Hand Pain
Help for painful, stiff or weak hands — from arthritis to overuse — so fine, everyday tasks feel easy again.
Our hands perform countless precise tasks every day, so pain, stiffness or weakness here can be surprisingly limiting — from doing up buttons and opening jars to writing and gripping. Hand pain commonly arises from arthritis of the small joints, tendon problems, overuse, or recovery after an injury.
Because the hand is so intricate, swelling and stiffness can quickly reduce dexterity and grip, and people often start avoiding activities, which leads to further stiffness and weakness. Gentle, early intervention helps break that cycle.
We use mobilisation, targeted exercises and practical joint-protection strategies to reduce pain, improve dexterity and restore the strength and confidence your hands need for daily life.
Common causes
- Osteoarthritis of the finger and thumb joints
- Tendon problems such as trigger finger or De Quervain's
- Overuse from repetitive gripping or fine tasks
- Stiffness and swelling after injury or surgery
- Inflammatory conditions affecting the joints
Signs & symptoms
- Stiff, swollen or painful finger and thumb joints
- Reduced grip strength and pinch
- Pain with fine tasks like buttons, jars or writing
- Aching after using the hands
- Clicking, catching or locking of a finger
How we treat hand pain
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Detailed hand assessment
We examine the joints, tendons and movement of your hand and identify which structures are driving the pain and stiffness.
Ease pain & swelling
Gentle mobilisation, swelling management and supportive strategies reduce discomfort and improve movement.
Restore strength & dexterity
Targeted exercises rebuild grip, pinch and fine control so daily tasks become easier and less painful.
Joint protection
We teach practical ways to perform tasks and use aids that reduce strain on sensitive joints over the long term.
What to expect
Many hand problems improve steadily with a consistent exercise and joint-protection program over several weeks. Arthritic hands in particular benefit from ongoing self-management that keeps them mobile and strong.
Our goal is to maximise your independence and comfort in the tasks that matter to you, adapting the program as your hands improve.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about hand pain and how we treat it.
Can physio help hand arthritis?
Yes. Specific exercises, joint-protection techniques and aids can significantly reduce pain and maintain function, even though arthritis itself can't be reversed.
What is trigger finger?
It's when a finger catches or locks as it bends, due to a tendon problem. It often responds to targeted treatment and activity modification.
Will exercise damage my joints?
No — appropriate exercise helps. We dose it carefully to strengthen and mobilise without overloading sensitive joints.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.