Thumb Joint Pain and Thumb Arthritis Singapore

Written by Mavis Tham, Shamaine Soh and Yuna Zhuang, Principal Hand Occupational Therapists at Phoenix Rehab.Clinically reviewed by Nigel Chua, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist & Director, AHPC A1300362Z.Last reviewed 3 October 2026.

Thumb Joint Pain and Base of Thumb Arthritis: Treatment in Singapore

Thumb joint pain has different causes depending on which joint hurts. Pain deep at the base of the thumb, near the wrist, that flares when you pinch, grip or twist a jar lid is most often base of thumb arthritis: wear in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Pain on the thumb side of the wrist points to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and clicking at the base of the thumb on the palm side points to trigger thumb.

For base of thumb arthritis, a thumb splint, joint protection and targeted strengthening ease pain and improve function for many people. A doctor can add a steroid injection, and a hand surgeon operates when pain stays severe despite good conservative care.

At Phoenix Rehab Group, our hand therapists pinpoint which joint or tendon is causing your thumb pain, mold a custom thumb splint in the same appointment, and show you how to pinch and grip with less strain. You do not need a doctor’s referral. If thumb pain is making keys, jars or your phone hard to use, WhatsApp us to Get Assessed & Treated.

Thumb joint pain at a glance

Base of the thumb (CMC joint)Arthritis most often; pain with pinch, twist and grip
Thumb side of the wristDe Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Middle knuckle (MCP joint)Ligament sprain (skier’s thumb), trigger thumb, arthritis
Tip joint (IP joint)Arthritis, mucous cyst
First-line care for CMC arthritisThumb orthosis, joint protection, strengthening, heat
Typical responsePain eases within 4 to 8 weeks of splinting and exercise for many people
See a doctor ifThe thumb is hot, red and swollen, bends sideways after an injury, or looks deformed

Hand therapy, with or without surgery

Thumb Base Arthritis Program

The thumb does a large share of the work of the hand. When its base wears, everything you pinch tells you about it.

For thumb base (CMC joint) arthritis managed with a splint, joint protection and strengthening, and for recovery after trapeziectomy or other thumb base surgery. A staged hand therapy program at five Singapore clinics.

No referral needed to start. Bring your operation note, discharge summary or scan report.

Start here

Where are you right now?

Thumb base arthritis is a different problem depending on where you are with it. Pick the one that matches.

How the program runs

4-Stage Structured Recovery

You move up a stage when you meet the criteria for it, not when a number of weeks has passed. That is Criteria Before Clearance, and it is why the last appointment is a graduation rather than a discharge.

Stage 1
Calm & Protect
Fit the splint properly, protect the joint during the tasks that provoke it, and settle the irritation.
Most people arrive here
Stage 2
Move & Mobilize
Keep the web space open and the thumb moving. A thumb that loses its span loses its grip on everything wide.
Stage 3
Rebuild & Strengthen
Strengthen the muscles that steady the base of the thumb, and build pinch in steps rather than testing it.
Stage 4
Return & Perform
Jars, keys, tools, sewing, the phone, and whatever else your hands are for.

The shape of it

What happens, week by week

Without surgery, a splint and strengthening are usually given eight to twelve weeks. The weeks below are the usual shape after a trapeziectomy. Your surgeon’s protocol takes precedence over anything on this page, every time.

  • Weeks 0 to 2Stage 1 · Calm & ProtectIn a cast or a heavy dressing. Fingers, wrist above the cast, elbow and shoulder kept moving. Hand up.
  • Weeks 2 to 6Stage 1 · Calm & ProtectCustom thumb splint shaped in the appointment. Swelling and scar care. Protected thumb movement as your surgeon allows.
  • Weeks 6 to 12Stage 2 · Move & MobilizeOut of the splint for longer. Thumb opening and span, and light everyday use.
  • Months 3 to 6Stage 3 · Rebuild & StrengthenStrength for the thumb base and pinch, built up in steps.
  • Month 6 onwardStage 4 · Return & PerformJars, keys and tools. Pinch strength keeps improving for many months, often up to a year.

After trapeziectomy

Trapeziectomy recovery: what the program is for

A trapeziectomy removes the worn trapezium bone at the base of the thumb. Most of the recovery is not about the operation. It is about the thumb learning to hold steady in the space the bone left: about six weeks of protection, then movement, then three to twelve months of strength. Pinch keeps improving for up to a year.

