Wrist and hand pain can interfere with almost every aspect of daily life — from typing and driving to lifting and sport. Our physiotherapists in Surbiton are experienced in the full range of wrist and hand conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome in desk workers to TFCC tears in climbers and gymnasts.
Numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb, index and middle finger — often waking you at night. Caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Physiotherapy (nerve mobilisation, wrist exercises, splinting advice) is first-line treatment before surgical referral.
Pain at the base of the thumb on the radial (thumb) side of the wrist, particularly painful with pinching or gripping. Very common in new parents (nappy changes, lifting), climbers and racquet sport players. Responds well to physiotherapy and load modification.
Pain on the ulnar (little finger) side of the wrist, often with clicking or instability. The TFCC is the cartilage disc that stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist. Occurs from falls on an outstretched hand, rotation under load (racquet sports, weightlifting), or degeneratively.
Scapholunate ligament injuries are the most significant — often from a fall. The key is distinguishing a stable partial tear (physiotherapy) from an unstable complete tear (surgical assessment required). Accurate examination is essential.
A finger that clicks, catches or locks in a bent position. Caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath narrowing the space through which the flexor tendon glides. Physiotherapy, finger exercises and splinting can resolve mild cases; persistent or locked cases may need injection or surgical release.
After distal radius fractures (the most common fracture in adults), scaphoid fractures, or metacarpal fractures, physiotherapy is essential to restore range of movement, grip strength and function. We work alongside your orthopaedic consultant's timeline.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common — particularly in Surbiton and Kingston's professional population, where desk-based work, repetitive mouse and keyboard use, and commuting (sustained grip on steering wheel or phone) all increase median nerve compression at the wrist.
Symptoms that suggest carpal tunnel: numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle finger (not the little finger — that's cubital tunnel); symptoms worse at night or when holding a phone/book; weakness and clumsiness when gripping small objects; pain that travels up the forearm.
Physiotherapy is effective for mild to moderate carpal tunnel — particularly neural mobilisation exercises, wrist splinting advice (wearing a splint at night is a first-line evidence-based treatment), ergonomic changes and strengthening. Severe carpal tunnel (constant numbness, significant weakness, thenar muscle wasting) requires surgical referral, and we will tell you clearly if that is the case.
The KT area has a growing climbing and gymnastics community, and wrist injuries in these sports require specialist knowledge. Climbers present with pulley injuries (finger flexor tendon pulley tears), TFCC injuries from torque loading on crimps, and ECU tendinopathy. Gymnasts present with dorsal wrist impingement and stress reactions of the distal radius growth plate in juniors.
These injuries are distinct from occupational wrist conditions and require sport-specific management. Our physiotherapists understand the demands of these sports and will design rehabilitation plans that work within your training constraints.
Up to 60 min — full assessment, diagnosis and hands-on treatment
30 min — continued treatment and exercise progression
Insurance patients: we accept Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Allianz — check your insurer. No GP referral needed.
Usually not for initial assessment. Clinical examination is sufficient to guide treatment in most cases. We will recommend imaging (X-ray or MRI) if we suspect a structural injury (ligament tear, fracture) that would change the management plan.
Yes, for mild to moderate cases. Neural mobilisation, splinting and ergonomic changes produce significant improvement in around 50–60% of mild-moderate carpal tunnel cases. Severe carpal tunnel (constant numbness, weakness, muscle wasting) needs surgical review.
With physiotherapy, most cases improve significantly within 6–10 weeks. Activity modification — reducing the specific pinching and lifting movements that provoke it — is essential alongside treatment.
As soon as your cast comes off, ideally. Early physiotherapy after distal radius fractures significantly reduces the risk of long-term stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome and grip weakness. Don't wait for a GP referral — book directly.
Yes. RSI is a broad term covering various wrist and forearm overuse conditions. We identify the specific structure involved (tendon, nerve, joint) and design a treatment plan based on that — not just generic RSI advice. Ergonomic assessment and load modification are part of the treatment.
Same-week appointments available. No GP referral needed. CQC-registered clinic.
Book Online 020 8133 5694380 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7BE
Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 | Sat 09:00–14:00
020 8133 5694