Wrist and Forearm Therapy

SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT WRIST PAIN TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’ve injured or are experiencing pain and swelling with the wrist when making certain movements such as loading in a push up position, your hand therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio can help.

REFERRAL

Within a week, seek treatment as soon as the pain occurs.

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray, MRI

MANAGEMENT

Wrist based water proof orthosis with the fingers and thumb free to mobilise combined with a wrist strengthening and stabilisation program.

WHAT IS A SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY?

A scapholunate ligament injury is one of the most common injuries in the wrist. It often occurs as a result of a repetitive or forceful push back of the wrist. This may happen from a fall on an outstretched hand, a gym accident while doing a bench press or a yoga move like a downward dog. It can sometimes be called “yoga wrist”. The scapholunate ligament connects the scaphoid to the lunate (2 small bones in your hand) and abnormal flexing or extension can cause a tear or strain because the scapholunate ligament connects these bones tightly.

SYMPTOMS OF SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY

If you have an injured scapholunate ligament, your wrist will be swollen and painful, especially with certain movement. You may also see the following symptoms:

Pain when bending (especially backward movement)
Pain and swelling, usually on the back side of the wrist
Popping or grinding
Weakness in the wrist and limited movement

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating scapholunate ligament injury.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY TREATMENT

Scapholunate ligament Injuries can be treated with with our custom made thermoplastic waterproof orthosis. This custom made ‘cast’ traditionally stays on the patient for 2-6 weeks with limited and minimal activity such as gripping and pushing.

Our Action Rehab Rehab clinicians will tailor an exercise program including ROM and strengthening as part of the rehabilitation process.

Conservative Approach

Your hand therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio is experienced in assessing and treating scapholunate ligament injuries. Most of these injuries are low-grade and typically do not necessitate surgery. The scapholunate ligament plays a crucial role in stabilising the wrist, and an injury may result in pain at the back of the wrist. Rehabilitation aims to strengthen and re-stabilise the wrist through targeted exercises. The hand therapists at Action Rehab will customise your exercise program to enhance your strength, alleviate your pain, and improve your overall function.

See below the two treatment approaches for a patient who has scapholunate ligament injury.

Fig 1: Basic Treatment

An off the shelf, pharmacy splint with an aluminium bar that does not prevent movement of the wrist but prevents function of the thumb can lead to further complications post scapho-lunate ligament injury.

Fig 2: Action Rehab Treatment

Your hand therapist at Action Rehab will fabricated a custom made water proof orthosis that leaves the thumb free and the fingers free to mobilise while preventing excessive movement of the wrist. The brace is normally worn for protection and at night to rest and protect the ligament. While not wearing the splint you will focus on strengthening of the wrist to improve the stability and increase function.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY

Scapholunate Ligament Injury is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right hand Therapist starts with them being able to read your X-rays and then fabricate the right brace for you. The therapists at Action Rehab The Hands Physio are experienced in assessing and reading X-rays.

Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Scapholunate Ligament Injury. Known for providing treatment for Scapholunate Ligament Injury and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY FAQS

How common is scapholunate ligament injury?

Scapholunate Ligament Injury is one of the most common injury seen at Action Rehab. Scapholunate ligament injury is a common yoga, weightlifting and sports related injury and Action Rehab are experts in sports trauma.

How is scapholunate ligament injury caused?

Scapholunate Ligament Injury is caused by a forced extension of the wrist into a backwards position. Pain is often felt in the back of the hand and wrist when you load the wrist in a push up position.

How long does it take to recover?

Scapholunate Ligament injuries take about 6-8 weeks to recover but depending on the type of injury and how old the injury is it may take longer. The longer you leave a scapholunate ligament injury untreated before coming to hand therapy then the longer it takes to recover. A chronic scapholunate ligament injury is difficult to heal.

Will it require surgery?

No generally Scapholunate Ligament Injury does not require surgery. Hand Therapists at Action Rehab can assess the X-ray or MRI and can advise if your Scapholunate Ligament Injury needs surgery.

Is it a serious condition?

Scapholunate Ligament Injury can be a serious injury. You should always see a Hand Therapist if you have a Scapholunate Ligament Injury because they are much more complicated than you think

Will it go away if left untreated?

A scapholunate ligament injury will not just “go away” and the sooner you seek treatment then the sooner it will recover.