HAND, WRIST AND ELBOW problems
Chiropractic Care For…
COMMON HAND, WRIST AND ELBOW PROBLEMS
Pain or dysfunction in the hand, wrist, or elbow can have a significant impact on everyday tasks — from working on a computer to driving, cooking, lifting, or simply gripping objects. Whether caused by a fall, repetitive strain, or an underlying joint issue, these problems can become persistent if not properly assessed and treated. At Holly Cottage Chiropractic Clinic, we take a whole-body approach to diagnosing and managing upper limb conditions to help you regain comfort, strength, and mobility.
Hand, wrist, and elbow issues are more common than many people realise. These joints are involved in nearly everything we do, and even small injuries can have a big impact. Common causes include repetitive strain, work-related overuse, sports injuries, or falls — especially when landing on an outstretched hand. Conditions such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains, and thumb arthritis frequently occur in people who perform the same movements repeatedly, often without adequate rest or proper biomechanics.
After a fall, subtle joint misalignments or soft tissue injuries in the wrist, hand, or elbow may not be immediately obvious, but can develop into longer-term pain or dysfunction if left untreated. This is why early, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Chiropractors are uniquely trained to assess how the entire musculoskeletal system functions — not just the area of pain. We look at the full chain of movement, including the neck, shoulder, and upper back, to determine whether your symptoms are localised or referred. We use a combination of orthopaedic testing, range of motion assessments, and neurological screening to identify the true cause of your discomfort.
Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue therapy, stretching, postural correction, and advice on ergonomics and activity modification. If inflammation is a contributing factor, we may work alongside our in-house Clinical Dietitian to support you with nutrition strategies and anti-inflammatory supplements.
Our goal is not only to relieve your current symptoms, but to help prevent recurrence by addressing underlying movement patterns, joint mechanics, and lifestyle factors. Whether you’re dealing with the after-effects of a fall, repetitive strain from work or sport, or gradual joint wear and tear, we’re here to help you feel more confident in your movement and function — from shoulder to fingertip.
The Causes of
HAND, WRIST AND ELBOW PAIN
The hand, wrist, and elbow are made up of a complex network of joints, tendons, nerves, and muscles — and when any part of this system becomes irritated or damaged, pain and dysfunction can quickly follow. Below are some of the most common conditions we see and treat at Holly Cottage Chiropractic Clinic.
TENNIS ELBOW
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons attaching to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it’s not limited to athletes — it often affects people who perform repetitive gripping or twisting movements in work or daily life, such as typing, lifting, or using tools. The pain is usually localised on the outside of the elbow and may radiate into the forearm. Chiropractic care can help reduce tendon irritation through soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, exercise prescription, and ergonomic advice to offload stress on the area.
GOLFER’S ELBOW
Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner side of the elbow where the flexor tendons attach. It can be caused by repetitive wrist flexion, gripping, or forearm strain. Pain is typically felt on the inside of the elbow and may extend down the forearm. Chiropractors can assist with hands-on techniques to reduce tension, support healing, and restore normal function. Rehabilitative exercises and movement modification are key parts of recovery.
TRIGGER FINGER/THUMB
Trigger finger or thumb occurs when a tendon in the finger becomes inflamed and catches or locks during movement. This can cause a popping sensation, stiffness, or a finger that temporarily sticks in a bent position. It often results from repetitive gripping or prolonged pressure on the hand. While more severe cases may require medical intervention, early symptoms can often be managed with manual therapy, stretching, and activity modification under chiropractic care.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis in the small joints of the hand or wrist can lead to stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced dexterity — especially in older adults or those with a history of repetitive use. Commonly affected areas include the base of the thumb (CMC joint), fingers, and wrist. While arthritis cannot be reversed, chiropractic care can help manage symptoms through gentle mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and strengthening exercises. Our Clinical Dietitian may also support you with anti-inflammatory dietary strategies and joint-supporting supplements.
CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist. It often causes numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the thumb and fingers — especially at night or after repetitive use. Chiropractors assess not only the wrist, but also the neck, shoulder, and forearm to determine where the nerve may be irritated. Treatment may include mobilisation of the wrist and surrounding joints, soft tissue work, nerve gliding exercises, and ergonomic changes to reduce pressure on the nerve.
Our goal is to help you feel better, move better and live better by delivering quality Chiropractic care.