Category: Hand Injury

Numbness in Hands: Could It Be a Nerve Problem?

Posted on by Dr Dharam
  • Your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and participate in sports can all be hampered by numb hands. Physiotherapy can assist in determining whether symptoms of hand numbness originate from the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, or peripheral nerves. As a result, persistent numbness should never be disregarded.
  • When using a laptop, you could get tingling. Additionally, you can feel numb while you sleep. Symptoms can occasionally show up when using sports equipment or lifting weights.
  • Important clinical information is provided by the site of numbness. However, the precise reason cannot be determined by symptoms alone.
  • From the cervical spine, the nerve system extends to the arm and shoulder. After then, it travels throughout a number of anatomical areas before arriving at the hand.
  • As a result, nerve irritation might happen in many places.
  • Our strategy at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Center is to pinpoint the cause of symptoms. Based on the results of the patient’s evaluation, we next create a customized rehabilitation program.
  • Sports, neurological, and orthopedic physiotherapy services are offered at our Delhi NCR facility. Additionally, the clinic provides choices for manual therapy and advanced rehabilitation.

What Is Hand Numbness?

  • Hand numbness describes reduced or altered sensation in part of the hand or fingers.
  • Patients may describe it as:
    • Pins and needles
      Tingling
      Reduced sensation
      Burning
      Electric-shock sensations
      Prickling
      Heaviness
      Altered temperature sensation
      Feeling of the hand “falling asleep”
  • When normal sensory nerve signaling is disrupted, numbness results. A peripheral nerve, nerve route, or nerve root may be affected.
  • Sometimes the issue stems from compression. However, nerve function can also be impacted by trauma, metabolic problems, inflammation, traction, or systemic neurological illnesses. Thus, pinpointing the precise position is crucial.

Why Do Hands Become Numb?

  • Several structures can contribute to hand numbness.
  • The most common possibilities include:
  1. Cervical Radiculopathy
  2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  3. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
  4. Guyon’s Canal Syndrome
  5. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  6. Peripheral Nerve Irritation
  7. Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy
  8. Vitamin and Nutritional Problems
  9. Trauma and Nerve Injury
  10. Repetitive Work and Poor Ergonomics

When Is Hand Numbness an Emergency?

  • Some symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.
  • Seek immediate medical attention when numbness develops suddenly with:
    • Facial weakness
      Speech difficulty
      Severe dizziness
      Sudden loss of coordination
      Severe weakness
      New difficulty walking
      Sudden vision changes
      Loss of consciousness
  • After severe trauma, prompt evaluation is also crucial. Exercises alone should not be used to treat progressive weakness or rapidly worsening neurological problems.

Physiotherapy for Hand Numbness: Treatment Approach

  • At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, rehabilitation can combine education, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neural mobility, ergonomic correction, and progressive strengthening.

1. Activity Modification

  • Seldom is total relaxation the ideal long-term course of action. Rather, the therapist pinpoints actions that cause frustration.
  • For instance, a patient could have to adjust:
    • Long computer sessions
      Heavy gripping
      Prolonged wrist extension
      Repetitive lifting
      Sustained elbow flexion
      Overhead training
  • The goal is to maintain activity while controlling excessive neural loading.

2. Ergonomic Correction

  • Ergonomics can be particularly important for office workers.
  • The therapist may assess:
    • Chair height
      Desk height
      Monitor position
      Keyboard position
      Mouse use
      Wrist posture
      Elbow position
      Break frequency
  • Short movement breaks can reduce prolonged static loading.

3. Wrist Orthosis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Excessive wrist positioning during sleeping might be minimized using a neutral wrist orthosis. When symptoms arise at night, this can be really helpful.
  • For many mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel presentations, the current 2026 clinical practice guideline suggests education and an adequate immobilization orthosis as the first physical therapy approach. The patient’s symptoms should determine the precise duration and usage.

4. Neural Mobilization

  • Nerve gliding is a popular term for neural mobilization. Stretching the nerve excessively is not the goal.
  • Rather, the therapist modifies neuronal excursion and tolerance through regulated motions. It is possible to choose radial, ulnar, or median nerve procedures.
  • The dosage needs to stay comfortable. After the workout, symptoms shouldn’t get worse over time.
  • There is currently conflicting information regarding neuronal mobilization in carpal tunnel syndrome. As a result, it need to be recommended based on personal results.

