Treating Hand Pain

Hand pain can be mild with certain movements, or unbearable even at rest. For an accurate assessment, it is important to determine whether the pain is triggered by movement, by which specific movements, how long it takes to subside, or whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Hand pain may have the following characteristics:

• Sharp

• Knife-like

• Throbbing

• Burning

• Like an electric shock

• Superficial

• Deep

• Mild

• Dull

• Continuous

• Intermittent

When hand pain appears, the immediate steps we take are:

• Resting the hand and avoiding the activity that triggers the pain

• Applying ice to the hand, over the painful area, for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day (the ice should be wrapped in a towel)

• Gentle stretches of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers, which help maintain the flexibility of the hand

Assessment by the Physiotherapist is essential in order to identify the affected structures and to rule out, or confirm, the coexistence of other pathological conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as:

• De Quervain's Syndrome

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Tendinopathy of the Hand

• Fracture

• Joint pathology

The assessment by Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist Mr. Konstantinos Danalis is carried out through a detailed history-taking, the performance of clinical tests, and the trial treatment that follows.

The first priority is reducing the pain, which in some patients can be extremely acute. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialised massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce the pain in every case. Mobilisation of the hand then follows, using specialised exercises. Gradually, as movement increases, shoulder strengthening exercises are introduced, which over time regulate correct movement so that the hand moves freely without causing a relapse. The interventions applied are:

• Stretches and stretching exercises to increase flexibility

• Dynamic shoulder stability through strengthening

• Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapy to reduce pain and increase mobility

• Electrophysical Modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation

• TECAR for deep heating of the tissues and to accelerate the recovery of the shoulder

Athanasia A.

Mr. Danalis is a true professional who gives the necessary attention to the patient and to the problem at hand. Most importantly, the quality and effectiveness of the treatment are outstanding, delivered in a creative and, above all, productive way. I recommend him without reservation.

Erifyli S.

Mr. Danalis knows his field very well and takes a personal and dedicated interest in his patient! He has a positive attitude and has helped me a great deal!! I have great trust in him and recommend him without reservation.

Giota S.

He knows his field very well, spent a great deal of time on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!

To prevent hand pain in chronic conditions, a monthly programme is required that includes:

• Orthopaedic manual massage

• A structured exercise programme

Further advice on prevention and self-management by the patient can be found at the links below:

• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

The cost of treatment is not high. Usually 6 sessions are required, in which the treatment programme is adjusted each time to the patient's current condition. Once the symptoms have subsided, a structured exercise programme is introduced that prevents any relapses. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so that they can follow it on their own, but there is also the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the Physiotherapist in order to overcome any difficulties.

If you have Hand Pain, call PhysioDanali today for expert advice from the Physiotherapist!

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