CARPECTOMY – PAIN RELIEF & WRIST FUNCTION RESTORATION WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY

Introduction

Are you experiencing severe wrist pain, stiffness, difficulty gripping objects, or loss of hand function? These symptoms may be related to advanced wrist arthritis, traumatic wrist injury, or degenerative wrist conditions that sometimes require a surgical procedure called Carpectomy. After surgery, proper rehabilitation plays a major role in restoring wrist mobility, grip strength, and functional independence.

At Physio360, we provide comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation programs for wrist conditions with advanced physiotherapy techniques, manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and functional recovery training to help patients return to their daily activities safely and effectively.

WHAT IS CARPECTOMY?

A Carpectomy is a surgical procedure in which one or more carpal bones of the wrist are removed to reduce pain and improve wrist function. It is commonly performed in cases of:

✔ Advanced wrist arthritis

✔ Severe wrist trauma

✔ Chronic wrist instability

✔ Degenerative wrist conditions

✔ Failed previous wrist surgeries

✔ Kienböck’s disease

✔ Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC wrist)

✔ Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist)

One common procedure is Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC), where the first row of carpal bones is removed to preserve partial wrist movement while reducing pain.

COMMON CAUSES LEADING TO CARPECTOMY

✅ Wrist Arthritis

Degeneration of wrist joint cartilage causing chronic pain and stiffness.

✅ Traumatic Wrist Injury

Severe fractures or ligament injuries affecting wrist stability.

✅ Kienböck’s Disease

Loss of blood supply to the lunate bone causing bone collapse.

✅ Chronic Wrist Instability

Repeated ligament injuries leading to abnormal wrist movement.

✅ Failed Conservative Management

Persistent symptoms despite medication, splinting, or injections.

SYMPTOMS BEFORE SURGERY

Patients requiring carpectomy may experience:

✔ Persistent wrist pain

✔ Difficulty lifting objects

✔ Weak grip strength

✔ Wrist stiffness

✔ Swelling around the wrist

✔ Clicking or grinding sensation

✔ Reduced wrist movement

✔ Difficulty performing ADLs

✔ Pain during twisting movements

✔ Night pain in severe conditions

TYPES OF CARPECTOMY

✅ Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC)

Removal of the proximal carpal row to reduce pain while preserving functional movement.

✅ Partial Carpectomy

Only specific damaged carpal bones are removed.

✅ Total Wrist Fusion with Carpectomy

Performed in severe arthritic conditions.

ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER CARPECTOMY

Post-operative physiotherapy is extremely important for achieving:

✔ Pain reduction

✔ Scar tissue management

✔ Improved wrist mobility

✔ Grip strengthening

✔ Reduction of swelling

✔ Improved hand coordination

✔ Restoration of functional activities

✔ Return to work and sports activities

At Physio360, our expert physiotherapists design individualized rehabilitation protocols for faster and safer recovery.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT AT PHYSIO360

✅ Pain Management

Modalities Used:

✔ IFT Therapy

✔ Ultrasound Therapy

✔ Cryotherapy

✔ Laser Therapy

✔ TENS Therapy

These help reduce inflammation and post-surgical pain.

✅ Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques help improve:

✔ Joint mobility

✔ Soft tissue flexibility

✔ Scar mobility

✔ Wrist movement patterns

✅ Range of Motion Exercises

Gentle ROM exercises are started gradually to prevent stiffness.

Exercises Include:

✔ Wrist flexion-extension

✔ Radial-ulnar deviation

✔ Finger mobility exercises

✔ Forearm pronation-supination

✔ Tendon gliding exercises

✅ Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening is introduced progressively.

Common Exercises:

✔ Grip strengthening

✔ Putty exercises

✔ Wrist strengthening with resistance bands

✔ Functional hand exercises

✔ Pinch grip training

✅ Functional Rehabilitation

Functional training helps patients return to:

✔ Writing

✔ Typing

✔ Lifting activities

✔ Household work

✔ Sports participation

✔ Occupational tasks

PHASES OF RECOVERY AFTER CARPECTOMY

🔹 Phase 1 – Protection Phase (0–4 Weeks)

✔ Immobilization with splint

✔ Pain and swelling control

✔ Finger mobility exercises

🔹 Phase 2 – Mobility Phase (4–8 Weeks)

✔ Gentle wrist ROM exercises

✔ Scar mobilization

✔ Controlled functional movements

🔹 Phase 3 – Strengthening Phase (8–12 Weeks)

✔ Progressive strengthening

✔ Grip training

✔ Functional rehabilitation

🔹 Phase 4 – Return to Activity (3–6 Months)

✔ Advanced strengthening

✔ Work-specific exercises

✔ Sports rehabilitation

BENEFITS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER CARPECTOMY

✅ Reduces Post-Surgical Pain

Physiotherapy helps minimize discomfort and inflammation.

✅ Improves Wrist Mobility

Restores optimal functional movement.

✅ Enhances Grip Strength

Essential for daily activities and occupational tasks.

✅ Prevents Joint Stiffness

Early rehabilitation reduces long-term stiffness.

✅ Improves Functional Independence

Helps patients return to normal lifestyle activities.

✅ Speeds Up Recovery

Structured rehabilitation promotes faster healing.

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

Consult a physiotherapist if you experience:

✔ Persistent wrist pain after surgery

✔ Difficulty moving the wrist

✔ Weak hand grip

✔ Swelling or stiffness

✔ Difficulty returning to work

✔ Reduced hand coordination

Early rehabilitation gives better functional outcomes.

PREVENTION TIPS FOR WRIST PROBLEMS

✔ Avoid repetitive wrist strain

✔ Use ergonomic support during work

✔ Perform wrist strengthening exercises

✔ Take regular breaks during computer work

✔ Use proper lifting techniques

✔ Maintain joint flexibility

WHY CHOOSE PHYSIO360?

At Physio360, we specialise in:

✔ Orthopaedic physiotherapy

✔ Post-surgical rehabilitation

✔ Sports injury rehabilitation

✔ Hand and wrist rehabilitation

✔ Advanced pain management

✔ Personalised exercise programs

✔ Evidence-based physiotherapy care

Our expert team focuses on restoring pain-free wrist function and improving quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Carpectomy can significantly reduce wrist pain and improve functional ability in patients with severe wrist conditions. However, successful recovery greatly depends on a well-structured physiotherapy rehabilitation program. With proper rehabilitation, patients can regain strength, mobility, and confidence in using their hand and wrist again.

If you or your loved one is recovering from wrist surgery, early physiotherapy intervention can make a major difference in recovery outcomes.

Visit Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Chennai

For Expert Wrist Rehabilitation & Post-Surgical Physiotherapy.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Long-term outcomes of proximal row carpectomy: a minimum of 15-year follow-uphttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3280369/