Elbow, wrist and hand pain
Keyboards, tools, kids, grips and punches.
- No referral needed
- Book directly. Claim on the spot with eligible private health extras.
- Open six days
- Monday to Friday 8am–7pm, Saturday 8am–2pm.
- First visit
- Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Wear shorts and a loose top.
- Rear entrance
- 92 Parsons Street, Kensington, inside Renegade BJJ.
Mostly a grip problem
Most elbow, wrist and hand pain that builds up gradually comes from repeated gripping: a mouse and keyboard, tools on a building site, lifting, climbing, or holding a gi. The tendons on the inside and outside of the elbow take most of it.
Sudden pain after a fall, a punch or a jammed finger is different, and the first question is whether anything is broken.
What we see most
Tennis elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow with gripping, lifting a kettle or using a mouse. It isn't only from tennis. It responds to load management and strengthening over weeks to months.
Golfer's elbow
Pain on the inside of the elbow with gripping and pulling. Common in climbers, lifters and grapplers.
Wrist pain
From push-ups, front squats, typing, falls on an outstretched hand, or striking. A fall onto the hand with pain at the base of the thumb needs an X-ray.
Finger and grip injuries
Jammed fingers, sprained finger joints and grip-related finger pain. BJJ finger injuries covers the gi version.
Hand injuries from punching
Knuckle and hand pain from bag work and sparring. Is your hand broken or just bruised?
Elbow injuries from armbars
Hyperextension strains from a late tap. Juji gatame and the judo elbow.
When to see a doctor first
Call 000 or go to an emergency department if you have:
- A deformed or very swollen wrist, hand or finger after an injury
- A finger that crosses over its neighbour when you make a fist
- A hand that is cold, pale or numb after an injury
See your GP first if:
- Pain at the base of the thumb after a fall on an outstretched hand
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers that is getting worse, or weakness in the hand
- A hot, red, swollen joint without an injury
If anything in your assessment points to a doctor, we'll tell you and explain why, rather than treat.
How long does it usually take?
Typical ranges, not promises.
| Situation | Early change | Typical recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Finger sprain | 1–2 weeks | 3–8 weeks |
| Wrist strain | 1–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| Tennis or golfer's elbow | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months or more |
What treatment involves
Hands-on treatment for the elbow, wrist and forearm, and often the shoulder and neck too. Then gradual strengthening of the forearm and grip, and changes to how you work, lift or train for a while. Taping or bracing where it helps. If exercises will help, we take you through them in the session and you film them on your phone, so you know exactly how they go at home or in the gym.
Questions people ask
What is tennis elbow?
Pain on the outside of the elbow from the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers, usually from repeated gripping. Despite the name, most people with it do not play tennis.
Do I need an X-ray for my wrist?
After a fall on an outstretched hand, pain at the base of the thumb or significant swelling should be X-rayed, because some wrist fractures are easy to miss.
Can I keep training with elbow pain?
Usually, with changes to grip, load or exercise choice while it settles. Elbow tendon pain responds to load management and strengthening rather than complete rest.
Is a jammed finger serious?
Most are sprains that settle with taping and time. A finger that will not straighten, looks deformed, or crosses over its neighbour when you make a fist needs prompt assessment.
Grip, elbow or hand still sore?
Book an assessment in Kensington. No referral needed.