Arm, Wrist & Hand · Trenton, MI
Wrist Pain
Physical therapy for wrist pain at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
Wrist pain comes from many sources: sprained ligaments after a fall, overloaded tendons from repetitive work, arthritis at the thumb base, or nerve compression like carpal tunnel. Each has a distinct pattern — and a distinct fix.
Because we use our hands constantly, wrist pain rarely gets the rest other joints do. Skilled treatment plus smart activity modification breaks the cycle.
Common signs & symptoms
- Pain with weight-bearing on the hand (push-ups, floors)
- Aching after typing, gripping, or lifting
- Swelling or stiffness in the wrist
- Clicking or catching with motion
- Weak or painful grip
How physical therapy helps
After identifying the involved structure, treatment blends joint mobilization for stiffness, tendon-loading exercise for overuse problems, and splinting guidance where short-term protection helps. We rebuild grip strength and wrist stability so daily tasks stop provoking symptoms.
Treatments we use
- Joint mobilization
- Tendon loading
- Grip strengthening
- Splinting guidance
- Ergonomic correction
Frequently asked questions
I fell on my hand weeks ago and it still hurts — is that normal?
Persistent wrist pain after a fall deserves attention. Some wrist bones (like the scaphoid) have fractures that hide on early X-rays. See your physician, and we'll coordinate rehab from there.
Do wrist braces help?
For short-term protection or nighttime positioning, yes. As a permanent solution, no — the goal is a wrist strong enough not to need one.
Can PT help wrist arthritis?
Yes. Joint mobilization, strengthening of supporting muscles, and activity modification consistently reduce arthritic wrist and thumb pain without medication.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.