Upper limb physiotherapy

A holistic approach requires a broad range of skills.

All areas of our body can develop pain-related problems, and we see all sorts of issues in the upper limb. Pain can result from trauma from sports or simple falls, or from doing very little, like sitting at your desk! Upper limb physiotherapy should produce an accurate diagnosis and unpick what has caused the problem. With specialized techniques and targeted exercises, physiotherapy not only alleviates pain but also enhances flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the upper body, facilitating a speedier and more effective recovery process.

Common problems

Common problems we might encounter and treat in the clinic will include:

  • Acromioclavicular joint sprains
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Rotator cuff tears, or tendinopathies
  • Sub-acromial impingement syndromes at the shoulder
  • Adhesive capsulitis / frozen shoulder
  • Slap lesions
  • Shoulder dislocation / operative stabilisation
  • Fractures at all levels
  • Biceps tendinopathy
  • Entrapment Neuropathies – including Carpal tunnel
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfers Elbow
  • Sprained wrist
  • Osteoarthritis of the thumb
  • Finger sprains
  • All non-specific upper limb pain of unknown origin. 

We will use a variety of different treatment methods, depending on your problem. These might include:

  • Taping, or splinting (thermosplinting or off-the-shelf)
  • Manual therapy – joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage
  • Exercise rehabilitation – progressive muscle strengthening, stretching, progressive exposure to loading.
  • Re-education of movement control
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Biodex Isokinetic – assessments and training
  • Behavioural modification / training analysis
  • Ergonomics – work related positional advice

 

Regardless of where the pain is coming from, we will be able to provide a thorough assessment and diagnosis and if appropriate provide you with a personalised treatment approach to resolve the issue. The body has an amazing capacity to heal. Providing that environment really helps.

To find out more about this treatment or to make an appointment at any of our Edinburgh physiotherapy clinics, please call us on 0131 478 4646 or email [email protected].