve its range of motion, relieve pain, and promote healing.
By correcting misalignments (also known as subluxations) in the wrist or other related joints in the hand, forearm, or even the neck and shoulder, chiropractors can reduce stress on the affected area and help to alleviate chronic pain and discomfort.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue techniques, including massage therapy and myofascial release, can help relieve tightness and tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the wrist. These techniques increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and improve flexibility in the affected area, aiding in faster recovery and reducing the likelihood of future injuries.
3. Correcting Biomechanical Dysfunction
Wrist pain often arises from poor posture or faulty movement patterns elsewhere in the body. For instance, compensating for pain in another joint (such as the shoulder) can put undue stress on the wrist, leading to injury. Chiropractors assess your entire musculoskeletal system to identify and correct any misalignments, helping to rebalance the body and prevent further strain on the wrist.
4. Rehabilitation Exercises
At Neurohealth Wellness, we take a personalised approach to rehabilitation. Chiropractors can develop a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the wrist, improve flexibility, and promote joint stability. This helps in preventing reinjury and provides a long-term solution to managing wrist pain.
5. Prevention and Education
Chiropractors also focus on educating patients about proper ergonomics and techniques to prevent further wrist injuries. Whether it’s tips for adjusting your workstation to reduce strain or recommendations for stretching and strengthening exercises, the goal is to empower you to take care of your wrists and avoid future issues.
6. Non-Surgical Approach
Many wrist injuries, especially those involving tendinitis or sprains, can be treated effectively with chiropractic care, reducing the need for invasive procedures like surgery. Chiropractors can offer a conservative and natural approach to healing by focusing on restoring function through manual therapies and exercise.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care at Neurohealth Wellness?
At Neurohealth Wellness, our chiropractors take a holistic approach to your care. With our deep understanding of the body’s biomechanics and nervous system, we address not only the specific wrist injury but also the contributing factors that may lead to the pain or dysfunction. Whether you are recovering from a recent injury or looking to prevent future issues, our team is here to guide you through your healing process.
We offer treatments such as joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, personalised rehabilitation exercises, and advice on lifestyle modifications that can improve your overall well-being. Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and live pain-free—without the need for invasive procedures.
Conclusion
Wrist injuries are common, but with the right treatment and care, you can recover fully and regain function. Chiropractic care provides a holistic approach that not only treats the immediate pain but also addresses the root cause of the issue, helping to prevent future injuries. If you’re dealing with wrist pain, book an appointment with us at Neurohealth Wellness today. Let us help you get back to living without pain!
If you're experiencing wrist pain or any other musculoskeletal discomfort, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced team at Neurohealth Wellness in Allambie Heights. Call us at (02) 9905 9099, email info@neurohealthwellness.com.au, or book online through our booking page to start your journey toward recovery.
References:
- DiGiovanni, C. W., et al. (2005). "The role of wrist biomechanics in the development of wrist osteoarthritis." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
- Hsiao, H. F., et al. (2014). "Carpal tunnel syndrome: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment." Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.
- Reddy, S. (2011). "Tendinitis and its management: A review." Orthopedic Reviews.
- Waller, M. L., et al. (2017). "The role of chiropractic care in musculoskeletal pain management." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
- Barnett, L. S., et al. (2012). "Soft tissue therapy and its efficacy in injury rehabilitation." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
