Long Eaton
128 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4ER
Our Long Eaton clinic is our main hub, we offer individual physio appointments and classes in our Pilates studio.
Mon-Fri: 8am – 8.30pm
Sat: 10am – 1pm
Same‑week appointments in Derby & Long Eaton.
Wrist & hand pain — causes, fixes & when to see a physio
Wrist and hand pain is common, and most of it improves with the right changes, exercises and sometimes a splint. Whether it’s tingling fingers that wake you at night, pain at the base of your thumb when you open a jar, a finger that clicks or locks, or a stiff wrist after a fracture, we’ll help you understand what’s going on and get you moving again.
Quick answers
Should I rest it?
Rest it when you can, but keep your hand and wrist moving with gentle exercises. Stopping using it completely can make it stiffer.
Do I need an X-ray or nerve test?
Usually not. Most wrist and hand problems are diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. After a fall, especially with pain at the base of your thumb, you may need imaging to rule out a fracture.
How long until it improves?
Many new wrist and hand problems start to settle within about 6 weeks, and most sprains feel better after 2 weeks. Carpal tunnel can take months, and stiffness after a broken wrist can last several months.
Common symptoms and patterns
Try this now: safe self-care
Do
- Keep your hands and wrists moving with gentle exercises, and change how you grip or lift.
- Use ice wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes after an injury, and paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel if they suit you.
- Use gadgets such as jar openers, and padded handles, to make painful tasks easier.
Avoid (for now)
- Heat packs or hot baths for the first 2–3 days after an injury.
- Gripping hard, lifting heavy things, or keeping your wrist bent for long spells.
- Stopping using your hand completely.
If you’re unsure, book an assessment — we’ll tailor this to your goals.
Book an assessmentWhen to see us
Ready to get moving?
Same-week appointments at Long Eaton, Pride Park, and Kedleston Road. Prefer to be seen at home? We also offer home visits across Nottingham & Derby. Book an appointment online or call 0115 972 1319.
What our Wrist & hand patients say
What our patients say
PS
Patient review
The reception staff and physiotherapist all dealt with me very professionally. The therapist listened carefully to what I was saying and I was given good advice on exercises to do. As a result the arthritis in my hand has improved and stabilised. I am pleased.
Michael M.
2 weeks ago on Google
Very pleased with my progress since i started physio.Easy to talk to and very benificial
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Benjamin D.
1 month ago on Google
I wanted to give a bit of a longer review. I saw Jo about 3 weeks ago about knee pain i'd been having. After a conversation and some diagnostics Jo was able to tell me, accurately, the inury I had and provide me loads of helpful information on treatment. I returned to see Jo today and although my knee is still painful (I have a meniscus tear which will take time to heal), lots of progress has been made and its certainly headed in the right direction. I really could not recommend Jo highly enough, she's friendly, knowledgable and has really helped me. If you're in pain or stuggling with an injuriy that won't go away – get yourself booked in you won't regret it!
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Dominic M.
1 month ago on Google
I have been to Impact a number of the times over the years and the team are excellent. I recently seen Peter regarding my disc herniation and he was professional and really support offering excellent advice that has massively helped my recovery. Would recommend to anyone who needs support with their recovery journey
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Kirsty B.
2 months ago on Google
Great and friendly service. Alan Beers massively helped me with my frozen shoulder. Would highly recommend.
Google review of Pride Park
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Maryse W.
2 months ago on Google
The review below was prepared 7 years ago…..My views about Impact Physiotherapy haven't changed….I am still very pleased with both the Pilates classes and the physiotherapists…..almost 20 years after starting……. My husband and myself have attended Pilates classes at Impact Physiotherapy in Long Eaton for well over 10 years. We highly recommend the classes run by their physiotherapists (small groups and individual attention when it's necessary to adjust exercises because of physical injury etc). When we suffered from back and knee problems respectively, we had no hesitation in contacting Impact physiotherapists for private treatment. We were both very satisfied with the outcome: following a first meeting for medical assessment, the sessions helped us get better, offering professional treatment, plenty of advice and a programme of exercises to do at home. Although sessions are quite pricey, you don't have to wait for an appointment for very long and staff don't try to book you in for more sessions than necessary. We liked their very active approach of getting patients involved in their own recovery!
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Pamela H.