5. Cervical Mobility Exercises

  • When cervical involvement contributes to symptoms, treatment may include controlled cervical mobility.
  • Exercises can include:
    • Cervical rotation
      Chin nods
      Controlled cervical retraction
      Thoracic mobility
      Postural endurance exercises

6. Scapular and Shoulder Rehabilitation

  • The shoulder region influences upper-limb movement.
  • Therefore, rehabilitation may include:
    • Scapular control
      Serratus anterior strengthening
      Lower trapezius strengthening
      Rotator cuff strengthening
      Thoracic extension exercises
      Postural endurance training

7. Forearm and Wrist Strengthening

  • Once symptoms become more stable, progressive strengthening becomes important.
  • Exercises may target:
    • Wrist flexors
      Wrist extensors
      Pronators
      Supinators
      Grip muscles
      Finger extensors
      Hand intrinsics

8. Grip Training

  • Grip strength is important for athletes and active individuals.
  • However, aggressive grip training can worsen symptoms during an irritable phase.
  • Therefore, loading should begin with tolerable resistance.
  • Progression can include:
    • Isometric gripping
      Light resistance
      Repeated gripping
      Farmer carries
      Sport-specific grip work

9. Manual Therapy

  • Manual therapy may be directed toward relevant impairments.
  • Depending on the assessment, treatment can include:
  • Cervical mobilization
    Thoracic mobilization
    Wrist mobilization
    Soft-tissue techniques
    Forearm muscle treatment
    Scapular mobilization

10. Modalities

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

  • At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, our rehabilitation philosophy focuses on identifying the underlying movement and neurological contributors.
  • Advanced physiotherapy, manual therapy, dry needling, orthopedic physiotherapy, neurophysiotherapy, spinal rehabilitation, sports physiotherapy, and performance-focused rehabilitation are among the treatments we offer.
  • Instead of treating just the hand that is symptomatic, we evaluate the whole kinetic chain. This strategy is very helpful for athletes and people who lead active lives.
  • With a clinic in Saket, Delhi, and additional NCR locations listed on the clinic website, Elite Physiotherapy provides services to patients in Delhi NCR.

Thumb Pain While Lifting? Get Your Grip Back

Posted on by Dr Dharam

Introduction

  • Athletes who experience pain from gripping, lifting, pressing, and repetitive training can benefit from thumb pain physiotherapy. Both novice and seasoned lifters may have thumb pain. Additionally, it may weaken training confidence and grip strength.
  • A key component of hand stability is the thumb. Grip, pinch, resistance, and load transfer are all aided by it. Exercises like deadlifts, rows, presses, cleans, snatches, and pull-ups can therefore be impacted by even mild thumb pain.
  • During hook grasping, weightlifters also put a lot of strain on the thumb. During intense barbell training, powerlifters may put strain on their thumbs. Dumbbells, cables, machines, and repetitive grasping can all cause symptoms in gym patrons.
  • But the thumb joint is not usually the source of thumb pain. Additionally, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and the wrist may be involved.
  • Our team at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Center assesses the entire hand and upper limb system. We pinpoint the training element, movement error, loading issue, and unpleasant structure.
  • Clinical evaluation, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement correction, and sport-specific rehabilitation are all included in our method. This strategy aligns with our larger idea of athlete-specific rehabilitation.
  • If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Saket, Delhi, or nearby, a professional evaluation might assist in determining the true cause of your symptoms.

Why Does Thumb Pain Develop During Weight Training?

  • Several factors can overload the thumb.
  1. Excessive Training Load
  2. Repetitive Gripping
  3. Poor Grip Technique
  4. Hook Grip
  5. Poor Wrist Position
  6. Weak Thumb and Hand Muscles
  7. Previous Injury
  8. Limited Wrist Mobility
  9. Training Errors

Common Causes of Thumb Pain While Lifting

  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
  • Thumb MCP (Metacarpophalangeal) Ligament Injury
  • Thumb CMC (carpometacarpal joint) Joint Irritation
  • Thumb Tendinopathy
  • Thumb Muscle Strain
  • Wrist-Related Pain
  • Nerve Irritation

When Should You Stop Training?

  1. If you have severe thumb pain, stop doing heavy lifting.
  2. When symptoms worsen over time, training modification becomes very crucial.
  3. Exercises that cause sharp pain should be reduced or temporarily avoided.
  4. Lower-body or non-provocative training is frequently sustainable.
  5. Exercise choices, however, should be appropriate for the injury.
  6. Safe training changes can be guided by a physiotherapist.
  • Seek medical evaluation when you notice:
    • Significant swelling
    • Severe pain after trauma
    • Visible deformity
    • Joint instability
    • Inability to grip
    • Inability to move the thumb
    • Numbness
    • Persistent weakness
    • Severe bruising
    • Suspected fracture