  • Stage 1, move up when: the wound has healed, swelling is controlled, and your surgeon allows the splint off for exercise.
  • Stage 2, move up when: the thumb opens to a web span close to the other hand, measured in centimeters, reaches the base of the little finger, and the knuckle does not bend backwards when you pinch.
  • Stage 3, move up when: key and tip pinch are rising at each review, and the thumb base does not ache the day after loading.
  • Stage 4, graduate when: pinch is tested with the tasks you named at the start, jars, keys, sewing, and the thumb is steady at two reviews in a row.

Three things we watch after a trapeziectomy

  • The knuckle bending backwards when you pinch. It shifts load onto the thumb base. You are taught to pinch without it, and it is splinted out of that position if needed.
  • A numb or burning patch on the back of the thumb. A small sensory nerve runs near the scar. It usually settles with desensitization. Spreading or worsening numbness goes to your surgeon.
  • Pinch that stays weak. Measured in kilograms, side to side, and loaded in steps rather than waited for.

Measured at your first appointment and again at graduation: a hand function questionnaire, key and tip pinch in kilograms, and thumb opening span in centimeters, on both hands.

After the operation

Is this normal?

Usually expected

  • Swelling and weak pinch for several months.
  • Aching after heavy use.
  • A thumb that tires before the rest of the hand.
  • Numbness near the scar that settles over weeks.
  • Good days and bad days.

Contact your doctor

  • Emergency department now: a finger or hand that turns pale, cold or blue, or pain under a cast or splint that keeps rising despite elevation and pain relief.
  • Doctor the same day: fever, or a wound that is red, hot, opening or leaking.
  • Surgeon soon: numbness across the back of the thumb that is spreading or not settling.
  • Surgeon soon: a thumb that suddenly gives way or looks out of line.
  • Review soon: no change in pain or pinch over 3 to 4 weeks of therapy.

We would rather send you back to your surgeon early than be the reason you went late.

If it is not going to plan

The splint helped at first. Now it does not.

You wore the splint for months. It took the edge off. Now the jar still goes to someone else, and the key in the door still makes you wince.

You hold the pen differently. You have stopped sewing. Buttons on a shirt cuff take two attempts.

A thumb base that has stopped improving is often one that was protected but never strengthened. The muscles that hold the joint steady can be trained, and pinch is measured in kilograms so you can see whether it is.

The Stalled Recovery Review is three appointments, one a week for three weeks, with the same therapist. The first finds what is holding you back. The next two measure how it responds, because what a joint does under load cannot be read in one visit. $690, nett, no GST.

More on what the three appointments cover: the Stalled Recovery Review.

Logistics

When can I…

Your surgeon decides, based on healing and what your job demands. These are typical points, not permissions.

ActivityTypical pointWhat has to be true first
Writing, typing2 to 6 weeksAfter surgery, in the splint and your surgeon agrees. Short spells first.
Driving6 to 8 weeksOut of the splint for driving, and a grip on the wheel you trust. Your surgeon agrees, and check your insurer.
Opening jars, keys3 months or laterPinch strength coming back, using the techniques you were shown.
Heavy grip, tools, gardening3 to 6 monthsStage 3 criteria met, and your surgeon’s clearance.
Medical certificateYour doctor issues itHand therapists do not issue MCs. We can write a report on your functional limits for your doctor or employer.

The program

What it costs and what is in it

Thumb Base Arthritis Program, Stages 1 to 4

$230

Per 45-minute appointment, nett, no GST. The Thumb Base Arthritis Program is 12 appointments, $2,760 in all. You pay for each appointment as you attend it. If you need more, your therapist shows you which stage criteria are still open, and each extra appointment is $230.

  • An Assessment & Treatment first, at $230: which stage you are in, what is limiting you, and a written plan you walk out holding
  • A custom thumb splint shaped during the appointment
  • Joint protection, range and strength work, progressed on criteria
  • Pinch and grip in kilograms, measured against the other hand
  • A home program, written down
  • A one-page report to your surgeon at weeks 2, 6 and 12 if you were referred
  • Your next stage review dated into the diary, with the same therapist

Graduation, Not Discharge. The program ends when you meet the Stage 4 criteria for the jars, keys and tools you named at the start.

