Specialist Wrist and Hand Physiotherapy

What makes our wrist & hand service different

Wrist and hand assessment and rehabilitation at our Fareham clinic are delivered by Mike Gillingham, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Specialist Physiotherapist. Mike has over 15 years of NHS musculoskeletal experience, advanced training with the British Association of Hand Therapy and extensive experience working with orthopaedic, hand and plastic surgery teams.

This depth of expertise is particularly valuable when symptoms have persisted despite previous treatment, the diagnosis is uncertain, several small structures may be contributing or rehabilitation is required following a fracture, ligament injury or surgery.

The wrist and hand contain numerous small joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves that must work together to provide both strength and fine control. Similar symptoms can arise from tendon irritation, joint stiffness, nerve compression or ligament injury, so accurate differentiation is essential.

Specialist assessment considers joint mobility, tendon capacity, grip and pinch strength, nerve sensitivity, dexterity and the way force is transferred through the wider upper limb. Rehabilitation is then tailored to the diagnosis and the particular work, sporting and everyday demands that matter to you.

For tendon-related conditions, rehabilitation progressively restores load tolerance and efficient movement. Joint-related conditions such as thumb osteoarthritis may require a combination of strengthening, load modification, flare management and carefully selected support or splinting. Nerve-related presentations require assessment of the complete nerve pathway, including whether symptoms may be influenced by the elbow or neck.

Programmes are individualised, with progression guided by symptom response, functional improvement and tissue-healing requirements rather than generic protocols or arbitrary timelines.

Where clinically appropriate, we can request and interpret X-ray, ultrasound or MRI to help clarify the diagnosis. Imaging findings are considered alongside your symptoms and examination rather than relying on the report wording alone.

Injection therapy may be considered for selected conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s syndrome or symptomatic joint osteoarthritis. We can also assess ganglion cysts and offer aspiration where appropriate. Where further specialist input is required, we can coordinate referral to an appropriate hand, plastic or orthopaedic surgery service.

This integrated approach supports the restoration of comfortable, confident hand function for everyday life, work and sport.