Thumb Pain Physiotherapy Management

  • At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, treatment is individualized. The goal is to restore function and gradually tolerate load.
  1. Activity Modification
  • an athlete may temporarily reduce:
  • Load
  • Repetitions
  • Sets
  • Grip intensity
  • Hook-grip volume
  • Training frequency
  1. Pain-Free Grip Modification
  • We assess the athlete’s grip.
  • We may modify:
    • Thumb position
      Wrist position
      Grip width
      Bar selection
      Training load
      Exercise selection
  1. Thumb Mobility Exercises
  2. Isometric Thumb Strengthening
  3. Progressive Resistance Training
  4. Eccentric and Slow Resistance Training
  5. Wrist Strengthening
  6. Forearm Strengthening
  7. Manual Therapy
  • Soft-tissue techniques
  • Joint mobilization
  • Scar mobilization
  • Wrist mobilization
  • Thumb joint mobilization
  • Myofascial techniques
  1. Taping
  2. Bracing or Support
  3. Modalities such as:
  • Shock Wave Therapy
  • Super Inductive System
  • High Intensity Laser Therapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Cupping Therapy
  1. Return-to-Lifting Rehabilitation

How Long Does Thumb Rehabilitation Take?

  • The diagnosis determines the course of recovery.
  • A little overload issue could be better really quickly.
  • Rehabilitation for a ligament injury could take much longer.
  • Progressive loading over a few weeks may also be necessary for tendon issues.
  • There isn’t a single recuperation timeline as a result.
  • Tissue healing and functional advancement should be taken into account in the rehabilitation plan.

Common Mistakes During Thumb Rehabilitation

  • Avoid these common mistakes:
  • Training Through Sharp Pain
  • Returning to Heavy Grip Too Quickly
  • Ignoring Grip Strength
  • Treating Only the Thumb
  • Using Modalities Alone
  • Ignoring Technique
  • Increasing Training Volume Too Quickly

Prevention of Thumb Pain While Lifting

  • Increase weights gradually.
  • Avoid sudden volume spikes.
  • Warm up before heavy gripping.
  • Maintain good wrist positioning.
  • Train thumb and wrist strength.
  • Rotate high-grip exercises.
  • Manage hook-grip volume.
  • Recover adequately.
  • Address early symptoms.
  • Maintain technique during fatigue

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

  • Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre provides sports-focused physiotherapy in Delhi NCR.
  • Sports and orthopedic issues are the clinic’s primary focus.
  • Individualized physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, strength training, and innovative treatment choices are among its services.
  • Instead of concentrating just on the problematic body area, our team considers the athlete as a whole.
  • We evaluate mobility, strength, movement, training requirements, and performance objectives.
  • This method gives athletes more confidence when they return to their sport.
  • Regardless of your sport—weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, wrestling, or just going to the gym for fun—your rehabilitation should be in line with the demands of your training.
  • Elite offers sports-focused rehabilitation for active people in Delhi NCR, whether you’re looking for physiotherapy near me, physiotherapy Delhi, or physiotherapy Saket.

Final Takeaway

  • Lifting performance might be greatly impacted by thumb pain.
  • But the thumb itself isn’t always the source of the pain.
  • The wrist, tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and nerves may all be involved.
  • As a result, precise evaluation is crucial.
  • Finding the root cause of the issue is the main goal of thumb pain physical therapy.
  • Mobility, strength, grasping ability, and confidence are then restored.
  • Our team at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Center blends customized rehabilitation with clinical evaluation.
  • When clinically suitable, advanced modalities can assist with treatment.
  • Progressive exercise is still the cornerstone of long-term recuperation, tho.
  • Don’t just train thru thumb pain if it’s interfering with your training.
  • Get evaluated, determine the reason, and methodically rebuild your hold.
  • Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre — Delhi NCR
  • Recover Better. Move Stronger. Perform Better.

Finger Injuries in Volleyball: And Its Best Physiotherapy Management

Posted on by Dr Dharam

Introduction

The dynamic sport of volleyball requires strength, agility, and accuracy. Despite being an exciting game, there is a considerable chance of finger injuries. In addition to being frequent, these injuries have the potential to impair performance if improperly treated. Our specialty at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre is the use of cutting-edge, evidence-based physiotherapy approaches to treat sports injuries. This article discusses finger injuries sustained in volleyball and how our comprehensive physiotherapy approach can help ensure complete recovery and prevent further damage.

Common Finger Injuries in Volleyball Players

1. Jammed Finger

When the ball strikes the fingertip directly, it jams the finger. Ligament tension or minor fractures result from it.

2. Finger Sprain

Sprains happen when ligaments are overstretched or torn, commonly when blocking or digging.

3. Mallet Finger

This injury causes the fingertip to droop because it damages the extensor tendon with an abrupt impact.

4. Dislocation

Usually occurring in the proximal interphalangeal joint, joint dislocations may need to be reduced and stabilized very carefully.

5. Fracture

High-velocity impacts can cause fractures, which can affect the surfaces of joints. These need to be managed precisely by a clinician.

6 . Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, in which a finger becomes “stuck” in a bent posture because of inflammation of the tendon sheath, is less common than an acute volleyball injury but can be caused by prolonged violent motions or repetitive clutching.

