Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
The wrist is a complex joint involving eight carpal bones, multiple ligaments, and several tendons — which means wrist pain can arise from many different structures. Accurate diagnosis is the most important first step to effective treatment.
Common Wrist Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy
- Wrist sprain: Ligament stretching or tearing from a fall on outstretched hand. Bracing, swelling management, progressive loading, and return to activity.
- Scaphoid fracture: Common injury from FOOSH that is notoriously missed on early X-ray. Requires cast immobilisation or surgery for displaced fractures; physiotherapy after healing for range and strength restoration.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Thumb-side tendon inflammation treated with splinting, activity modification, and progressive loading.
- TFCC injury: Ulnar-sided wrist pain from cartilage/ligament damage. Bracing, manual therapy, grip strengthening.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Nerve compression causing tingling and numbness. Night splinting, nerve mobilisation, ergonomic correction.
- Repetitive strain / occupational overuse: Tendon and soft tissue irritation from sustained or repetitive work tasks.
- Post-fracture rehabilitation: After Colles' fracture or other wrist fractures, physiotherapy restores range of movement, strength, and function.
What to Expect at Your Wrist Assessment
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history, perform specific orthopaedic tests for each structure, assess grip strength, range of movement, and sensation, and determine whether imaging is needed. In many cases, treatment begins at the first appointment.
Wrist Pain Treatment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We treat the full spectrum of wrist conditions — from acute injuries to chronic occupational overuse. We provide splinting services on-site. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of wrist pain?
Common causes include: wrist sprain (stretching of ligaments, usually from a fall on outstretched hand), De Quervain's tenosynovitis (thumb-side tendon inflammation), TFCC tears (triangular fibrocartilage complex — the main stabilising structure of the ulnar wrist), carpal tunnel syndrome, scaphoid fracture (often missed on X-ray), extensor or flexor tendinopathy, and ganglion cysts.
I fell on my wrist — how do I know if it is broken?
Wrist fractures (particularly scaphoid fractures) can be difficult to distinguish from sprains without imaging. Red flags for fracture include: pain in the anatomical snuffbox (between the two tendons at the base of the thumb), severe swelling, deformity, inability to weight-bear on the wrist, or pain that does not improve within a few days. If in doubt, see a GP for X-ray. A physiotherapist will refer you for imaging if a fracture is suspected.
What is a TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a cartilage and ligament structure on the ulnar (little finger) side of the wrist that stabilises the joint between the ulna and wrist bones. TFCC tears cause ulnar-sided wrist pain that is worse with forearm rotation and gripping. Minor tears can be managed with physiotherapy and bracing; significant tears may require corticosteroid injection or surgery.
How can I prevent wrist pain from desk work?
Key ergonomic adjustments include: keyboard at elbow height with wrists neutral (not extended), mouse close to the body, wrist pad use during rest but not while typing, regular micro-breaks, and wrist mobility exercises every hour. A physiotherapist can perform an ergonomic screen and teach specific exercises to address the muscle imbalances that develop with desk work.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora