Hand Pain

Relieve the Ache. Restore Your Touch.

We rely on our hands constantly—for work, exercise, phone use, and daily living. When pain, numbness, or stiffness affects your ability to grip, type, lift, or even sleep, it’s time to get to the root of the issue.

At Rehab Chamber, our team provides comprehensive assessments to identify the source of your hand pain and guide you toward safe, effective recovery.

Understanding Hand Pain – Causes, Types & Care at Rehab Chamber

Hand pain is a broad term that refers to discomfort, weakness, stiffness, or numbness in the hand, wrist, or fingers. It may be acute (sudden injury) or chronic (long-term strain), and can arise from joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. Sometimes, pain in the hand may even be referred from the neck or shoulder, making accurate assessment essential.

Symptoms of Hand Pain May Include:

  • Pain in the fingers, palm, or wrist

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations

  • Weakness or reduced grip strength

  • Joint stiffness or swelling

  • Clicking, locking, or loss of range of motion

  • Pain worsened by typing, gripping, lifting, or repetitive movements

  • Night-time symptoms or pain that wakes you up

Common Causes of Hand Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, often causing numbness and tingling in the thumb and first three fingers.

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

Painful catching or locking of a finger when bending or straightening.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons or tendon sheath due to overuse (e.g., De Quervain’s, Intersectional tenosynvitis, etc)

Ligament Sprains or Repetitive Strain

From activities like typing, climbing, gripping, lifting, or using tools.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative changes in hand or thumb joints leading to stiffness, swelling, and aching.

Referred Pain

Nerve irritation from the neck (e.g., cervical radiculopathy) or shoulder can mimic hand symptoms.

Postural & Device-Related Strain

Poor ergonomics during prolonged phone or computer use can overload small joints and soft tissues.

Gymnast Wrist (Distal Radial Physeal Stress Syndrome)

Overuse injury at the growth plate of the distal radius (wrist) caused by repetitive weight-bearing through the hands. It may result in wrist pain, stiffness, or growth disturbances if untreated.

Often seen in: Gymnastics, Cheerleading

Did You Know?

The nerves that control your hand start in your neck. Sometimes hand symptoms are actually due to nerve compression in the cervical spine—this is why we examine the neck, shoulder, and upper arm in addition to the hand itself.

Our Integrated Program IncludeS:

  • Hands-on manual therapy to reduce tension and improve mobility

  • Shockwave therapy (if available) for chronic tendon pain

  • Chiropractic care for joint function and overall mechanics

  • Myofascial release and Dry Needling/Acupuncture

  • Progressive exercise rehab to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence

  • Tendon and nerve gliding techniques

  • Ergonomic and activity modification coaching

  • Supportive taping or bracing (if needed)

  • Referral to a medical provider or imaging if appropriate

At Rehab Chamber, we don’t just look at the hand—we assess your entire upper limb, including posture, nerve mobility, joint mechanics, and repetitive stress patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hand pain Treatment in Downtown Toronto

What causes hand pain?

Hand pain may result from tendon inflammation, nerve compression, overuse, arthritis, or injury. It can also be referred from the neck or shoulder.

What’s the difference between carpal tunnel and tendonitis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve compression and usually presents with numbness and tingling. Tendonitis affects soft tissues and often feels like localized pain or swelling near a tendon.

Can hand pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many cases of hand pain respond well to conservative treatment such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, exercise, and ergonomic changes.

How do I know if my hand pain is nerve-related?

Nerve-related pain often includes numbness, tingling, burning, or radiating symptoms. We assess nerve mobility and check for signs of referral from the neck or arm.

Can you help if my pain is from phone or computer use?

Absolutely. We often see tech-related hand strain and offer tailored plans to reduce overuse and improve ergonomics.