Wrist Pain: How Box Acupuncture Can Help

Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery with Acupuncture, Cupping, and Therapeutic Massage

For athletes, office workers, and anyone who relies on their hands for daily tasks, wrist pain can be a debilitating issue. Whether it stems from repetitive motion, sports injuries, or nerve compression, untreated wrist pain can limit mobility, strength, and overall function. At Box Acupuncture, we take an integrative approach to wrist pain relief, using acupuncture, cupping therapy, dry needling, red light therapy, and therapeutic massage to promote healing and restore function.

Common Conditions That Cause Wrist Pain

The wrist is a highly complex structure, consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves that work together to allow movement. When any of these components become injured or inflamed, wrist pain can develop. Here are some of the most common wrist pain conditions:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

  • Cause: Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.

  • Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture reduces inflammation and restores nerve function.

    • Cupping therapy relieves muscle tightness and enhances circulation.

    • Red light therapy supports nerve regeneration and reduces pain.

2. Wrist Tendonitis (Extensor or Flexor Tendonitis)

  • Cause: Inflammation of the wrist’s extensor tendons (on the back of the wrist) or flexor tendons (on the palm side) due to overuse.

  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping objects.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Dry needling releases tension in overworked tendons.

    • Therapeutic massage with Pamela De Guzman or Robyn McIntire improves blood flow and flexibility.

    • Cupping therapy breaks up adhesions and enhances tissue healing.

3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

  • Cause: Inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons, often due to repetitive thumb and wrist movements.

  • Symptoms: Pain along the thumb side of the wrist, especially when gripping or twisting objects.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture reduces swelling and promotes natural healing.

    • Therapeutic massage helps improve mobility and relieve strain.

    • Cupping therapy reduces inflammation and restores range of motion.

4. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tear

  • Cause: Injury to the TFCC, a group of ligaments and cartilage that stabilize the wrist.

  • Symptoms: Pain along the pinky side of the wrist, clicking sensations, and instability.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture enhances tissue repair and reduces pain.

    • Dry needling targets muscle compensations contributing to the pain.

    • Red light therapy accelerates healing in connective tissues.

5. Wrist Sprains & Ligament Injuries

  • Cause: Stretching or tearing of the scapholunate ligament, lunotriquetral ligament, or other stabilizing structures due to falls or sudden impact.

  • Symptoms: Swelling, weakness, and difficulty moving the wrist.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture reduces pain and promotes circulation.

    • Cupping therapy minimizes swelling and enhances recovery.

    • Therapeutic massage restores range of motion and flexibility.

6. Ganglion Cysts

  • Cause: Fluid-filled cysts that develop along tendons or joints in the wrist.

  • Symptoms: Lump on the wrist, discomfort, or limited movement.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture helps improve circulation and reduce cyst size.

    • Cupping therapy relieves soft tissue restrictions.

    • Therapeutic massage reduces tension in surrounding muscles.

7. Nerve Compression Syndromes (Ulnar & Radial Nerve Entrapment)

  • Cause: Compression of the ulnar nerve (Guyon’s Canal Syndrome) or radial nerve (Radial Tunnel Syndrome) due to prolonged pressure or repetitive use.

  • Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

  • Treatment at Box Acupuncture:

    • Acupuncture stimulates nerve healing and function.

    • Red light therapy helps regenerate nerve tissue.

    • Therapeutic massage relieves muscle tightness contributing to nerve compression.

How Often Should You Get Treatment?

For optimal wrist pain relief and recovery, we recommend:

  • Acute injuries or flare-ups: 2-3 treatments per week for 2-4 weeks.

  • Chronic wrist pain maintenance: 1 session per week or bi-weekly.

  • Injury prevention and performance enhancement: Regular sessions tailored to your daily activities or sport.

At Box Acupuncture, we offer unlimited recovery packages, allowing clients to receive ongoing care to prevent recurring pain and injury.

Why Choose Box Acupuncture for Wrist Pain?

Our expert team, including Dr. Aaron, Dr. Tai, Dr. You, Dr. Sun, Pamela De Guzman, and Robyn McIntire, specializes in treating wrist pain with a comprehensive, non-invasive approach. Our therapies help reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries, whether you're an athlete, office worker, or musician relying on healthy wrists.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Wrists

Don’t let wrist pain interfere with your daily life. At Box Acupuncture, we combine acupuncture, cupping therapy, dry needling, red light therapy, and therapeutic massage to provide lasting relief and optimal function.

Book your appointment today and experience the difference in your wrist mobility, strength, and pain relief.

Aaron Lee