Who you will see

Managed by our hand therapy team

Thumb base arthritis sits with the hand therapy team. All five of our hand therapists treat it, so you can start at the clinic nearest you. You stay with the same therapist through the program, and every appointment is one to one for the whole 45 minutes.

Mavis Tham, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist at Phoenix Rehab
Mavis Tham

Principal Hand Occupational Therapist. Wrist fractures, TFCC and wrist ligament injuries, custom splinting.

Tanjong Pagar

Shamaine Soh, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist at Phoenix Rehab
Shamaine Soh

Principal Hand Occupational Therapist. Stiffness and scar tightness after hand or wrist surgery.

Orchard, Sundays

Yuna Zhuang, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist at Phoenix Rehab
Yuna Zhuang

Principal Hand Occupational Therapist. Carpal and cubital tunnel, sports wrist and finger injuries, tennis elbow.

Orchard, Serangoon, Tampines

Nurul Nadzirah, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist at Phoenix Rehab
Nurul Nadzirah

Principal Hand Occupational Therapist. Finger and wrist fractures, De Quervain’s, wrist ligament injuries.

Orchard

Jasmine Ang, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist at Phoenix Rehab
Jasmine Ang

Principal Hand Occupational Therapist. TFCC and wrist ligament injuries, trigger finger, thumb and wrist pain after pregnancy.

Jurong East, from 25 October

This program runs Stages 1 to 4 of the Phoenix Recovery Protocol. It sits under hand therapy after surgery, alongside the other recovery programs.

Timings on this page are typical ranges, not predictions for any individual recovery, and your surgeon’s protocol takes precedence. Hand therapists assess, splint, exercise, educate and refer; doctors diagnose, inject, prescribe and order imaging. If we find something that needs medical review we refer you back to your doctor.

Where does your thumb hurt? A map of thumb joint pain

Where it hurtsLikely causesCluesRead more
Deep at the base of the thumb, near the wristBase of thumb (CMC) arthritisPain with pinch, twist and grip; a bump or squared base; age over 50This page
Thumb side of the wrist, over the bony bumpDe Quervain’s tenosynovitisPain with lifting and thumb movement; common in new mothersDe Quervain’s
Palm side, at the crease at the base of the thumbTrigger thumbClicking, catching or locking as the thumb bendsTrigger finger and trigger thumb
Middle knuckle, after a fall or a ball injuryLigament sprain (skier’s or gamekeeper’s thumb)Pain on the index-finger side of the knuckle; weak pinchSprained thumb
Middle knuckle, no injuryMCP arthritis, trigger thumbStiffness and aching; clicking points to trigger thumb
Tip joint, near the nailArthritis, mucous cystBony bump or a small fluid lump near the nailFinger Arthritis
Hollow at the base of the thumb, after a fallScaphoid fractureTenderness in the hollow at the base of the thumb after a fall; needs an X-rayWrist Sprain

Pain at the base of the thumb on the palm side can come from the CMC joint, felt deep in the fleshy pad, or from trigger thumb, felt at the crease where the thumb meets the palm. Tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers without joint pain points to carpal tunnel syndrome, which can occur alongside thumb arthritis.

What is base of thumb (CMC) arthritis?

The CMC joint sits where the long bone of the thumb (the first metacarpal) meets a small wrist bone called the trapezium. The joint is shaped like a saddle, which lets the thumb swing across the palm, pinch and grip. That wide range of movement relies on ligaments to keep the joint steady.

With age and years of pinch and grip, the ligaments loosen and the cartilage wears. The thumb bone can slip a little out of line, the joint surfaces rub, and bony spurs form around the edges. Pain follows each pinch or twist.

Thumb arthritis tends to progress in stages:

  • Early: pain with pinch and grip; the joint looks normal.
  • Middle: a bump or squared-off base; stiffness; weaker pinch.
  • Late: the web space between the thumb and index finger narrows, and the middle knuckle bends back to compensate, giving the thumb a Z shape.

You may also see it called thumb arthritis, basal joint arthritis, trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis or thumb CMC osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of thumb arthritis

  • Pain at the base of the thumb with pinch and grip. Turning keys, opening jar lids, writing, pegging laundry, using chopsticks and holding a phone all hurt.
  • Aching after use, sometimes at night.
  • Weak pinch. You drop things or struggle with buttons.
  • A bump or swelling at the base of the thumb, which can make the base look squared.
  • Stiffness. Opening the hand wide to hold a large cup or bottle gets harder.
  • A Z-shaped thumb in later stages, as the middle knuckle bends back.

