Hand + Upper Limb Centre (HULC) offers wrist ligament injury therapy in Perth and the South West, providing effective treatment to restore your hand strength, movement and comfort. Our skilled Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to identify the extent of ligament damage and deliver tailored therapy programs. Each treatment plan focuses on improving joint stability, reducing pain, and supporting long-term recovery. We work closely with patients across all stages of rehabilitation.
Call (08) 9334 0777 to book an appointment with our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists for treatment of Wrist ligament injury condition on hands or upper limb or visit us directly at Perth and South West.
What is Wrist ligament injury?
A wrist ligament injury, also called a wrist sprain, occurs when one or more ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones and provide stability to joints. In the wrist, they play a vital role in supporting the small bones and guiding proper hand and wrist movement. These injuries can affect normal wrist function and mobility.
Wrist ligament injuries often happen due to sudden force, such as a fall on an outstretched hand, or from repetitive movements during sports or work. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, reduced range of motion, a popping sensation, or a feeling of instability. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to ensure healing, prevent long-term issues, and restore function.
Grades of Wrist ligament injury
Sprains are graded based on the degree of injury to the ligaments:
- Grade 1 – Mild Ligament Stretch: A Grade 1 wrist ligament injury involves stretching of the ligament fibres without any tearing. Symptoms often include mild pain, slight swelling, and minimal restriction in wrist movement. The joint remains stable and functional. Treatment typically includes rest, ice application, compression, and activity modification. Most individuals recover within a few weeks without the need for intensive rehabilitation or medical intervention.
- Grade 2 – Partial Ligament Tear: Grade 2 injuries occur when the ligament fibres are partially torn. This may cause noticeable swelling, bruising, moderate pain, and reduced wrist function. The wrist can feel weak or unstable during movement. Management generally involves immobilisation using a splint or brace, followed by physiotherapy to rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and support proper healing over several weeks depending on severity.
- Grade 3 – Complete Ligament Tear: A Grade 3 injury is a complete tear or rupture of one or more ligaments in the wrist. Symptoms include severe pain, major swelling, extensive bruising, and limited or painful range of motion. The wrist often feels unstable and may appear deformed. This level of injury usually requires surgical repair to restore ligament function and joint alignment, followed by structured rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and wrist stability.
Causes of Wrist Ligament Injury
Wrist ligament injuries often occur due to sudden impacts such as falling onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the wrist. Repetitive motions in sports like tennis or work-related tasks involving continuous wrist strain can also contribute to ligament damage. Chronic overuse may lead to microtears that weaken the ligament structure over time. Degenerative changes associated with aging or osteoarthritis can reduce ligament strength and flexibility. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout may inflame surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of ligament injury. Some individuals may have congenital abnormalities in wrist structure, making them more prone to ligament problems.
Some of the Causes of wrist ligament injury:
- Falls
- Sudden Force
- Sports Injuries
- Repetitive Stress
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Degenerative Changes
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory Conditions
- Gout
- Congenital Factors
Symptoms of Wrist Ligament Injury
Wrist ligament injuries can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the damage. Common signs include pain that worsens with movement or pressure, noticeable swelling around the joint, and bruising that may spread to the hand or forearm. The wrist may feel unstable or weak, especially when lifting or gripping objects. Some individuals experience a popping or tearing sensation during the injury. Additional symptoms may include tenderness to touch, reduced grip strength, limited range of motion, and warmth around the affected area.
Here are most common symptoms of Wrist Ligament Injury:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Instability
- Limited Range of Motion
- Popping or Tearing
- Warmth
- Loss of Grip Strength
Wrist Ligament Injury Management Treatment Therapy We Provide
HULC provides comprehensive management therapy for wrist ligament injuries, focusing on a combination of rehabilitation techniques tailored to your specific needs. Our therapy includes:
Exercise Program
Our therapists are trained in targeted rehabilitation exercises designed for the upper limb. Programs are structured to restore movement, reduce pain, and support ligament healing. Each session is tailored to your injury type and recovery stage. These include:
- Proprioceptive exercises to improve joint awareness and control
- Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility
- Strengthening routines to support ligament repair and joint function
- Functional rehabilitation to restore everyday hand and wrist use
- Weight-bearing programs to safely rebuild wrist stability and strength
Oedema Swelling Management
Managing swelling is essential to reduce discomfort and support recovery. Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause and applying effective therapies. Interventions include limb elevation, gentle compression, manual techniques, and education on lifestyle adjustments such as reducing salt intake. For persistent swelling, appropriate medical referrals are arranged to ensure comprehensive care.
Scar Management
Our goal in scar management is to maintain full joint mobility and support a healthy cosmetic outcome. Therapists use specialised techniques that encourage smooth tissue gliding under the skin, preventing tightness or movement restriction. All team members are trained in post-surgical and trauma-related scar care for the upper limb, ensuring optimal healing and reduced long-term impact.
Splinting
We provide custom-fitted thermoplastic splints on the same day as your appointment. These are fabricated in-clinic within 10 to 30 minutes depending on complexity. Thermoplastic orthoses are lightweight, removable for hygiene and wound access, water-resistant, and more comfortable than traditional alternatives. Splints are designed to immobilise, protect, and support the healing of wrist ligaments while allowing functional use when appropriate.
Wound Care
All therapists at HULC are qualified to deliver both simple and complex wound care for wrist and upper limb injuries. Our approach ensures proper healing while minimising the risk of complications. Each treatment is tailored to your specific wound type, stage of healing, and overall condition. Services include:
- Dressing changes using advanced materials suited for wounds with drainage or higher infection risk
- Neurovascular testing to assess blood flow and nerve function in healing tissue, grafts, or flap sites
- Suture and steri-staple removal performed with care to prevent reopening or damaging the healing area
- Debridement to remove non-viable tissue, supporting the development of healthy new tissue
- Infection management through monitoring, treatment, and coordination with your treating doctor or specialist
- Education and self-care training to help you manage your wound confidently at home and recognise signs that need medical attention
Our wound care services aim to accelerate recovery, reduce scarring, and support your return to daily activities.
