TCM and Physiotherapy for Wrist Pain
Holistic Care for Carpal Tunnel, Wrist Tendonitis, TFCC Injury & More
At Regis Wellness, we combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Physiotherapy to offer complete, minimally invasive care for wrist pain and repetitive strain injuries. Our integrated team relieves inflammation, improves flexibility, and restores strength in the wrist and forearm, ensuring lasting comfort whether you’re recovering from carpal tunnel, De Quervain’s syndrome, or a sports-related strain.
Common Causes of Wrist Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, often due to repetitive motions, overuse, or conditions like pregnancy or arthritis. Causes pain and numbness in the hand and wrist.
Wrist Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, typically from repetitive movements, overuse, or sudden increases in activity level. Causes pain and stiffness in the wrist.
De Quervain's Syndrome
Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Causes pain and swelling at the base of the thumb.
Degeneration
As we age, our joint degenerates and causes wrist pain.
Wrist Sprains
Injuries to the ligaments supporting the wrist joint. Cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist. Wrist sprains are often caused by falling on an outreached arm/hand or abrupt twist/hypertension of the wrist.
Wrist Fractures
Trauma or a direct blow to the wrist, leading to a break in the bones. Resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty using the hand. Wrist fractures could be caused by falling on the arm/hand or during some sports activities.
TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Tear or Injuries
Injuries to the cartilage and ligaments in the wrist. Resulting in pain, swelling, and clicking or popping sensations. There are two typical causes of TFCC tear/injuries: falling on your arm/hand or heavy force falling on your hand (i.e. bench press, shoulder press), twisting, and overrotating your wrist.
Wrist Arthritis
Both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur in the wrist, leading to pain and stiffness.
Mummy’s Wrist
Mummy’s wrist is common amongst new moms who need to perform repetitive tasks on their babies, such as picking up and holding their babies for a long time every day. Mummy’s wrist is a form of tendinitis, resulting in pain, swelling, and inflammation in the wrist tendons.
How Our Integrative Approach Works
We believe lasting wrist recovery requires both tissue healing and balanced energy flow. Our TCM physicians and physiotherapists coordinate care to relieve pain, restore flexibility, and improve tendon strength. TCM reduces inflammation and clears stagnation through acupuncture and Gua Sha, while physiotherapy rebuilds grip control and ergonomic movement to prevent recurrence of tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and wrist strain.
TCM for Wrist Pain
Experience the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a natural and effective approach to relieving wrist pain and supporting joint recovery.
Our skilled and experienced TCM Physicians use a combination of therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, moxibustion, and Gua Sha to restore Qi flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance natural healing. Offering a minimally invasive, non-surgical solution for both acute and chronic wrist pain.
How TCM helps wrist pain
In TCM, wrist pain is commonly linked to Qi and blood stagnation within the arm meridians, often caused by overuse, repetitive motion, “wind-cold-damp” invasion, or strain from typing and sports. By improving circulation and reducing internal blockages, TCM therapies relieve pain, restore flexibility, and strengthen the tendons and ligaments around the wrist joint.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Acupuncture calms nerve irritation and reduces swelling around the tunnel; Gua Sha and gentle cupping ease tight flexor fascia from typing/gripping; herbal formulas address internal inflammation and fluid retention.
- Wrist Tendonitis - Acupuncture and Gua Sha stimulate microcirculation and tendon healing; moxibustion warms and relaxes stubborn, chronic cases; herbs nourish sinews and modulate inflammation.
- De Quervain’s or “Mummy’s Wrist” - Acupuncture reduces local inflammation at the first dorsal compartment; cupping/Gua Sha release overloaded thumb/forearm muscles from infant lifting and repetitive phone use; herbs support recovery while you adjust hand mechanics.
- TFCC Injury - Acupuncture reduces ulnar-sided pain and reflex guarding; warming moxibustion improves circulation to the TFCC region; herbs assist cartilage/ligament nourishment during graded loading.
- Sprain / Post-Injury Recovery - Acupuncture reduces pain and swelling; Gua Sha/cupping (introduced at the right stage) prevent adhesions; herbs support ligament repair and reduce lingering stiffness.
- Arthritis or Weather-Sensitive Pain - Moxibustion dispels cold-damp and eases morning stiffness; acupuncture improves mobility; herbal medicine manages chronic inflammation.
TCM Treatments for Wrist Pain
- Acupuncture: Stimulates targeted acupoints around the wrist and forearm to improve blood flow, relieve inflammation, and reduce pain caused by conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Cupping Therapy: Enhances local circulation, releases fascia tension, and relaxes tight forearm muscles contributing to wrist stiffness or overuse strain.
- Gua Sha: Gentle stroking with a smooth-edged tool helps release muscle tightness, disperse stagnation, and improve microcirculation. It is especially beneficial for wrist tension, repetitive strain injuries, and chronic forearm soreness.
- Moxibustion: Provides gentle warmth to promote Qi movement, reduce stiffness, and support recovery from cold-type or chronic wrist pain.
- Herbal Medicine: Customised herbal prescriptions address inflammation, nourish tendons, and promote tissue repair from within.
Benefits of TCM for Wrist Pain
- Relieves pain and inflammation naturally
- Improves wrist flexibility and joint function
- Releases muscle tension and fascia tightness with Gua Sha
- Enhances circulation for faster healing
- Addresses root imbalances to prevent recurrence
Physiotherapy for Wrist Pain
Our physiotherapy provides customised rehabilitation programmes designed to relieve wrist pain, restore mobility, and improve grip strength.
Each plan is tailored to your activity level, lifestyle, and condition, whether your wrist pain stems from overuse, tendon strain, or sports injury. Our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques such as ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage, and sports massage to reduce inflammation, ease tension, and promote tendon healing.
