
Hand and Elbow Pain
Alleviating Discomfort with Alter Physio’s Unique Approach
Hand and elbow pain can be frustrating and limiting. Simple actions such as typing, gripping objects, lifting, or even daily household tasks can become uncomfortable or painful. Although symptoms are felt locally in the hand, wrist, or elbow, the true cause is often more complex than a local tissue problem.
At Alter Physio & Acupuncture in Amsterdam, we treat hand and elbow pain using a holistic, whole-body approach. By combining physiotherapy and acupuncture, we look beyond the painful area and assess how the shoulder, neck, posture, breathing, and nervous system influence load and tension in the arm.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, our goal is to restore efficient movement and reduce unnecessary strain so your hands and arms can function naturally again.
Common Causes of Hand and Elbow Pain
Hand and elbow pain often develops due to repetitive use and inefficient load transfer through the upper body. Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive movements such as typing, mouse use, or manual work
- Poor shoulder or scapular control
- Excessive tension in the forearm muscles
- Reduced mobility of the wrist, elbow, or shoulder
- Prolonged gripping or static positions
- Stress-related muscle overactivity
- Compensation from neck or upper back stiffness
In many cases, the hand or elbow becomes painful because it is overworking for lack of support from the rest of the body.
Why Local Treatment Alone Often Fails
Many people try rest, braces, massage, or local exercises, yet pain keeps returning. This often happens because:
- The shoulder and upper back are not contributing properly
- Load is not distributed efficiently through the arm
- The nervous system remains in a heightened, protective state
- Daily movement habits continue to overload the same tissues
Without addressing these wider factors, hand and elbow pain frequently becomes chronic.
Our Holistic Integrated Approach
Physiotherapy × Acupuncture
Physiotherapy for Hand and Elbow Pain
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring efficient movement through the entire upper limb, including:
- Assessment of posture, shoulder, arm, and hand coordination
- Manual therapy to improve joint and soft tissue mobility
- Exercises to improve shoulder stability and arm control
- Gradual loading strategies for the hand and forearm
- Movement retraining for work, sport, and daily activities
The aim is to reduce overload at the hand and elbow by improving how the whole arm works together.
Acupuncture for Hand and Elbow Pain
Acupuncture supports recovery by addressing both local tension and systemic regulation, helping to:
- Reduce excessive muscle tone in the forearm and hand
- Improve circulation and tissue recovery
- Calm pain sensitivity driven by the nervous system
- Support stress-related symptoms that contribute to chronic pain
This holistic effect is especially beneficial when pain persists despite local treatment.
Who This Treatment Is For
Our hand and elbow pain treatment is suitable for people who:
- Experience pain during gripping, lifting, or repetitive tasks
- Work long hours at a computer or perform manual work
- Have ongoing pain such as tennis elbow or forearm tension
- Feel stiffness or fatigue in the arms and hands
- Want a holistic, long-term solution rather than short-term relief
We treat office workers, creatives, manual workers, and athletes alike.
What to Expect During Your Session
- Comprehensive assessment of posture, movement, and upper-limb coordination
- Hands-on treatment using physiotherapy and acupuncture as appropriate
- Personalized exercises and ergonomic guidance
- Clear explanation of contributing factors and recovery strategy
Each session is adapted to your body, daily demands, and goals.
Our Treatment Philosophy
At Alter Physio, hand and elbow pain treatment is guided by three principles:
- Relieve pain and tension effectively
- Address the root cause through a holistic lens
- Build long-term functional resilience
This approach helps restore comfortable, confident use of your hands and arms.
Book Your Hand and Elbow Pain Treatment in Amsterdam
If hand or elbow pain is affecting your work or daily life, we are here to help.
👉 Book an appointment and begin treatment with an integrated physiotherapy and acupuncture approach.


