At MedStar Health, our hand specialists work with each patient to establish a treatment plan — including the techniques used in supervised and independent therapy sessions — based on their individual situation and needs.
Additionally, our therapists teach and guide each patient to maximize the use of the dysfunctional extremity while preventing re-injury or worsening of condition. Therapists may educate the patient on the disease process, the healing process, and rationale for the prescribed therapy techniques.
An assortment of services are offered, including
Management of acute or chronic pain
Protective splinting for immobilization and controlled motion post-operatively or post-injury
Exercise programs to restore motion, strength, and fine and gross motor coordination
Home exercise programs
Sensory re-education programs after nerve injury
Thermal and electrical modalities to minimize pain and swelling, facilitate restoration of joint motion and tendon gliding, and decrease hypersensitivity
Whirlpools to assist with wound healing
Social work consultations
What are some common causes of hand, wrist, and elbow pain?
A number of conditions can cause hand, wrist or elbow pain, including:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Trigger finger
- Sprains
- Ganglion cyst
- Tendinitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- De Quervain syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of hand, wrist, or elbow pain may include weakness, tingling, numbness, or swelling. Certain hand, wrist, and elbow conditions like tendinitis and De Quervain syndrome are caused by repetitive stress and overuse that damages your tendons, muscles, and other tissues over time.
Most of these conditions can bring about ongoing pain that can limit your activities and disrupt your normal routine. Fortunately, 360 Orthopedics offers a wide range of conservative treatments to relieve your pain and restore your health without the need for surgery.
How is hand, wrist, and elbow pain diagnosed?
Your hand, wrist, or elbow pain can come from a wide range of injuries and diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. 360 Orthopedics offers a number of advanced diagnostics to determine the underlying cause of your pain.
To begin your diagnosis, your doctor performs an in-depth physical exam to check for tenderness, inflammation, and other abnormalities. You and your doctor also discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may conduct imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. 360 Orthopedics also offers electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), which measure the health and function of your nerves and muscles.
After your diagnosis, your doctor determines the best treatments for your condition and works with you to develop your individualized treatment plan.
What treatments are available?
In most cases, your orthopedic specialist can treat your hand, wrist, or elbow pain through nonsurgical methods. 360 Orthopedics specializes in comprehensive care so your doctor may combine a number of conservative treatments as a part of your treatment plan.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modifications
- Splinting
- Sling, cast, or brace
- Injections
- Regenerative medicine
360 Orthopedics offers a wide range of opioid-free conservative treatments. The team is dedicated to providing respectful, compassionate care and gives you access to the treatments you need to achieve a successful recovery.
To speak with an orthopedic specialist about your hand, wrist, or elbow pain, call one of the offices or book online today.
Wrist Flexor Stretch
Stand facing wall, injured foot back, uninjured foot forward, toes facing wall. Keep injured foot heel flat and slowly bend front leg, , keeping injured leg straight. Lean hips forward with back straight
With arm resting on table and hand hanging off table and elbow straight, slowly grab
injured hand and slowly bend wrist up until a stretch is felt. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly return to starting position.
Wrist Extensor Stretch
With arm restin on table and hand hanging off the table and elbow straight, slowly grab the injured hand and slowly bend the wrist down until a stretch is felt. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly return to the starting position.
Supination/Pronation
With resting arm next to body, palm out and sown in front, turn hands up until a stretch is felt. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly turn hand down until a stretch is felt. Hold for 5 seconds and return to starting position.