There are multiple contributors to decreased joint mobility and joint pain in the hand and wrist. Sometimes it is the result of muscle function, but frequently the small joints themselves are the cause of abnormal movement patterns that result in dysfunction and pain in the hand. A skilled hand therapist can determine the quality of joint mobility in the fingers, thumb, and wrist and address restrictions with joint mobilization.

What are joint mobilizations in hand therapy?

Joint mobilization is a type of skilled manual therapy performed by a hand therapist that specifically involves moving the small joints of the hand and wrist around in their natural range of motion to improve range of motion and reduce pain.

The hand therapist will use their hands to apply gentle, slow movements to the affected joints where they stabilize one section of a joint while applying manual pressure to a nearby section to improve joint function. This is particularly important in the hand, which contains numerous small joints that must work together for proper function. Joint mobilizations can be performed at different magnitudes and different speeds to create different amounts of impact to the targeted joints in the fingers, thumb, and wrist. It is performed based on the patient’s tolerance, medical diagnosis, comorbidities and the patient always retains the ability to stop the movement if they feel discomfort. These movements are usually repeated several times during the session depending on the goals of the therapist and the needs of the patient with hand dysfunction.

When is joint mobilization employed in hand therapy?

Joint mobilization can be used to treat a variety of hand conditions, including joint pain, stiffness, mechanical dysfunction, and reduced range of motion in the fingers and wrist. The goal of joint mobilization in hand therapy is to increase the flexibility, return normal arthrokinematics, and improve range of motion of the hand joints, as well as to reduce pain and inflammation. Research has illustrated that patients with hand and wrist pain who are treated with a combination of joint mobilizations had decreased pain and they served as substitutes for NSAIDs and other pain killers.

It is commonly used to treat hand arthritis, wrist fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, thumb osteoarthritis, skier’s thumb, boutonniere deformity, swan neck deformity, and post-surgical stiffness in the hand. It is also beneficial for post-operative rehabilitation after hand surgery to reduce pain, increase motion and hasten recovery. Joint mobilizations are important to promote fast and efficient recovery after hand injury and surgery, particularly in restoring the delicate balance of mobility needed for fine motor tasks.

Is joint mobilization safe for hand conditions?

Joint mobilizations are a safe and effective treatment for hand conditions when performed by a skilled hand therapist. A trained clinician must use their clinical experience, knowledge and judgment to apply the appropriate joint mobilization for the patient’s specific hand condition. There are some risks associated with the procedure, such as joint irritation or increased pain particularly in patients with inflammatory arthritis or acute injuries. However, these risks are mitigated by accurate application of the clinical guidelines for patient care. Other conditions where hand joint mobilization may create risks include acute fractures, infections, advanced arthritis, and recent surgical repairs that require protection. The risks are typically low, but it is important to discuss them with your hand therapist before starting treatment.

Joint mobilization is a standard hand therapy technique that offers benefits in improvements and normalization of hand and wrist joint function, decreases in pain and improved range of motion necessary for activities of daily living requiring fine motor skills.

Schedule a consultation

The team of hand therapists at CAO Sports Performance & Physical Therapy are well trained and experienced in Joint Mobilizations for the hand and upper extremity. Schedule a hand therapy appointment to learn more about Joint Mobilizations and their benefits for hand conditions. We have hand therapy offices in California, Leonardtown, and Waldorf, Maryland.