What causes base of thumb arthritis?

  • Sex and age. Women over 50 develop thumb arthritis more often than men.
  • Family history. Hand osteoarthritis runs in families.
  • Loose joints. Very flexible ligaments let the joint slip more with each pinch.
  • Previous injury. A fracture or ligament injury at the base of the thumb can lead to arthritis years later.
  • Heavy pinch and grip. Years of forceful pinching add load to the joint.

In Singapore, we see thumb pain in phone-heavy users, hawker and F&B workers who handle ladles and woks, hairdressers, cleaners who use spray bottles and cloths, people who knit or do craft work, and grandparents who carry young grandchildren.

How is thumb arthritis diagnosed?

A hand therapist or doctor diagnoses base of thumb arthritis from your symptoms and an examination. The clinician maps the tender spot, checks thumb movement and pinch strength, and rules out De Quervain’s, trigger thumb and carpal tunnel syndrome, which can occur at the same time.

The thumb arthritis test (grind test)

The clinician holds your thumb at the base, presses the thumb bone into the joint, and rotates it. Pain or a grinding feeling at the base of the thumb supports the diagnosis. Your clinician compares it with your other thumb.

X-rays. A doctor orders X-rays to confirm arthritis and stage it. X-rays show joint narrowing, bony spurs and any slipping of the joint. The amount of wear on the X-ray does not always match the pain, so treatment follows your symptoms and function.

Thumb arthritis treatment in Singapore: your options

OptionWho provides itWhat the evidence showsWhen it fits
Thumb orthosis (splint)Hand therapistGood evidence for less pain and better hand functionFirst line; heavy tasks and nights for 4 to 8 weeks, then as needed
Joint protectionHand therapistReduces pain during daily tasksFrom day one
Strengthening and mobility exercisesHand therapistSupports the joint; modest evidence alone, stronger with a splintAlongside the splint
HeatYou, guided by your therapistEases stiffnessBefore activity
Topical anti-inflammatory gelDoctor or pharmacistEases stiffnessDuring painful spells
Steroid injectionDoctorShort-term reliefSevere flares
SurgeryHand surgeonRelieves pain for most people with severe arthritisSevere pain despite good conservative care

The thumb splint. A hand-based thumb orthosis supports the CMC joint, holds the thumb in a position that keeps the web space open, and leaves the wrist and the tip of the thumb free for use. A custom thermoplastic splint gives firm support and suits nights and heavy tasks. A soft neoprene splint allows more movement for daytime use. Many people use both. Your therapist can mold a custom thumb splint that fits around a bony base.

Joint protection. Swap tight fingertip pinch for a wider grip, use two hands, and choose thicker handles and tools that do the twisting for you. The section on everyday tasks below gives examples.

Strengthening. Your therapist strengthens the muscles that steady the thumb base: the first dorsal interosseous, the muscle between the thumb and index finger, and the thenar muscles in the fleshy pad of the thumb. Exercises also keep the web space open, which slows the drift toward a Z-shaped thumb.

Medication and injections. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on topical anti-inflammatory gel, and a doctor can inject a steroid into the joint for a severe flare. Relief after an injection lasts weeks to months. Hand therapists do not prescribe medication or give injections.

Surgery. The most common operation, a trapeziectomy, removes the worn trapezium bone. The surgeon may use a tendon to support the thumb in the space. After surgery, expect a cast or splint for 4 to 6 weeks and about 3 months of hand therapy, with strength returning over 6 to 12 months. See post-surgery rehabilitation.

Hand therapy for thumb joint pain at Phoenix Rehab Group

The Phoenix Rehab team seated together outdoors

Our hand therapy team is led by Nigel Chua, Principal Hand Occupational Therapist & Director, who has treated hand and wrist conditions since 2005. Our hand therapists are AHPC-registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists with post-graduate training in hand therapy.

At your first appointment, you can expect:

  1. A pinpoint examination. We map your pain and test the CMC joint, the thumb tendons and the ligaments to find the source.
  2. Strength measurements. We measure pinch and grip strength with calibrated gauges to track your progress.
  3. A custom thumb splint. We mold a hand-based thumb orthosis in the same appointment and show you when to wear it.
  4. A joint protection plan. We work through the tasks that hurt, from keys to chopsticks, and change how you do them.
  5. An exercise program to steady the thumb base and keep the web space open.
  6. Liaison with your doctor if an injection or a surgical opinion makes sense.