2 months ago on Google
After having a hip replacement I was left weak and still struggling to drive after 3 months. I went to Impact and saw Krishna. He has helped me enormously giving me strengthening and stretching exercises. Very professional service and I would highly recommend.
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Helen D.
3 months ago on Google
I highly recommend the Strength & Conditioning classes at Impact Long Eaton. I have suffered with Menopause aches and pains for a few years now and was beginning to struggle with moving around without moans and groans as a young 54 year old! I thought exercise was now a no go! Another menopause gift! Combined with some weight loss the Strength & Conditioning classes really helped with building my strength back up and my confidence around weights and to push myself out of my comfort zone. Our instructor Maya takes onboard any issues you may have and the session can be tailored to individual needs. There is always variety between each session and support on how to correctly perform each type of movement. Studio is always clean, tidy and welcoming with all the right equipment provided. I recently saw Julie at Derby Uni for some physio treatment and she could see immediately the difference in my body from the classes. Thank you Team Impact x
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Mark D.
3 months ago on Google
I highly recommend the Strength & Conditioning class with Maya at Impact Physio (Long Eaton). As a physiotherapist, Maya brings expert guidance to every movement, providing complete peace of mind that you are training safely. What I Loved: Physio-Led Safety: Maya offers real-time form corrections and expert coaching. Structured Sessions: The layout flows perfectly from warm-ups to technique work and core strength. Tailored for Everyone: Exercises are easily scaled for fitness levels or injury recovery. Confidence Boosting: The supportive, clinical environment eliminates any gym intimidation. It is a fantastic, welcoming class for anyone looking to build a stronger body safely. I will definitely be back!
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Karen S.
3 months ago on Google
Very good and friendly staff, very clean and very quick in seeiing patients to help their recovery
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Peter G.
3 months ago on Google
I went to Chris at impact physio following hip resurfacing surgery with an aim to get running again. couldn't recommend Impact highly enough, all physio sessions, advice and exercises have really helped me get back to full fitness
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Mandy S.
4 months ago on Google
Fantastic friendly service. Very professional and would highly recommend. Finally has really helped me not only with an exercise plan but with her explanations so I can understand my position without technical words!! I feel much more confident going forwards and can't express my gratitude enough.
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andrew S.
4 months ago on Google
I’ve been experiencing knee pain while running so I visited Pete Grey. He examined me thoroughly and offered some valuable tips on improving my running technique. His helpfulness, knowledge and friendly demeanour made the entire visit enjoyable. I highly recommend him and I’ll definitely return if I ever need his expertise again.
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Phil B.
5 months ago on Google
I’ve been seeing Alan Beers for an issue I’ve had with my shoulder. He’s a great guy and extremely knowledgeable. I left the session with a good understanding of what had been going wrong and a realistic plan to manage my recovery. The results have been excellent
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Jo C.
5 months ago on Google
Jo is a very approachable, knowledgeable and experienced Physiotherapist. I learnt alot about my issue (and Physiotherapy research in general) during my visits which helped me to understand the problems I was experiencing. Jo was able to give me a physio programme that I could implement in the home very easily. I have confidence that with the continued prescribed strengthening exercises, my issues will be more manageable. Thankyou Jo for your advice, knowledge and humour! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jo to anyone needing evidence-based advice from a friendly and experienced Physio.
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Caroline
5 months ago on Google
I went to Impact with ongoing shoulder and knee pain that were hindering both gym practice and sleep. After only two sessions and some very helpful exercises (complete with videos), I was ready to be signed off. The support from Julie was warm, friendly, non-judgmental and totally encouraging from start to finish. Explanations and demonstrations were clear and gave me all I needed to know to carry out the exercises at home. Julie was very effective in helping me get back on track and I would highly recommend if considering whether it is right for you.
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Bob H.
5 months ago on Google
Had a couple of consultations with Sheridan who has helped me no end with gentle exercises to my arthritic knee No pushing or pulling just really caring support and advice Highly recommended
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Simon H.
6 months ago on Google
Excellent care and assistance. Has made and injured should many times better. Highly recommend.
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Jane
6 months ago on Google
Great experience this pm with Jo. She was kind helpful and empathetic and happy to do hands on physio to ease my symptoms. Felt so much better after even one session.
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C L.
6 months ago on Google
After bouncing around NHS GP & Walk In Centre, finally got the expertise and care I needed here. Very knowledgable physios with the best rehab gym I’ve seen.