Mechanism of Injury in Volleyball

In volleyball, finger injuries typically result from:

  • High-speed ball contact during setting or blocking.
  • Incorrect hand placement when defending or spiking.
  • Collision during play with the floor or teammates.
  • Microtrauma can result from overuse of repetitive motions.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

  • Swelling and bruising around the finger joints.
  • Unable to correctly extend or move the finger.
  • Noticeable misalignment or malformation.
  • pain when holding a ball, grasping, or pinching.
  • Loss of function and strength when doing hand tasks.

Diagnosis at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

At Elite Physiotherapy, we begin with a thorough history and clinical examination. Our assessment includes:

Physical Examination

  • Observation for swelling, deformity, and discoloration.
  • Palpation to identify tenderness or step-offs.
  • Range of Motion (ROM) testing.

Special Tests

We use evidence-based orthopedic assessments such as:

  • Ligament stress testing for collateral ligaments.
  • Bunnell-Littler Test to differentiate between joint and soft tissue restrictions.
  • Valgus and varus stress test to assess ligament integrity.
  • Resisted extension and flexion tests for tendon integrity.
  • Joint play assessment for evaluating joint stability.

If required, we refer for X-rays or musculoskeletal ultrasound to rule out fractures, avulsions, or tendon injuries.

Physiotherapy Management for Finger Injuries at Elite Physiotherapy

At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we combine clinical expertise with advanced technology for faster, safer recovery. Our goal is to restore mobility, strength, function, and prevent re-injury.

1. Immobilization and Protection

In acute stages, we may use custom-made splints or buddy taping to protect the injured structure. This reduces pain and prevents worsening.

2. Pain and Inflammation Control

  • Cryotherapy (cold packs) in early stages.
  • Class 4 High-Intensity Laser Therapy to stimulate deep tissue healing.
  • Super Inductive System (SIS) for pain modulation and early neuromuscular activation.

3. Manual Therapy

  • Joint mobilization to restore joint mechanics and reduce stiffness.
  • Soft tissue release for adjacent muscles and fascia to reduce compensatory tension.
  • Trigger point therapy for referred pain patterns.

4. Therapeutic Exercises

  • Active and passive Range of motion (ROM) exercises to improve mobility.
  • Strengthening exercises using resistance bands and therapy putty.
    • Grip strengthener: Using a stress ball, rubber ball, or other grip-strengthening tool.
    • Exercises using rubber bands: Wrap a rubber band around your thumb and fingers, then spread them apart against resistance.
    • Squeezes and grabs with a towel: To strengthen your grasp, squeeze or curl a tiny towel.
    • Object picking: To increase accuracy and fine motor control, practice picking up small objects.
  • Proprioception training to enhance joint position sense and hand control.
  • Functional drills replicating sport-specific movements like catching and setting.

5. High-End Modalities for Enhanced Healing

  • CRET Therapy (Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer)
    • Used for chronic cases or when there is joint stiffness or tendon fibrosis. It enhances microcirculation and accelerates soft tissue regeneration.
  • Shockwave Therapy
    • Indicated in cases of chronic tendon injuries, calcific changes, or ligament thickening. Promotes collagen production and reduces scar formation.
  • Class 4 High-Intensity Laser
    • Improves blood circulation, speeds up tissue repair, and reduces inflammation, especially useful in ligament or tendon damage.
  • Super Inductive System (SIS)
    • Stimulates muscle contractions without pain, improves joint mobility, and facilitates neuromuscular re-education.

Hydrotherapy: Gentle Yet Effective

For sub-acute or chronic cases, hydrotherapy can be an excellent treatment. The warm water provides a buoyancy-assisted environment, allowing for pain-free movement and gradual strengthening.

Functional Return-to-Play Training

  • Ball-handling drills.
  • Simulated blocking or setting.
  • Reaction time improvement exercises.
  • Grip endurance routines.

Injury Prevention Tips for Volleyball Players

  • Warm up with finger-specific mobility exercises.
  • Use protective taping or finger sleeves.
  • Practice correct hand techniques in drills.
  • Perform regular grip and forearm strengthening.
  • Listen to pain and avoid overuse.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy?

Located in Delhi and Gurugram, Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre stands out with:

  • Expert sports physiotherapists with hands-on experience in treating national-level athletes.
  • Advanced physiotherapy technology is rarely available in standard clinics.
  • Personalized rehabilitation plans ensure faster and long-term recovery.
  • Evidence-based practice aligned with international standards.

Conclusion

Finger injuries in volleyball may appear minor, but improper treatment can lead to long-term dysfunction. At Elite Physiotherapy, we provide the most advanced and athlete-centric rehabilitation solutions, ensuring a complete return to sport without compromising performance. If you’re struggling with a finger injury or want to avoid one, book an appointment today with our expert physiotherapy team and experience world-class care.