How Physiotherapy Helps Wrist Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Nerve-gliding drills and flexor-retinaculum mobility reduce compression; ergonomic coaching (keyboard/mouse/phone) prevents night pain; progressive strengthening maintains function without flare-ups.
- Wrist Tendonitis - Manual therapy for soft-tissue release, then eccentric and isometric tendon loading to rebuild tolerance; ultrasound may assist acute inflammation; load-management education stops the boom-and-bust cycle.
- De Quervain’s / “Mummy’s Wrist” - Thumb-spica support (if indicated), tendon-glide and forearm release, graded strengthening for APL/EPB and wrist stabilisers; lifting strategies for infant care that reduce thumb-side stress.
- TFCC Injury - Early protection and pain control → gradual pronation/supination drills → ulnar-sided stability work; sport-specific progressions for gripping, pushing, and weight-bearing (e.g., push-ups).
- Sprains / Ligament Injuries - Swelling control and gentle mobilisation, then proprioception and closed-chain stability for confident return to tasks/sport.
- Arthritis / Degeneration - Heat, joint mobilisation, low-load strength and mobility, activity pacing, and assistive strategies for daily tasks.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Wrist Pain
- Ultrasound Therapy: Uses soundwave energy to penetrate deep into soft tissues, stimulating blood flow and accelerating tissue repair. Particularly effective for tendonitis, carpal tunnel inflammation, and post-injury recovery.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets tight muscles and fascia in the forearm and wrist to relieve strain, improve flexibility, and reduce chronic stiffness from repetitive use or desk work.
- Sports Massage: Focuses on overused forearm muscles and tendons that affect wrist movement. Helps athletes and active individuals prevent overuse injuries and enhance recovery between training sessions.
- Manual Therapy: Gentle joint mobilisation techniques help restore normal wrist alignment and improve range of motion while reducing stiffness and joint pain.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Guided strengthening and stretching exercises build endurance in the forearm and wrist muscles, improving stability and preventing future injury.
Sports Physio for Wrist Pain
Our sports physiotherapy programmes are designed for individuals who experience wrist pain and discomfort during tennis, golf, weightlifting, or badminton. Each plan addresses the repetitive load and stress that these sports place on the wrist and forearm. By combining targeted soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and sport-specific strengthening, we help you:
- Relieve pain during and after sports activity
- Improve grip strength and endurance
- Enhance wrist stability and coordination
- Reduce inflammation and overuse strain
- Prevent recurring tendon or ligament injuries
Whether you are recovering from wrist tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive strain, our physiotherapy approach focuses on long-term recovery and prevention, helping you move comfortably and perform confidently in your daily activities or sport.
How Physiotherapy Helps Wrist Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Nerve-gliding drills and flexor-retinaculum mobility reduce compression; ergonomic coaching (keyboard/mouse/phone) prevents night pain; progressive strengthening maintains function without flare-ups.
- Wrist Tendonitis - Manual therapy for soft-tissue release, then eccentric and isometric tendon loading to rebuild tolerance; ultrasound may assist acute inflammation; load-management education stops the boom-and-bust cycle.
- De Quervain’s / “Mummy’s Wrist” - Thumb-spica support (if indicated), tendon-glide and forearm release, graded strengthening for APL/EPB and wrist stabilisers; lifting strategies for infant care that reduce thumb-side stress.
- TFCC Injury - Early protection and pain control → gradual pronation/supination drills → ulnar-sided stability work; sport-specific progressions for gripping, pushing, and weight-bearing (e.g., push-ups).
- Sprains / Ligament Injuries - Swelling control and gentle mobilisation, then proprioception and closed-chain stability for confident return to tasks/sport.
- Arthritis / Degeneration - Heat, joint mobilisation, low-load strength and mobility, activity pacing, and assistive strategies for daily tasks.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Wrist Pain
- Ultrasound Therapy: Uses soundwave energy to penetrate deep into soft tissues, stimulating blood flow and accelerating tissue repair. Particularly effective for tendonitis, carpal tunnel inflammation, and post-injury recovery.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets tight muscles and fascia in the forearm and wrist to relieve strain, improve flexibility, and reduce chronic stiffness from repetitive use or desk work.
- Sports Massage: Focuses on overused forearm muscles and tendons that affect wrist movement. Helps athletes and active individuals prevent overuse injuries and enhance recovery between training sessions.
- Manual Therapy: Gentle joint mobilisation techniques help restore normal wrist alignment and improve range of motion while reducing stiffness and joint pain.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Guided strengthening and stretching exercises build endurance in the forearm and wrist muscles, improving stability and preventing future injury.
Sports Physio for Wrist Pain
Our sports physiotherapy programmes are designed for individuals who experience wrist pain and discomfort during tennis, golf, weightlifting, or badminton. Each plan addresses the repetitive load and stress that these sports place on the wrist and forearm. By combining targeted soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and sport-specific strengthening, we help you:
- Relieve pain during and after sports activity
- Improve grip strength and endurance
- Enhance wrist stability and coordination
- Reduce inflammation and overuse strain
- Prevent recurring tendon or ligament injuries
Whether you are recovering from wrist tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive strain, our physiotherapy approach focuses on long-term recovery and prevention, helping you move comfortably and perform confidently in your daily activities or sport.
What Sets Regis Wellness Apart?
Our Team
Amanda Chua
Lead TCM Physician
15 years of experience in pain and injury management
Chin Yi Khern
Physiotherapist
4 years of experience in pain and injury management, rehabilitation
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with our expert team at Regis Wellness. Let us guide you on the path to relief and recovery.
Don't Let Wrist Pain Hold You Back – Trust Regis Wellness for Comprehensive Care!
Regis Wellness Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** We will end registration 45 mins before the displayed closing time above. Please make an appointment in advance to avoid disappointment.