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Susannah
6 months ago on Google
Cannot thank Pete enough for literally getting me back up and running. Also excellent knowledge and insight into injury, arthritis, bone and muscle conditions – dispelled a number of 'myths' surrounding certain conditions.
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Rob A.
6 months ago on Google
Alan is excellent, friendly and a pleasure to visit. He has given me the exercises I need to help my knee get better. After just over a month and two sessions doing the exercises, I am getting far less pain than I was before.
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Adrian S.
6 months ago on Google
I have struggled for years with swimming related shoulder pains, despite seeing many physios. 1 appointment with Pete Gray was enough to clearly diagnose the issues and develop a rehab programme that has worked. Highly recommended.
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amelia
6 months ago on Google
Would 100% recommend, I've had 3 sessions with Pete, he's great at what he does, really knowledgeable and helpful, lovely guy
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Claire H.
6 months ago on Google
I recently had a couple of sessions with the physio Julie Lee to help with my low bone density. I have osteoporosis and need to do weight bearing exercises. Julie was excellent she was knowledgeable, extremely helpful and gave me advice and the exercises to help with my condition. I came away feeling more reassured that with time and guidance I can hopefully reverse and improve my bone decline. Thank you Julie couldn’t have done this without your help and support. Xx
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How we help
Step 1: Assess
We check your neck, wrist, hand and grip, test the nerves and tendons, and look at how you use your hands at work and at home. Most problems are diagnosed without a scan.
Step 2: Plan
Exercises to restore movement and strength, advice on splints and practical changes to how you use your hands, and referral for an injection or a specialist opinion if you need one.
Step 3: Return
A step-by-step return to work, sport, typing and gripping tasks, with a plan for what to do if it flares.
We also offer PhysiotherapyHand therapy as part of your plan — always alongside active rehab.
Did you know? We also run Pilates, Yoga and Strength & Conditioning classes at our Long Eaton clinic, and Tai Chi in Toton.
Wrist & hand conditions and symptoms
Sounds like me
Tingling, numbness or pain in my thumb, index and middle fingers. It often wakes me at night, and shaking my hand helps. It comes on when I hold my phone, a book or the steering wheel, and my grip feels weak or clumsy.
Likely causes
The median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a tunnel at the front of the wrist. It’s more likely in pregnancy, if you’re overweight, have diabetes, arthritis or an old wrist injury, or do work with lots of wrist bending or vibrating tools. Often there’s no clear cause.
What helps
- A night splint that keeps your wrist straight eases pressure on the nerve. It may take up to 6 weeks to help.
- Cut down on hard gripping and wrist bending, and vary your tasks.
- Gentle hand exercises may ease the symptoms.
- Don’t rely on painkillers: they can ease pain but don’t treat the cause.
How physio helps
- Confirm the diagnosis, including checking your neck, which can cause similar symptoms.
- Splinting, exercises and activity advice.
- Referral for an injection, nerve tests or a surgical opinion if symptoms persist or your hand is getting weaker.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist treats carpal tunnel syndrome.
Quick questions
- Will it go away on its own?
- Sometimes, over a few months, especially if it started in pregnancy. Even with treatment it can take months to get better.
- Do I need a nerve test?
- Not usually. Tests are used if the diagnosis is unclear or surgery is being considered.
- Is surgery the answer?
- Only if other treatments haven’t helped or your symptoms are severe. Surgery is usually very effective, and it’s a short operation with no overnight stay.
- Is typing to blame?
- The evidence is mixed. Repeated wrist bending and hard gripping can play a part, so taking breaks and varying your tasks helps.
Sounds like me
Pain on the thumb side of my wrist that’s worse when I lift my thumb, grip, pinch or twist, like using scissors or lifting a baby. It may be swollen and tender, and sometimes creaks or clicks.
Likely causes
The tendons that move your thumb rub in a tight, swollen tunnel at the wrist. It’s most common in women aged 30–50 and in new parents, and often there’s no clear reason.
What helps
- Rest it from the tasks that hurt, and take regular short breaks.
- A splint that holds both your thumb and wrist for a couple of weeks, then gentle exercises.
- Avoid wringing and twisting, and keep your wrist in line with your forearm.
How physio helps
- Diagnosis, including checking for a fracture if it started with a fall.
- Splinting and exercises to ease pain and restore thumb and wrist strength.
- Referral for an injection if it isn’t settling.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist treats De Quervain’s.