Most people need 3 to 5 appointments over 6 to 8 weeks.

Contact us for a thumb pain assessment. WhatsApp us.

Thumb-friendly ways to do everyday tasks

  • Jars and bottles. Use a jar opener or a rubber grip pad, and press down with the palm while you turn.
  • Keys. Fit a key turner or a larger key head so you grip instead of pinch.
  • Writing. Use a thick pen or a foam grip, and a gel pen that needs less pressure.
  • Phones. Hold the phone with two hands, use a phone grip or stand, and switch to voice typing for long messages.
  • Chopsticks. Try spring-assisted chopsticks, hold them further from the tips, or use a spoon and fork for long meals.
  • Cooking. Choose lighter pans, use two hands on a heavy wok, and buy ingredients pre-cut when you can.
  • Carrying. Hang bags over the forearm or shoulder instead of from the fingers.
  • Grandchildren. Lift with both arms around the child’s body, not by pinching under the arms.
  • Laundry and cleaning. Use large clothes pegs and pump sprays in place of trigger sprays.

Thumb arthritis recovery: what to expect

Base of thumb arthritis is long-term, and pain often settles well with the right plan. Your therapist or surgeon may give you different targets; use theirs.

SituationWhat happensTypical timeframe
Splint, joint protection and exercisePain eases; function improves4 to 8 weeks for many people
After a steroid injectionPain reliefWeeks to months
After trapeziectomyCast or splint, then movement, then strengthSplint 4 to 6 weeks; light tasks from 6 to 8 weeks; strength over 6 to 12 months
FlaresPain after heavy useDays to a couple of weeks

You are on track if keys, jars and writing hurt less, and flares settle faster. Contact your therapist if the thumb starts to drift into a Z shape, pinch weakens further, or pain wakes you each night.

Exercises for thumb joint pain

Exercise selection and dosages below need clinician sign-off. Warm the hand in warm water for 5 minutes first if it feels stiff.

  • Web space opener. Rest your hand on a table, little finger side down. Move the thumb away from the index finger into a wide C shape and back. 10 repeats, twice a day.
  • Round “O” pinch. Touch the pad of the thumb to the pad of each fingertip, keeping a round O shape and avoiding a flat, collapsed thumb. 5 rounds.
  • Index finger push. Press the side of your index finger against the other hand without moving, which works the first dorsal interosseous. Hold 5 seconds, 10 times.
  • Thumb holds. Hold a soft ball in a wide C grip and squeeze with light effort. Hold 5 seconds, 10 times.
  • Soft putty pinch. Pinch soft putty with the round O shape. 2 sets of 10.

Stop or scale back if pain goes above 3 out of 10 during an exercise, is worse the next day, or the base of the thumb swells.

One exercise to skip: strengthening with a tight tip pinch, such as squeezing clothes pegs or a hard pinch gripper. It loads the worn joint the most.

Massage. Light massage of the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb, in small circles for 1 to 2 minutes, can ease tight muscles. Keep deep pressure off a swollen or inflamed joint.

Mistakes that make thumb arthritis worse

  • Tip pinch for heavy tasks. Pinching with the fingertips loads the base of the thumb the most.
  • A wrist brace that leaves the thumb free. It does not support the CMC joint. Choose a thumb orthosis.
  • Deep massage on an inflamed joint. It can stir up the pain.
  • Resting the thumb for weeks. The joint stiffens and the muscles weaken.
  • Waiting for the Z shape. Splints and exercises work better before the thumb deforms.
  • Ignoring tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome often occurs alongside thumb arthritis and needs its own plan.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor on the same day if:

  • the thumb is hot, red and swollen, or you have a fever
  • after an injury, the thumb bends sideways at the middle knuckle or you cannot pinch (a complete ligament tear may need a surgeon within 1 to 2 weeks)
  • the thumb looks deformed after an injury

Make an appointment with a doctor soon if:

  • the base of the thumb becomes hot, red and very painful without an injury (possible gout or pseudogout)
  • you have numbness or tingling in the fingers
  • the thumb is drifting into a Z shape
  • pain has not eased after 6 to 8 weeks of splinting and exercise

Frequently asked questions about thumb joint pain

How do you relieve pain at the base of your thumb?

