Welcome to Affinity Wellness, Kelowna’s premier skier’s thumb treatment center. We blend advanced physiotherapy methods with personalized care to improve your thumb strength and functionality, shaping your unique recovery journey.

Understanding Skier’s Thumb

Skier’s thumb, also known as gamekeeper’s thumb, involves an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. This ligament plays a pivotal role in the stability and mobility of the thumb joint. Damage to the UCL can arise from acute trauma or repetitive use, leading to pain, weakness, and compromised thumb function.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Sports-Related Trauma: Commonly occurring in skiing when the thumb is forced away from the hand during a fall, but also prevalent in other sports involving hand impact or grip challenges.
• Accidental Falls: Stretching or tearing of the UCL when the thumb is extended and experiences sudden force.
• Chronic Overuse: Repeated stress on the thumb joint, seen in various occupational and sporting activities, can weaken the UCL over time.

Symptoms and Identification

• Pain and Swelling: Sharp pain at the thumb’s base, exacerbated by thumb movement or pressure.
• Weakness in Grip: Difficulty performing tasks requiring thumb strength.
• Thumb Instability: A sensation of looseness or instability in the thumb joint.
• Restricted Movement: Limited ability to move the thumb, especially in extension or abduction.

Our Physiotherapy-Based Approach to Skier’s Thumb Treatment

At Affinity Wellness, we emphasize physiotherapy as the cornerstone of skier’s thumb treatment in Kelowna. Our treatment plans are highly personalized, focusing on reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing future injuries through targeted physiotherapy interventions.

• Initial Comprehensive Assessment: Your treatment begins with a detailed evaluation to assess the extent of your UCL injury and its impact on your thumb mobility and daily life. This allows us to craft a personalized physiotherapy plan.
• Targeted Strengthening Exercises: We design exercises that specifically target the muscles supporting the thumb, enhancing joint stability and reducing the risk of further injury. These exercises are tailored to your recovery stage and are progressively adjusted for intensity.
• Flexibility and Mobility Enhancement: To restore your thumb’s full range of motion, our physiotherapists guide you through specialized stretching and mobility exercises. These routines are crucial for alleviating stiffness and improving flexibility in the thumb and surrounding areas.
• Manual Therapy Techniques: Our therapists may employ manual therapy, including soft tissue work and joint mobilization, to alleviate pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance movement in the thumb and hand.
• Pain Relief Strategies: Application of heat or cold therapy to manage pain and reduce swelling. We may also use other techniques to support the thumb during the recovery phase.

Ergonomic and Lifestyle Modification Guidance

Our team provides practical advice on modifying daily activities, workplace ergonomics, and sports practices to facilitate recovery and prevent re-injury. This includes tips on how to adjust your grip, use ergonomic tools, and incorporate thumb-friendly practices into your routine.

Affinity Wellness’s Commitment to Your Well-being

By selecting Affinity Wellness for your skier’s thumb treatment in Kelowna, you benefit from:

• Experienced Physiotherapy Care: Our experienced team is trained in the latest physiotherapy techniques for hand and thumb injuries.
• Customized Recovery Plans: Your treatment is uniquely tailored, reflecting the specific needs and goals of your recovery journey.
• Holistic Support: Beyond physiotherapy, we offer comprehensive care, including advice on lifestyle adjustments, to support your overall well-being and enhance your recovery.

Comprehensive Treatment Services

At Affinity Wellness, our expertise extends beyond physiotherapy, with a full spectrum of services on offer to help you address the root cause of your pain and live a fuller, pain-free life.

• Massage Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic Care
• Kinesiology
• Dietitian
• Counselling Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy Treatment
• Osteopathy

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If skier’s thumb is impacting your life, let Affinity Wellness in Kelowna help you navigate your path to recovery. Contact us today to begin your personalized physiotherapy treatment plan and reclaim your thumb’s strength and mobility.

Wrist and Hand Conditions We Treat

Skier’s Thumb Treatment Kelowna FAQs

What Can I Do to Prevent Skier’s Thumb?

Preventing skier’s thumb involves taking precautions during activities that put stress on the thumb. For skiers, using ski poles with straps that don’t tighten around the wrist can help reduce the risk of thumb injuries during a fall. For all athletes and physically active individuals, engaging in regular strength and flexibility training for the hands and wrists can provide better support and stability to the thumb joint. Additionally, wearing protective gear, such as thumb stabilizers or braces, during high-risk activities can minimize the likelihood of sustaining a ligament injury.

Will I Need to Wear a Splint?

The necessity for a splint depends on the severity of the skier’s thumb injury and the specific treatment plan. For many individuals, splinting is an effective way to immobilize the thumb, allowing the ligament to heal properly. A splint is typically worn for a period of weeks, depending on the injury’s extent and how well the thumb is recovering. During this time, physiotherapy exercises may be recommended to maintain flexibility and strength in the surrounding areas. The decision to use a splint, and for how long, will be determined based on your individual needs and recovery progress.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The recovery time for skier’s thumb can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. For mild to moderate injuries treated conservatively with physiotherapy, you may see improvement within a few weeks. However, severe injuries can take several months for complete recovery. Adhering to a personalized physiotherapy program is essential for optimal recovery. Throughout the recovery process, regular assessments will help tailor the treatment plan to ensure the best outcome, gradually returning strength and functionality to the thumb.

How Can I Manage Pain at Home?

Managing pain at home is a critical component of the recovery process for skier’s thumb. Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It’s also important to rest the thumb and avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Using a splint as advised by your physiotherapist can provide the necessary support to the thumb, minimizing pain and preventing further injury while the ligament heals.

Affinity Wellness
1890 Ambrosi Rd Suite 2, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R9, Canada
(778) 478-0548

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 8PM
Friday & Saturday: 8 AM – 3 PM
Sunday: Closed