Scapholunate Dissociation Physiotherapy Singapore
Scapholunate dissociation is a serious wrist ligament injury causing instability. Our clinical sports physiotherapy in Singapore guides post-surgical or conservative recovery to rebuild grip strength safely.
Scapholunate Dissociation
Scapholunate dissociation occurs when the critical ligament connecting two small bones in your wrist (the scaphoid and the lunate) is torn. This injury creates abnormal spacing between the bones, resulting in significant joint instability and altered mechanics. If you are looking for scapholunate dissociation physiotherapy in Singapore, https://acephysiosport.com provides specialized rehabilitation to help protect the joint and safely rebuild your functional grip.
Causes
This injury typically results from traumatic impact rather than gradual wear heavily loading the extended wrist. Common causes include: • Falling directly onto an outstretched hand during sports or accidents • Sudden, forceful twisting motions of the wrist • Repetitive high-impact loading in specific athletics or manual labor
Symptoms
Patients with a torn scapholunate ligament generally present with localized symptoms at the back of the wrist, such as: • Centralized pain that worsens during active movement or gripping • A noticeable clicking or clunking sensation as the carpal bones shift abnormally • Experiencing significant difficulty moving the wrist through its full range • Finding you cannot put weight on your hand (e.g., when pushing up from a chair) • Clearly reduced grip strength alongside localized swelling
What should I do?
Immobilize the wrist using a splint or firm bandage and seek an orthopaedic assessment immediately. A confirmed diagnosis often requires specialized imaging or an MRI to visualize the extent of the ligament damage. Following medical advice is critical for this specific injury.
What shouldn’t I do?
Do not attempt to 'crack' or forcefully click your wrist to relieve the pressure, as this aggravates the unstable carpal bones. Avoid heavy lifting and any weight-bearing through the hand until you have received clinical clearance.
Physiotherapy treatment
Because incomplete ligament tears or post-surgical repairs demand precise care, our physiotherapists follow protocol-driven phases: • Initial Phase:Mid Phase:Advanced Phase:
Recovery / long-term effects
Many scapholunate dissociations require surgery to repair the ligament, followed by weeks in a cast. Post-operative recovery is often slow, taking several months. If untreated, the persistent instability invariably leads to progressive osteoarthritis known as SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse) wrist.
Why choose ACE Physio Sports
Located near East Coast Road, our team possesses clinical expertise in advanced hand and wrist rehabilitation protocols. We work collaboratively with orthopaedic recommendations to ensure your wrist stabilizes effectively.
Book an Appointment
Call: +65 81535374 Visit: https://acephysiosport.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my wrist hurt when gripping or twisting?
Gripping and twisting motions place significant stress on tendons, joints, and nerves in the wrist and hand. In Scapholunate Dissociation, these structures become sensitised to load. Physiotherapy reduces irritation and progressively rebuilds grip strength and movement tolerance.
Can I still work with Scapholunate Dissociation?
In most cases, yes — with appropriate modifications. Your physiotherapist will advise on activity adjustments, splinting if needed, and ergonomic changes for desk work or manual tasks to allow continued work while healing.
How long does Scapholunate Dissociation take to improve with physiotherapy?
Most cases see significant improvement within 4–8 weeks of consistent treatment. Physiotherapy includes manual therapy, tendon or nerve mobilisation, progressive strengthening, and education to prevent recurrence.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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