Wrist and Hand Pain: What It Means and When to See a Physical Therapist
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in What We Treat on July 10, 2025
Wrist and hand pain may seem minor at first—just a little stiffness after work, some tingling while typing, or soreness after a long day. But over time, those small symptoms can get in the way of daily life—typing, lifting, cooking, even sleeping.
The truth is, if left untreated, wrist and hand pain can become chronic and harder to resolve. At Reform Physical Therapy, we help patients across Maine get relief from these symptoms and get back to using their hands confidently and pain-free.
Common Causes of Wrist and Hand Pain
Whether it came on suddenly or has been slowly building over time, wrist and hand pain can stem from several different causes. Some of the most common include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendinitis or overuse injuries
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Post-fracture or post-surgical stiffness
- Nerve compression or neuropathy
- Sprains, strains, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (often seen in new parents or manual laborers)
- Trigger finger or thumb issues
If your pain lingers, flares up with certain activities, or interferes with sleep or grip strength—it’s a sign your body needs support.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sometimes pain feels minor or manageable, but certain red flags mean it’s time to seek help:
- Persistent pain that lasts more than 2 weeks
- Tingling or numbness in fingers or wrist
- Weakness when gripping or holding objects
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Limited range of motion or swelling
- “Clicking” or “catching” sensations in the fingers or wrist
- Recent injury or fall
Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term mobility loss, chronic nerve pain, or joint deformity in severe cases.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
You don’t need to “wait it out” or jump straight to surgery. Physical therapy offers non-invasive, highly effective treatment to address the root cause of your pain.
At Reform Physical Therapy, we work with patients of all ages and activity levels to:
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Improve range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthen the muscles that support wrist and hand function
- Address nerve involvement (like carpal tunnel or ulnar nerve issues)
- Create ergonomic strategies for work and home
- Support post-surgical or post-fracture recovery
Your treatment plan will be fully customized based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you visit any of our Reform Physical Therapy clinics in Maine, you’ll receive a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist. We’ll take time to understand your symptoms, review your movement patterns, and assess strength, mobility, and nerve function.
Treatment may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Gentle stretching and strengthening
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Activity modifications
- At-home exercises tailored just for you
We’ll also teach you how to prevent future flare-ups—so you leave feeling confident, not confused.
Don’t Wait—Wrist and Hand Pain is Treatable
Whether you’re typing all day, working with your hands, lifting little ones, or just trying to sleep through the night—your hands matter. Pain and dysfunction in this area can take a big toll on your quality of life, but the good news is: you don’t have to live with it.
Ready to Feel Better?
Reform Physical Therapy offers expert care in multiple convenient Maine locations, including Eliot, Brunswick, Kennebunk, South Portland, and more. Our providers are here to help you move better, feel better, and regain full use of your hands and wrists—without unnecessary medications or procedures.
Call us today or request your first appointment online to get started.