Quick answer
Hand pain is most often thumb-base arthritis, tendon irritation or nerve compression. Physiotherapy with joint-protection coaching, targeted strengthening and splinting keeps hands working — and is the recommended first step before injections or surgery. Physiotherapy is a proven, first-line treatment for hand pain.
What Is Hand Pain?
Your hand has 27 bones and more small joints than any other body area, so hand pain has many possible sources — most commonly arthritis at the thumb base, tendon problems (trigger finger, de Quervain’s) and nerve compression.
Common Symptoms of Hand Pain
Symptoms vary from person to person, but hand pain most often shows up as:
- Ache or sharp pain at the base of the thumb
- Pain or catching when making a fist (trigger finger)
- Stiff, achy finger joints in the morning
- Weakness pinching, writing or opening jars
- Numbness or tingling in specific fingers
- Swelling around knuckles after use
What Causes Hand Pain?
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Osteoarthritis, especially at the thumb base (CMC joint)
- Repetitive gripping, typing or craft work
- Tendon irritation from a new repetitive task
- Previous fractures or sprains changing joint mechanics
- Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and menopause
How Physiotherapy Treats Hand Pain
Your plan is tailored to your assessment findings, but most treatment plans combine:
- Joint-protection and task-modification coaching
- Targeted strengthening for intrinsic hand and thumb muscles
- Splinting advice to rest arthritic or inflamed joints
- Manual therapy and gentle mobilization of stiff joints
- Tendon-gliding programs for trigger finger
- Post-surgical rehabilitation after hand procedures
At Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic in Clayton, Cloverdale, Surrey & Langley, BC, every plan is one-on-one, evidence-based and built around your goals — no two treatment plans are alike.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a 45-minute one-on-one assessment. Your physiotherapist reviews your health history, tests the movement, strength and joints involved in your hand pain, explains what is actually driving your symptoms, and usually starts treatment the same day. You leave with a clear diagnosis, a personalized plan and realistic milestones — no doctor’s referral needed.
Hand Pain FAQs
Do I need a referral to physiotherapy for Hand Pain?
No. In BC, physiotherapists are primary-care practitioners, so you can book directly with us. If your symptoms ever need a physician’s eyes, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
Is hand arthritis just something I have to live with?
No — arthritis pain responds well to conservative care. Strengthening the muscles around the joints, learning joint-protection techniques and using a thumb splint during flare-ups measurably reduces pain and preserves grip function, often for years.
How many sessions will my Hand Pain need?
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–8 visits, though recovery varies with severity and how long symptoms have been present. Your physiotherapist gives you a personalized estimate after the first assessment.
Get Hand Pain Relief in Surrey & Langley
If hand pain is limiting your day, the team at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic is ready to help. Book online or call — same-week appointments are usually available, and we direct bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC and most extended-health plans.