Treatment of Ulnar Wrist Pain

Presented by Theresa Parry

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Video Runtime: 62 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 37 Minutes

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is often referred to as a “black box” or the “low back pain of the wrist,” due to its being a challenging area with various etiologies. This is the second course in a two-part series that describes how to interpret the findings in the wrist exam discussed in the first course and develop a treatment plan. Among others, treatment strategies for TFCC pathology, LT instability, and midcarpal instability will be described. We will discuss the role of orthoses, activity modification, exercise, and proprioceptive training for all diagnoses and will explore several examples. This course is designed for occupational therapists and physical therapists who treat wrist conditions.

Meet your instructor

Theresa Parry

Theresa Parry is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a master of science in occupational therapy and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Theresa is a certified hand therapist and also became a certified orthopedic manual therapist of the upper quadrant through the International Academy of Orthopedic…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Treatment of TFCC Issues

1. Treatment of TFCC Issues

This chapter tackles the challenging task of treating the various components of the TFCC, including the deep volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments as well as the ulnotriquetral ligament. We will discuss the role of supportive orthoses and some of the available options, as well as the roles of activity modification and exercise.

Treatment of LT and Midcarpal Instability

2. Treatment of LT and Midcarpal Instability

This chapter unravels the puzzle of treating both lunotriquetral and midcarpal instabilities. In addition to exploring supportive orthoses, we will dive into which muscles are helpful for stability for each of these conditions, as well as which muscles are destabilizing.

Treatment of Miscellaneous Causes of Ulnar Wrist Pain

3. Treatment of Miscellaneous Causes of Ulnar Wrist Pain

This chapter explores treatment of other ulnar wrist pathology, including tendinopathies at FCU and ECU, ulnar impaction and impingement, arthritic changes, and carpal fractures.

Role of Proprioceptive Training

4. Role of Proprioceptive Training

This final chapter provides an overview of what proprioception is and how proprioceptive training is imperative for patients with ulnar wrist pain. Several examples of proprioceptive training will be demonstrated for patients with TFCC issues, those with LT issues, and those who are ready for a greater proprioceptive challenge.