Upper Limb Conditions We Treat
The shoulder is one of the most mobile — and most injury-prone — joints in the body. The elbow, wrist, and hand are vulnerable to both acute trauma and repetitive strain from work or sport. Our physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and treating the full spectrum of upper limb conditions.
- Rotator cuff tears, strains, and tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations
- AC joint sprains and separations
- Biceps tendon injuries
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Wrist sprains and fractures (post-cast rehabilitation)
- Trigger finger and Dupuytren's contracture
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, carpal tunnel release)
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints we see. The shoulder's remarkable range of motion comes at the cost of inherent instability — making it reliant on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around it to function well. When any part of that system is compromised, pain and restricted movement follow.
Whether your shoulder pain came on gradually from a repetitive task at work, appeared after a sports injury, or developed seemingly out of nowhere (as frozen shoulder often does), an accurate assessment is the critical first step. Treatment is quite different depending on the underlying cause, and getting it right from the start saves significant time.
Elbow, Wrist & Hand Conditions
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are among the most common elbow conditions we treat — and despite their names, they affect far more desk workers and tradespeople than athletes. Both are tendinopathies that respond very well to progressive loading exercise, often combined with manual therapy and activity modification.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and wrist sprains are frequent presentations from both workplace and recreational activities. We assess the full picture — including neck and shoulder function, which can contribute to hand and wrist symptoms — and design a program that addresses the root cause, not just the site of pain.
Post-surgical upper limb rehab. We work closely with orthopaedic surgeons' post-operative protocols for rotator cuff repairs, shoulder replacements, and hand surgeries. If you have a specific protocol from your surgeon, bring it to your first appointment.
Treatment Approach
Upper limb rehabilitation combines hands-on manual therapy — joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, therapeutic taping — with a progressive strengthening program targeted at the specific structures involved. For many shoulder conditions, restoring scapular control and rotator cuff strength is central to the program. For elbow and hand tendinopathies, graded tendon loading is the cornerstone of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy help a rotator cuff tear?
Yes — many rotator cuff tears, especially partial tears, respond very well to physiotherapy without surgery. Treatment strengthens the surrounding muscles and improves mechanics to reduce pain and restore function. Full thickness tears may eventually require surgical assessment, but conservative care is almost always the appropriate first step.
How long does frozen shoulder take to recover?
Untreated, frozen shoulder can take 1–3 years to resolve. With physiotherapy, most people recover significantly faster. Early intervention — particularly during the freezing phase — produces the best outcomes.
I have carpal tunnel — do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome often responds well to physiotherapy, including nerve mobilization, wrist splinting advice, and ergonomic modifications. Severe cases may benefit from surgical consultation, but physiotherapy is typically tried first.
My elbow has been sore for months — is it too late for physiotherapy?
It's not too late. Chronic tendinopathies like tennis elbow respond well to progressive loading exercise — in fact, this type of rehabilitation is often more effective for chronic cases than for very acute ones. Book an assessment and we'll design a program for where you are right now.
Kingston Upper Limb Physiotherapy Clinic
Located at 1479 John Counter Boulevard, Unit 201, Kingston, Ontario. Call 613-384-2664 or book online.