For base of thumb arthritis, wear a hand-based thumb splint for heavy tasks and at night, swap tight pinches for wider grips, and do exercises that steady the thumb base. Warm water eases stiffness, and a doctor or pharmacist can advise on anti-inflammatory gel. Many people feel less pain within 4 to 8 weeks. A hand therapist first confirms the cause, because De Quervain’s and trigger thumb need different plans.

What could be causing my sudden thumb pain without an injury?

Sudden thumb pain without an injury often comes from an arthritis flare after heavy use, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis after a burst of lifting or phone use, or trigger thumb. A hot, red, swollen joint can mean gout, pseudogout or infection, which need a doctor on the same day if you have a fever. Tingling points to carpal tunnel syndrome. A hand therapist can pinpoint the source.

What is a good massage for thumb arthritis?

Light massage of the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb, in small circles for 1 to 2 minutes, can ease tight thumb muscles. Warm the hand first. Keep deep pressure off the joint itself when it is swollen or inflamed, because it can flare the pain. Massage does not reverse arthritis; a splint, joint protection and strengthening do more for long-term pain.

What does pain at the base of the thumb mean?

Pain deep at the base of the thumb, near the wrist, that flares with pinching and twisting most often means base of thumb (CMC) arthritis. Pain on the thumb side of the wrist points to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Clicking at the palm-side crease points to trigger thumb, and pain after a fall can mean a sprain or a scaphoid fracture. A hand therapist or doctor can confirm the cause.

Is thumb arthritis the same as De Quervain’s?

No. Thumb arthritis is wear in the joint at the base of the thumb, and it hurts deep at the base with pinch and twist. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects two thumb tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, and it hurts with lifting and thumb movement. The splints differ too: a hand-based thumb orthosis for arthritis, and a forearm-based thumb spica for De Quervain’s.

Does a thumb splint help arthritis?

Yes. A hand-based thumb orthosis has good evidence for easing pain and improving hand function in base of thumb arthritis. It supports the joint and keeps the web space open. Wear it for heavy tasks and at night for 4 to 8 weeks, then as needed during flares. A custom thermoplastic splint gives firmer support than a soft neoprene one, and many people use both.

Do I need surgery for thumb arthritis?

Most people manage thumb arthritis without surgery, using a splint, joint protection, exercises and, when needed, a steroid injection. A hand surgeon considers surgery, such as a trapeziectomy, when pain stays severe and limits daily life despite good conservative care. After surgery, expect about 3 months of hand therapy and a gradual return of strength over 6 to 12 months.

Do I need a referral to see a hand therapist for thumb pain in Singapore?

No. You can see a hand therapist at Phoenix Rehab Group without a doctor’s referral. If you need an X-ray, an injection or a surgical opinion, we refer you to a doctor and share our findings. Some insurers ask for a doctor’s referral before they reimburse therapy, so check your policy first.

Contact us for a thumb pain assessment

If thumb pain is making keys, jars or your phone hard to use, a hand therapist can find the cause and fit a splint in the first appointment.

For a broken finger or a fracture in the palm, the position the hand is splinted in matters more than the bone does. See the Finger and Metacarpal Fracture Recovery Program, which sets out the four stages and what moves you up.

Had an injection?

The thumb injection helped. The jar lid is still a problem.

An injection into the joint at the base of the thumb can settle arthritis pain for a while. It does not change how that joint is loaded every time you pinch, twist a lid or turn a key.

A thumb splint, joint protection and graded pinch strength are the work for the quiet weeks.

Physiotherapy after an injection → · WhatsApp us

Where are you with this right now?

1. It is settling on its own

Many hand problems settle with a well fitted splint, changes to what provokes them, and tendon gliding. A tender scar and weak grip for a few weeks after surgery are usual. If it is easing week on week, and grip is improving month on month, it is behaving as expected. You do not need us for this, and we would rather say so.

2. It has stopped improving

You hand the jar to someone else. You button the shirt one-handed. You have stopped using that hand for anything that matters and barely noticed when it started.

The hand is the part of the body where stiffness sets in fastest, because a hand that hurts gets used less within days rather than weeks. That is the gap worth measuring, and it is not measured by how you feel on the day.

The Stalled Recovery Review is three appointments over three weeks with the same therapist, because what a joint does under load cannot be read in one visit. The first finds what is limiting it. The next two measure how it responds. $690, nett, no GST, which is three appointments at $230.

