Finger Physiotherapy in Melbourne: Expert Care for Finger Pain and Injuries

Finger physiotherapy involves targeted treatments to restore movement, alleviate pain, and prevent long-term complications associated with finger injuries or conditions. 

At BodyMotion Physiotherapy, we combine advanced techniques, personalised exercises, and professional care to help you regain strength and functionality in your fingers.

Physiotherapy

Common Finger Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy

Finger pain can arise from various injuries or conditions, each requiring a specific approach to treatment. Our expert physiotherapists treat a wide range of finger issues, including:

Fractures

Tendon Injuries

Trigger Finger

After a finger fracture, physiotherapy plays a vital role in rehabilitation by:

  • Improving range of motion with gentle exercises.
  • Strengthening muscles around the affected area.
  • Using modalities like heat therapy or ultrasound to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Timely treatment ensures proper healing and prevents stiffness.

Injuries to flexor or extensor tendons, often caused by trauma, require specialised care such as:

  • Tendon Gliding Exercises: To improve tendon movement and flexibility.
  • Splinting: To protect the tendon during healing.
  • Strengthening Exercises: To restore full hand functionality.

Trigger finger occurs when a finger locks in a bent position due to inflammation around the tendon. Physiotherapy treatments include:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises.
  • Splinting to rest the finger and reduce strain.
  • Modalities such as heat or ultrasound for pain relief.

Sprains and Strains

Osteoarthritis

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Finger osteoarthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced dexterity. Our physiotherapy strategies include:

  • Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.
  • Education on joint protection techniques to minimise stress.
  • Heat therapy for pain relief and improved mobility.

Ligament sprains or muscle strains in the fingers are treated through:

  • Rest and immobilisation to reduce swelling.
  • Gentle exercises to restore movement.
  • Taping or splinting for additional support during recovery.

This condition, which bends fingers toward the palm, often requires surgery. Physiotherapy aids post-surgery recovery by:

  • Improving finger extension through targeted exercises.
  • Performing scar massage to enhance healing.
  • Using splints to maintain finger alignment and mobility.
Physio helping a man with a sore shoulder in rehabilitation

Symptoms of Finger Pain

Finger pain can present in many forms, often depending on the underlying issue. Common symptoms include:

  • Swelling or tenderness in the affected finger.
  • Reduced grip strength or difficulty holding objects.
  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest.
  • Clicking or locking sensations during movement, as seen in trigger finger.
  • Visible deformities or misalignments in severe cases.

How Does Physiotherapy Help Finger Injuries?

Physiotherapy is a comprehensive approach to treating finger pain and injuries. Our treatments are designed to address the root cause of your pain and promote long-term recovery.

Treatment methods include:

Exercises

Physiotherapy exercises target specific areas to:

  • Improve range of motion and flexibility.
  • Strengthen finger muscles and enhance grip.
  • Increase dexterity through activities like finger flexion, extension, and opposition.

 Manual Therapy

Our hands-on techniques include:

  • Joint Mobilizations: To reduce stiffness and improve joint movement.
  • Soft Tissue Massage: To relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
  • Tendon Gliding: To promote smooth tendon movement and prevent adhesions.

Splinting

Splints are used to:

  • Immobilize and protect injured fingers during the healing process.
  • Gradually stretch the finger to restore the full range of motion.

Education

Our physiotherapists provide guidance on the following:

  • Ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on fingers.
  • Activity modifications to prevent further injury.
  • Self-care strategies for long-term finger health.

Functional Retraining

As you recover, we focus on functional retraining to:

  • Help you return to daily activities, work, or sports.
  • Ensure proper finger mechanics and prevent recurring issues.

The Importance of Early Treatment

Addressing finger pain promptly can prevent long-term complications like chronic stiffness or loss of functionality. Early physiotherapy intervention ensures:

 

  • Faster recovery through targeted treatments.
  • Reduced risk of complications such as scar tissue or adhesions.
  • Improved overall hand and finger health.
Clinical Exercise has also been proven to enhance neural function, fight depression and promote a natural sense of wellbeing. It is also incredibly effective, and patients often find that they receive a full and comprehensive treatment in a shorter amount of time. This means the treatment is cheaper than other, less effective treatments. If you’re not sure if this is the right option for you, our dedicated therapists will assess your circumstances to assess whether this therapy option will benefit your situation.

Book Your Appointment with BodyMotion Physiotherapy to Address Your Finger Issues

At BodyMotion Physiotherapy, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, personalised care for finger pain and injuries. Our clinic in Mitcham, Melbourne, is equipped with experienced physiotherapists passionate about helping you regain full hand and finger functionality.

Our expert physiotherapists specialise in treating a wide range of finger injuries and conditions, delivering care tailored to your unique needs and recovery goals. Every treatment plan is customised to ensure targeted and effective results, combining manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and patient education for a comprehensive approach. As a family-run clinic, we are deeply committed to supporting our local community by providing professional and compassionate healthcare services that promote lasting wellness.

Don’t let finger pain limit your activities. Book your appointment with BodyMotion Physiotherapy today, and let us help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your hands!

FAQs About Finger Physiotherapy

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury. Minor strains or sprains may heal within a few weeks, while fractures or tendon injuries may require several months of rehabilitation.

No referral is needed. Simply contact us to schedule your session with one of our expert physiotherapists.

Yes, physiotherapy can effectively manage arthritis symptoms by improving joint mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Basic exercises like squeezing a stress ball, finger stretches, or tendon gliding can support recovery. Our physiotherapists will provide personalised guidance on the best exercises for your condition.

Most private health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your provider for details about your plan.

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