HULC

Pain Management

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Pain Management

Hand Pain Management Therapy in Perth

HULC offers hand pain management therapy across Perth and Southwest, delivering timely and focused care to help restore hand strength, movement, and comfort. Our team of experienced Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists work with individuals experiencing hand or wrist pain due to injury, overuse, or chronic conditions. Each patient receives a personalised treatment plan based on clinical assessment and evidence-based practices. The goal is to relieve discomfort, improve function, and support long-term recovery through proven therapy techniques and professional care.

Call (08) 9334 0777 to book an appointment with our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists for treatment and therapy for your pain condition on hands or upper limb or visit us directly at Perth and Southwest.

What is Hand Pain Management Therapy?

Hand pain management therapy is a clinical approach that focuses on treating pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the hand and wrist. It uses targeted rehabilitation techniques to relieve pain, improve movement, and support recovery from various conditions. It involves personalised care by occupational or physical therapists to address both acute and long-term issues, aiming to restore hand strength, coordination, and overall function for daily activities.

Hand Therapy at HULC

Therapists at the Hand and Upper Limb Centre use a multidisciplinary approach supported by current evidence-based research. Each patient receives a personalised treatment plan based on clinical assessment and diagnosis. The team works closely with referring GPs, hand surgeons, pain specialists, psychologists, and allied health professionals to ensure coordinated care. This collaboration allows for effective management of hand and wrist conditions, aiming to restore function, reduce pain, and support long-term recovery as efficiently as possible.

Our Hand Pain Therapy Treatment Techniques

HULC provides patients with proven treatment techniques for individuals experiencing acute or chronic hand pain due to various conditions or injuries. Our range of treatment methods include:

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Active range of motion involves controlled hand or upper limb movements completed without external help. These exercises are used to improve joint flexibility, rebuild muscle strength, and support functional recovery following injury, surgery, or extended periods of immobility.

Desensitisation Techniques

Gradual exposure to textures, temperatures, and vibrations helps reduce sensitivity in the affected area. Desensitisation techniques are commonly used after nerve injuries or hand surgery to retrain the sensory response and improve tolerance to touch, supporting comfort and function during recovery.

Thermal Therapies

Thermal therapies involve using heat or cold to relieve hand pain, stiffness, and swelling. Heat helps relax tight muscles and improves blood flow to the area, supporting recovery. Cold therapy is effective for reducing inflammation and numbing sharp pain, especially after injury or overuse.

Oedema Management

Oedema management focuses on reducing swelling in the hand using targeted techniques such as compression garments, manual lymphatic massage, proper limb positioning, and guided movement exercises. These methods help decrease fluid build-up, support tissue healing, and improve comfort and mobility.

Graded motor imagery, including mirror therapies and laterality brain training

Graded motor imagery is a brain-focused therapy using mirror therapy and laterality training to help retrain movement patterns and reduce pain. It is often used for complex hand conditions where pain persists despite physical healing, supporting recovery by targeting how the brain processes movement and sensation.

Common Causes of Hand Pain

Common causes of upper hand pain include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, trigger finger, tendonitis, muscle strain, and injuries. These conditions may lead to stiffness, swelling, numbness, or limited movement, affecting daily activities and requiring tailored therapy for recovery.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement, often affecting the fingers and base of the thumb. It develops when the protective cartilage in the joints gradually wears down over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes swelling, pain, and joint damage. It commonly affects the small joints in the hands and can lead to deformities and loss of function if not managed early.

Nerve Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms often worsen with repetitive hand movements or prolonged wrist positions.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

When the ulnar nerve is compressed near the elbow, it can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the ring and little fingers. Bending the elbow for long periods may worsen the symptoms and affect hand grip or coordination.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves may result in burning pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the hands. It can be caused by diabetes, infections, injuries, or certain medications, affecting daily hand function.

Tendon and Muscle Issues

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons in the hand or wrist, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. It leads to localised pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, especially during gripping or lifting activities.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when a finger becomes locked in a bent position and may suddenly straighten with a snap. This is due to inflammation that narrows the sheath surrounding the tendon, making movement painful and restricted.

Muscle Strain or Tear

Muscle strains or tears in the hand can result from forceful movements, repetitive tasks, or direct trauma. These injuries often cause pain, weakness, and difficulty performing daily hand functions like gripping or lifting.

Other Conditions

De Quervain's Disease

Pain and swelling develop in the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist, often made worse by gripping or twisting movements. This condition can affect hand function and daily tasks.

Ganglion Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs form near joints or tendons, usually on the back of the wrist or hand. These cysts may change in size, cause discomfort, or affect movement if they press on nearby structures.

Trauma:

Fractures, sprains, or dislocations from accidents or overuse may result in hand pain, swelling, or reduced mobility. Prompt assessment and therapy help prevent long-term complications.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Thickened tissue builds up under the skin of the palm, pulling fingers into a bent position over time. The condition affects grip strength and hand flexibility, especially in older adults.

Book an appointment​

Visit one of our dedicated therapists across our 13 convenient locations.