Quick questions
- How long does it take?
- Mild cases can settle in a few weeks, but it can take several months.
- Will an injection help?
- A steroid injection helps many people, though it can take a few weeks to work.
- Why is it common in new parents?
- It isn’t fully understood. It may be hormones, or the repeated lifting of a baby.
Sounds like me
My finger joints are stiff, achy or swollen, and I’ve noticed bony bumps. The base of my thumb hurts when I pinch, write, turn a key or open a jar, and my hands are worse after rest.
Likely causes
The cartilage on the ends of the bones wears thin, most often at the base of the thumb and in the finger joints. It’s more common with age, in women, and when it runs in the family. Many people have changes on X-ray with little pain.
What helps
- Keep your hands moving with regular exercises. They may ache at first but help over time.
- Make tasks easier with gadgets such as jar openers and tap turners.
- An anti-inflammatory gel can work well for hand arthritis.
- Hot or cold packs can ease the pain.
How physio helps
- A tailored exercise programme for strength and movement, a core treatment in NICE guidance.
- Joint protection: ways to grip, pinch and carry that put less strain on painful joints.
- Splints only where a joint is unstable and a splint will help you use your hand.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist treats thumb, wrist and finger arthritis.
Quick questions
- Will it keep getting worse?
- Not necessarily. Arthritis in the finger joints often settles down after a few years, though the bumps can remain. Arthritis at the base of the thumb can be more persistent.
- Do I need an X-ray?
- Usually not. Hand arthritis can normally be diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination.
- Will an injection help?
- It may ease pain in the short term, for around 2–10 weeks, so it’s best used to help you keep exercising.
Sounds like me
My finger or thumb gets stuck when I bend it, then clicks or pops straight. It’s sore in my palm, often worse first thing in the morning or after gripping tools, and I sometimes have to push it straight.
Likely causes
A tendon in the finger or thumb thickens, or the tunnel it runs through narrows, so it catches. It’s more common over the age of 40, and in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
What helps
- Cut down on the gripping tasks that set it off until it settles.
- A night splint that keeps the finger straight.
- Keep your fingers moving, and take regular breaks.
How physio helps
- Splinting and activity advice.
- Referral for a steroid injection if it isn’t settling, or a surgical opinion if it keeps locking.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist treats trigger finger.
Quick questions
- Will it get better on its own?
- Sometimes. Mild cases can settle over a few weeks.
- Do I need surgery?
- Most people don’t. Surgery is only done if other treatments haven’t worked.
- Does diabetes make a difference?
- Trigger finger is more common with diabetes, and injections tend to work less well.
Sounds like me
I fell onto my outstretched hand, and my wrist is painful, swollen and bruised. It’s hard to move it or grip anything.
Likely causes
The ligaments around the wrist have been overstretched. It can be hard to tell a sprain from a break, and a fracture of the small scaphoid bone, which causes pain at the base of the thumb, is easily missed.
What helps
- First 2–3 days: protect and rest it, use ice wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours, support it with a bandage and keep it raised.
- No heat, alcohol or massage for the first couple of days.
- Then keep it moving so it doesn’t stiffen.
- Get it checked if you think it might be broken.
How physio helps
- Check for signs of a fracture, and send you for imaging if needed.
- Restore movement and grip strength with graded exercises.
- Plan your return to work, sport and lifting.
Quick questions
- Do I need an X-ray?
- If a break is possible, yes, especially with pain at the base of your thumb after a fall. If you think it’s broken, don’t treat it yourself: contact NHS 111.
- How long will it take?
- Most sprains feel better after about 2 weeks, but severe ones can take months.
- Should I wear a splint?
- If you’re given one, wear it for shorter and shorter periods, and take it off several times a day to move your wrist.
Sounds like me
My cast is off, but my wrist is stiff, weak and swollen. It aches, especially in the cold, and I can’t grip, twist or lift the way I used to.
Likely causes
A fracture also affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons around it, and time in a cast leads to stiffness and some loss of muscle. This is normal, and it improves as you use the wrist more.
What helps
- Do your exercises every day, from the advice sheet you were given.
- Keep your hand raised when you rest if it’s swollen.
- Keep your other joints moving: fingers, elbow and shoulder.
- Don’t drive or lift heavy things until you’ve been told it’s safe.
How physio helps
- Graded exercises to restore movement, then grip and strength.
- Swelling and scar management where needed.
