Saturday Night Palsy – Causes, Symptoms & Best Physiotherapy Treatment at Physio360.

INTRODUCTION;

Have you ever woken up after a deep sleep or long rest and suddenly found that your wrist won’t lift, fingers feel weak, or your hand feels “dead”? Don’t panic—this could be Saturday Night Palsy, a temporary but alarming nerve condition that responds very well to physiotherapy when treated early.

At Physio360 Physiotherapy Centre in Chennai, we frequently treat nerve compression injuries like Saturday Night Palsy with excellent recovery outcomes.

What Is Saturday Night Palsy?

Saturday Night Palsy is a condition caused by compression of the radial nerve, most commonly occurring after prolonged pressure on the upper arm during sleep or rest.

The term comes from people falling asleep after alcohol consumption on weekends, but it can happen to anyone, even without alcohol involvement.

Which Nerve Is Affected?

✔ Radial Nerve

✔ Supplies muscles responsible for wrist extension, finger extension, and thumb movement

✔ Also provides sensation to the back of the hand and forearm

When compressed, the nerve temporarily stops sending proper signals—leading to weakness and numbness.

Common Causes of Saturday Night Palsy

Saturday Night Palsy usually results from prolonged pressure on the arm. Common triggers include:

✅ Sleeping with the arm hanging over a chair or bed

✅ Prolonged pressure on the upper arm during deep sleep

✅ Sleeping on the arm for several hours

✅ Intoxication causing reduced body awareness

✅ Tight casts, splints, or tourniquets

✅ Prolonged leaning on armrests or hard surfaces

Even office workers, students, and travellers can develop this condition.

Key Symptoms of Saturday Night Palsy

Patients often report a sudden onset of symptoms upon waking:

✔ Wrist drop (inability to lift the wrist)

✔ Weakness in finger and thumb extension

✔ Numbness or tingling on the back of the hand

✔ Difficulty gripping objects

✔ Hand feels heavy or unresponsive

✔ No severe pain in most cases

Important: Symptoms may look scary, but the condition is usually reversible with timely physiotherapy.

How Is Saturday Night Palsy Diagnosed?

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, diagnosis includes:

Detailed clinical examination

Muscle strength testing

Sensory assessment

Postural and sleeping habit evaluation

Nerve tension tests

In rare cases, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be advised if recovery is delayed.

Best Physiotherapy Treatment for Saturday Night Palsy

Physiotherapy is the gold standard treatment for Saturday Night Palsy—and early intervention ensures fast recovery.

Physio360 Treatment Approach

🔹 Pain & Inflammation Control

• Ice therapy

• Gentle electrotherapy (if needed)

  
  

🔹 Wrist & Hand Support

• Wrist cock-up splint to prevent overstretching

• Functional positioning

  
  

🔹 Nerve Mobilisation Exercises

• Radial nerve gliding techniques

• Prevents nerve adhesions

  
  

🔹 Strengthening Exercises

• Wrist extensors

• Finger and thumb extensors

• Progressive resistance training

  
  

🔹 Functional Training

• Grip training

• ADL (Activities of Daily Living) retraining

  
  

🔹 Postural & Sleep Education

• Correct sleeping positions

• Avoiding nerve compression habits

  
  

Recovery Time – How Long Does It Take?

🕒 Mild cases: 2–4 weeks

🕒 Moderate cases: 4–8 weeks

🕒 Severe compression: May take up to 3 months

✅ With early physiotherapy at Physio360, most patients recover fully without surgery.

Can Saturday Night Palsy Be Prevented?

Yes! Simple habits can prevent recurrence:

✔ Avoid sleeping on the arm

✔ Use proper pillows and arm support

✔ Avoid prolonged leaning on armrests

✔ Take breaks during long sitting or travel

✔ Seek early physiotherapy if weakness appears

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

🚨 Immediately, if you notice:

• Sudden wrist drop

• Hand weakness after sleep

• Persistent numbness or tingling

• Difficulty lifting or holding objects

Early treatment = faster nerve recovery.

Why Choose Physio360 for Saturday Night Palsy Treatment?

✅ Experienced physiotherapists

✅ Advanced nerve rehabilitation protocols

✅ Personalised exercise programs

✅ Non-surgical treatment approach

✅ Fast recovery focus

✅ Trusted physiotherapy centre in Chennai

📍 Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Centre Near You

Take Action Today!

Don’t ignore hand weakness or wrist drop—it’s your nerve asking for help.

Book your consultation today at Physio360 Physiotherapy Centre, Chennai. Expert care | Advanced rehab | Fast recovery Best physiotherapy for nerve injuries near me

Physio360 – Helping You Move Better, Faster, Stronger.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Clinical Features of Wrist Drop Caused by Compressive Radial Neuropathy and Its Anatomical Considerationshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4024814/.

2.The origin of "Saturday night palsy"?https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12188953/