What is physio for fingers?

 

Physiotherapy for finger injuries involves a range of treatments aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications. Common interventions include exercises to improve range of motion and strength, manual therapy techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and pain (Clarke, 2006). Splinting may also be used to protect the injured finger and promote healing. Early intervention is crucial to prevent stiffness and ensure optimal recovery (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).

What finger conditions can physio treat? 

The expert Physiotherapists at Keilor Road Physiotherapy can effectively treat a variety of finger conditions, including:

  1. Fractures: After a finger fracture, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. Treatment may include exercises to improve range of motion and strength, manual therapy to mobilize joints, and modalities like ultrasound to reduce pain and swelling. The goal is to restore normal function and prevent stiffness (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).

  2. Tendon Injuries: Injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons in the fingers can result from cuts or traumatic events. Physiotherapy interventions include tendon gliding exercises, splinting to protect the tendon during healing, and strengthening exercises to restore function. Early mobilization is important to prevent adhesions and stiffness (Valdes et al., 2015).

  3. Trigger Finger: Trigger finger is characterized by a finger getting stuck in a bent position. Physiotherapy treatment may involve stretching exercises, splinting to rest the affected finger, and modalities like heat or ultrasound to reduce inflammation. In some cases, gentle manual therapy techniques can help improve finger mobility (Peters-Veluthamaningal et al., 2009).

  4. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis of the finger joints can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms through exercises that improve joint range of motion and strength, as well as education on joint protection techniques. Modalities like heat therapy may also be used to relieve pain (Zhang et al., 2009).

  5. Sprains and Strains: Ligament sprains or muscle strains in the fingers can occur due to overstretching or tearing of the tissues. Physiotherapy treatment includes rest and immobilization initially, followed by exercises to restore range of motion and strength. Taping techniques may also be used to support the injured finger during recovery.

  6. Dupuytren's Contracture: Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that causes the fingers to bend towards the palm. While surgery is often required to release the contracture, physiotherapy can be beneficial post-operatively. Exercises to improve finger extension, scar massage, and splinting can help maintain the surgical gains and improve hand function (Ball et al., 2016).

How does a physio treat finger injuries ?

Physio can assist with finger injuries in a variety of ways. Including:

  1. Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity of the injured finger. These may include finger flexion and extension, opposition, and grip strengthening exercises (Clarke, 2006).

  2. Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and tendon gliding can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness in the finger (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).

  3. Splinting: In some cases, splints may be used to immobilize the finger and protect it during the healing process. Splints can also be used to gently stretch the finger and improve its range of motion (Peters-Veluthamaningal et al., 2009).

  4. Education: Physiotherapists provide education on proper finger care, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications to prevent further injury and promote healing.

  5. Functional Retraining: As the finger heals, physiotherapy focuses on functional retraining to help the patient return to their normal activities, including work and sports.

  6. Referral to see a hand specialist should it be required.

Contact our friendly physios at KRP

If you're experiencing finger pain or have suffered a finger injury, don't let it hold you back any longer. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, our expert physiotherapists are here to help you regain your finger strength and flexibility. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards being pain-free. Click here to schedule your session and experience the difference our expert care can make.

 
 

References:

  1. Handoll, H. H., & Elliott, J. (2015). Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, (9), CD003324. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003324.pub3

  2. Valdes, K., Naughton, N., & Algar, L. (2015). Conservative treatment of mallet finger: A systematic review. Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists, 28(3), 237–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2015.03.001

  3. Peters-Veluthamaningal C, Van der Windt DA, Winters JC, Meyboom-de Jong B. Corticosteroid injection for trigger finger in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. Art. No: CD005617. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005617.pub2

  4. Zhang, W., Doherty, M., Leeb, B. F., Alekseeva, L., Arden, N. K., Bijlsma, J. W., Dincer, F., Dziedzic, K., Hauselmann, H. J., Kaklamanis, P., Kloppenburg, M., Lohmander, L. S., Maheu, E., Martin-Mola, E., Pavelka, K., Punzi, L., Reiter, S., Smolen, J., Verbruggen, G., Watt, I., … ESCISIT (2009). EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis: report of a task force of ESCISIT. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 68(1), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2007.084772

  5. Ball, C., Izadi, D., Verjee, L. S., Chan, J., & Nanchahal, J. (2016). Systematic review of non-surgical treatments for early dupuytren's disease. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 17(1), 345. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1200-y

What We Treatfingers