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Tips from our pre-eminent physiotherapist, Martin Haines

Martin Haines, Managing Director of Mobilis Performance, provides his treatment tips and a selection of products to aid in the rehabilitation of this injury.

What are the symptoms of Wrist Strain?

Assuming there is no underlying clinical pathology, like a fracture, the wrist injury is likely to be either joint or ligament related. It can be very difficult to differentiate between the two as they are both so closely linked and of course, the wrist is generally unstable and so the force required to damage one, will likely affect the other. The area may become swollen and bruising may present soon after the injury occurs.

What are the causes of Wrist Strain?

Wrist strains can occur by falling awkwardly onto the wrist or hand. Repetitive tennis movements such as practicing too many ground strokes or volleying in one session may cause injury too. Alternatively one high velocity movement such as a kick serve may also cause wrist pain. In rowing, wrist injuries are common if the catch or recovery phases are uncoordinated whereas in badminton wrist injuries are often caused by over jealous overhead clears.

Who does Wrist Strain affect?

Tennis players, rowers, badminton players and shot putters.

What are the treatments for Wrist Strain?

You could try the following,

• Avoid repeating the cause
• Apply ice for the pain, swelling and bruising following a sudden injury
• Pain free movement often helps after the initial acute phase
• Mobilisations of the injured joints can also be helpful

Additional tips from Vulkan:

• Always warm up/cool down and stretch thoroughly before taking part in any physical or sporting activity in order to reduce the risk of injury
• Try to avoid long periods of repetitive movements of the wrist in order to reduce the risk of developing an overuse injury. If you can, avoid the palm down position when you’re working, it will reduce the pressure on your wrists. The ‘handshake’ or ‘karate chop’ position where your thumb is on top of your hand and your little finger is at the bottom offers least pressure on your wrists
• For office workers, when seated at your desk, your elbows should be bent to a right angle, so that your forearms are at or slightly above the level of the desk
• Try to make use of any manual handling aids e.g. lifts, hoists etc rather than attempting to lift or move heavy objects with your hands

Type of brace

If the joint is swollen, then try a brace that offers compression, if not, then a brace that offers more support may be helpful.