How effective is physiotherapy for TFCC tear?

The triangular fibrocartilage complex supports the little-finger side of the wrist and helps with stability during gripping and forearm rotation. The value of physiotherapy depends on the tear pattern, wrist stability, injury cause and whether pain is coming from another structure.

Early care may emphasise protection, a splint if prescribed, swelling control and comfortable movement. Later stages can add wrist and forearm strength, grip control and functional tasks. The programme should avoid repeatedly forcing painful rotation or heavy loading before the wrist is ready. Some unstable or persistent injuries need review by a hand or orthopaedic specialist.

Follow restrictions about lifting, pushing, pulling and twisting. Keep any prescribed support fitted as directed, and do not test the wrist with heavy gripping simply because pain has eased. Practise the exact home exercises taught to you, with slow controlled movement and the planned repetitions.

Track practical changes such as opening a jar, turning a key, using a keyboard or carrying a light object. Tell the clinician if pain, clicking, weakness or swelling increases after exercise or remains worse the following day. Progress should be based on wrist control and function.

Seek urgent care after a major wrist injury if the hand looks deformed, becomes cold or pale, or you cannot move the fingers. Arrange prompt assessment for increasing numbness, loss of grip, marked swelling, repeated giving way or pain that is escalating despite protection. These features may require more than routine rehabilitation.

Is the tear stable, and what movements should I protect? Do I need a splint or specialist hand assessment? Which exercises are safe now, and what functional test will guide progression? When can gripping, lifting and forearm rotation be reintroduced?