- Return to work and sport, building the load step by step.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist provides rehab after fractures.
Quick questions
- How long will it take?
- Most broken wrists take around 6–8 weeks to heal, but stiffness and weakness can last several months.
- When can I play contact sport?
- Usually not until about 12 weeks after the fracture, and once you’ve been cleared.
- When can I drive?
- Not until you’ve been told it’s safe and you can fully control the car, including an emergency stop. Check with your insurer too.
- I’m over 50. Should I ask about my bones?
- Yes. A fracture liaison service can help you prevent further broken bones, so ask your GP.
Insurance and funding
We work with all major private health insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and Simplyhealth. Please check your policy for physiotherapy cover and, if needed, ask us for our provider/registration details.
We also hold NHS contracts for services in primary and secondary care.
Prefer to self-fund? You can pay for your own sessions — we’ll explain options and provide clear pricing.
Wrist & hand pain: your questions answered
Book an appointment- It depends on the cause. A night splint that keeps your wrist straight helps carpal tunnel syndrome, and splints can also help De Quervain’s and trigger finger. For arthritis they’re not routinely needed, unless a joint is unstable.
- Usually not. Most problems are diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. You may need an X-ray or MRI after a fall, especially with pain at the base of your thumb, and nerve tests are sometimes used for carpal tunnel if the diagnosis is unclear.
- It depends on the cause. Many new problems start to settle within about 6 weeks, and most sprains feel better after 2 weeks. Carpal tunnel can take months, a broken wrist takes around 6–8 weeks to heal, and a ganglion can take several months to a year to go.
- Both, in balance. Rest it when you can and cut down on what causes pain, but keep it moving with gentle exercises. You don’t need to be pain-free to keep working.
- It can for some conditions. Injections help many people with trigger finger and De Quervain’s, can ease carpal tunnel for a while, and give short-term relief for hand arthritis. They don’t always solve the problem for good.
- Usually not. Surgery is for when other treatments haven’t worked or symptoms are severe, such as carpal tunnel with weakness, or a finger that keeps locking. Wrist sprains don’t need surgery.
- Not usually on their own. The link between computer work and carpal tunnel is unclear, but holding your wrist bent for long spells can bring symptoms on. Take breaks, vary your tasks and keep your wrist straight where you can.
- It’s often a ganglion: a smooth, soft lump that’s usually harmless and often goes away on its own, though this can take months. Don’t try to burst it. See a GP if a lump is growing, hard, or hot and painful.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy and often improves afterwards, so mention it to your midwife. Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet needs urgent medical help, though.
- Paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel such as ibuprofen gel are the usual first choices, and a gel can work well for hand arthritis. Ibuprofen isn’t suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist.
- After an injury, use ice wrapped in a towel and avoid heat for the first 2–3 days. For arthritis, hot or cold packs can both help. Don’t use either if your hand has reduced feeling or poor circulation.
- See your GP for tingling or numbness that keeps coming back. Get help from NHS 111 if you’ve lost feeling in part or all of your hand, and go to A&E after an injury if your hand is numb or your fingers look blue or grey or feel cold.
- See your GP. Morning stiffness lasting more than about 30 minutes, with swollen joints in your hands, can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, which is best treated early.
Who you'll see
Our team includes HCPC-registered physiotherapists and CSP members, including Helen Tunstall, our hand physiotherapist, who treats carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, De Quervain’s, thumb and finger arthritis, and rehab after fractures. You’ll get a clear diagnosis, a plan that fits your life, and support back to the things you love.
Clinics and booking
Book online in three steps.
- Choose your clinic
- Choose Physiotherapy (or a named physio)
- Pick a time
Pride Park, Derby
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby DE24 8JB
Our Pride Park clinic is inside the iconic Derby Arena. Especially convenient for businesses on Pride Park.
Mon: 10am – 4pm
Tue: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Wed: 5pm – 7pm
Thu: 8am – 12pm
Fri: 7am – 4.30pm
Kedleston Road, Derby
University of Derby Sports Centre, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB
Ideally situated in the Human Performance Unit (HPU), you can benefit from the gym and indoor running track
Mon: 8am – 6.30pm
Tue: 7.30am – 3.30pm
Wed: 8am – 4pm
Thu: 8am – 8pm
Fri: 1pm – 4pm
Classes run at Long Eaton (Tai Chi in Toton). See classes