Hand and Thumb Arthritis Treatment

Living with arthritis in the hand and thumb can be challenging, but with the right care and support, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Simple tasks like opening jars, holding utensils, or even texting can become a painful struggle. The joints in our thumbs are designed to be flexible and nimble, the place that normally gets affected is the base of the thumb, near wrist and when arthritis sets in, that flexibility disappears, and the pain takes over. 

Many people with hand and thumb arthritis feel like they’re losing control over their daily activities, and that’s a frustrating and debilitating experience. It’s essential to find ways to manage the pain and regain that control. Without proper treatment, thumb arthritis can lead to increased pain, decreased mobility, and more difficulty with day-to-day tasks. 

At our clinic, we offer specialized treatment packages tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals suffering from hand and wrist arthritis

Neopren splint for arthritic thumb
Making a wrist splint for arthritis thumb
hand arthritis splinting in progress

Meet Our Specialist: Rachael – Hand Practitioner

Rachael is an experienced practitioner with a deep research interest in the base of thumb osteoarthritis. She has served as a principal investigator for an NHS-based research study on this very topic. With her occupational therapy (OT) background, Rachael brings specialized knowledge in helping patients manage everyday tasks more effectively while living with arthritis. Her extended scope of practice allows her to offer a wide range of treatment options, combining evidence-based approaches with hands-on techniques to manage arthritis symptoms and enhance daily functionality.


Treatment Packages for hand and thumb arthritis

We offer two treatment packages to help manage hand and wrist arthritis, each designed to suit different needs and stages of the condition.

Basic Treatment Package – Includes Initial Assessment and 3 follow-up sessions – 4 sessions in total (£180)

This package is ideal for those seeking guidance on how to manage their arthritis on a day-to-day basis better. It includes two comprehensive sessions, each lasting 45 minutes.

  1. Education on Daily Activities (45 mins)
    • Learn strategies for adapting everyday tasks to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
    • Receive personalized advice on managing arthritis flare-ups.
    • Get educated on how lifestyle factors such as diet can influence arthritis management.
  2. Exercise Programme (45 mins)
    • A tailored exercise program designed specifically for your condition, based on the latest evidence.
    • Supervision and support to ensure correct exercise execution and progress tracking.
  3. Review & Progression (45 mins)
    • A follow-up session to assess progress and adjust the exercise and treatment plan as needed.

Extended Treatment Package – Includes Initial Assessment, 5 follow-up sessions and an individual splint – 6 sessions in total (£265)

The extended treatment package offers additional options for individuals needing more comprehensive care to support recovery and symptom management. This package includes all the components of the Basic Package, with the following advanced treatments:

  1. Thermoplastic Splinting (45 mins)
    • Custom-made splints to support your joints, relieve pain, and improve functionality.
  2. Hands-On Therapy (45 mins)
    Choose from a range of hands-on techniques to provide relief and enhance joint mobility:
    • Wax Treatment: A soothing wax application to ease pain and stiffness.
    • First Web Release: A technique to relieve tension and improve thumb mobility.
    • Traction of the Carpometacarpal Joint (CMCJ): Gentle traction to alleviate pressure and increase range of motion.
    • Gua Sha/Soft Tissue Mobilization: Focused on the thenar area (base of thumb), this technique can help relieve pain and promote circulation.

Finger splinting for osteoarthritisthumb and wrist splint Neoprene splint for wrist OA

Why Choose Us?

At our clinic, we combine research-driven practices with personalized care to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you need guidance on managing daily activities, relief through hands-on therapies, or custom splinting, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs and goals.

Don’t let arthritis hold you back—take control of your condition with the help of our expert team. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options or to book an appointment with Rachael.