3. You have had surgery, or you have a date

Recovery after an operation has a shape, and knowing which stage you are in tells you whether you are on it. See the recovery programs, or hand therapy after surgery if you are not sure which applies to you.

All of it runs on the same four stages. The Phoenix Recovery Protocol explains what each stage works on and what you have to meet to move up. No referral needed to start.

Next step

Find out which stage you are in

Pain is the first thing to leave. Movement and strength are the last things trained back, and most people stop before that part is done. One Assessment and Treatment is a single 45-minute appointment at $230, nett, no GST. Your therapist finds what is actually limiting you, treats it in the same appointment, and you leave with your current stage and a written plan.

WhatsApp us

Prefer to phone? Each of our five clinics has its own number on the clinics page. No referral needed to book.

Related reading

Where we are

Clinics across Singapore

ORCHARD

400 Orchard Road #12-12

Orchard Towers, S238875

NS22 Orchard MRT

Physiotherapy and hand therapy in Orchard →

TAMPINES

9 Tampines Grande #01-20

Asia Green, S528735

EW2DT32 Tampines MRT

Physiotherapy and hand therapy in Tampines →

SERANGOON

265 Serangoon Central Drive #04-269

S550265 · Lift C only

NE12CC13 Serangoon MRT

Physiotherapy and hand therapy in Serangoon →

TANJONG PAGAR

10 Anson Road #02-77A

International Plaza, S079903

EW15 Tanjong Pagar MRT

Physiotherapy and hand therapy in Tanjong Pagar →

JURONG EAST

2 Venture Drive #02-02

Vision Exchange, S608526

NS1EW24 Jurong East MRT

Opening 25 October 2026

Physiotherapy and hand therapy in Jurong East →

What our patients say

Google reviews from our clinics in Singapore.

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Micah
53 days ago
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Amazing experience with Phoenix Rehab, was assisted by Mavis. She’s very kind and professional and did thorough check on my wrist. I feel very comfortable during the process. I went in for thermoplastic splint, and everything went smoothly. She was able to address my needs on my left wrist sprain. They were prompt with appointment process and inquiry. Also the clinic is very close to Tanjong Pagar MRT. I highly recommend!
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Chiky Phan
57 days ago
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Fist time doing ultrasound for my tennis elbow!! Let’s hope it gets better the next few weeks!! Thank Mavis Tham!!
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XIN WANG
74 days ago
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Great treatment from my therapist. My painful wrist felt a lot of relief after the session. I’m glad I can slowly get back to doing my usual activities without constant pain.
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Abby Lee
90 days ago
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Very helpful and friendly !
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雪梅Cui
128 days ago
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The masseur is very professional and provides excellent service ,yati is very good!
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Tra Nguyen
219 days ago
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I wasn’t able to close my fingers due to an injury. Nurul at Phoenix Rehab has helped me tremendously with my recovery process. I have been able to resume my daily activities and exercises after only a few sessions. Nurul has been very professional and positive throughout the entire process. Thank you so much for your help!
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Juzer K profile picture
Juzer K
257 days ago
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+0
Huge shoutout to Yuna Zhang from Phoenix Rehab for helping in my recovery from golfer’s elbow 🙌 I walked in with persistent elbow pain that was affecting workouts and everyday tasks, and Yuna immediately made me feel confident I was in the right hands. She took the time to properly assess my condition, explain the root cause, and tailor a treatment plan to my specific needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. What I really appreciated was how personalised every session felt. The exercises she gave me were practical, easy to follow, and actually worked. Within a short time, the pain reduced significantly and my strength and mobility improved much faster than I expected. On top of that, the pricing is very reasonable and affordable, which made committing to recovery much easier. Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring — highly recommend Yuna at Phoenix Rehab if you’re dealing with hand-related sports injuries 💪
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Fazal Hanafi Chaudhry
341 days ago
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+0
I enjoy coming to Phoenix rehab as they offer a wide variety of services. I had a finger accident and was working with a very experienced hand therapist. Place is clean and comfortable. Staff were friendly and appointment was on time
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Stella Yam profile picture
Stella Yam
482 days ago
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+0
Very good
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Juliana profile picture
Juliana
484 days ago
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+0
Have both physio n Tcm visits here, highly recommend!
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