Elbow and Wrist Surgery in Singapore: Procedures and Physiotherapy

Elbow and Wrist Surgery in Singapore: Procedures and Physiotherapy

Tennis Elbow Surgery

What it is:
A procedure performed when persistent tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) does not improve with conservative treatment. The surgery removes damaged tendon tissue and promotes healing.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain on the outer side of the elbow
  • Pain during gripping or lifting
  • Weakness in the forearm
  • Persistent symptoms despite rest and therapy

Recovery:

  • Gradual mobilisation after surgery
  • Progressive strengthening exercises
  • Focus on restoring grip strength and arm function
  • Return to activities over several weeks to months
Cubital Tunnel Release

Cubital Tunnel Release

Cubital Tunnel Release

What it is:
A surgery to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, commonly associated with numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.

Common symptoms:

  • Numbness in the ring and little fingers
  • Weak grip strength
  • Elbow discomfort
  • Tingling worsened during prolonged bending

Recovery:

  • Early movement encouraged in many cases
  • Gradual nerve recovery over time
  • Physiotherapy helps restore mobility and strength
  • Return to functional activities guided progressively

Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist Arthroscopy

What it is:
A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat problems within the wrist joint.

Common symptoms:

  • Persistent wrist pain
  • Clicking or catching sensations
  • Reduced wrist mobility
  • Pain during sports or weight-bearing activities

Recovery:

  • Protection phase followed by controlled exercises
  • Gradual restoration of wrist mobility
  • Progressive strengthening and coordination work
  • Return to activity varies depending on the procedure performed

TFCC Repair

What it is:
Surgical repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), a structure that stabilises the wrist.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain on the pinky side of the wrist
  • Clicking during wrist rotation
  • Weakness when gripping
  • Pain during twisting motions

Recovery:

  • Initial immobilisation may be required
  • Progressive physiotherapy to restore movement
  • Gradual strengthening and stability work
  • Return to sport and heavier activities guided carefully

Carpal Tunnel Release

What it is:
A surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.

Common symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb and fingers
  • Hand weakness
  • Symptoms worsening at night
  • Difficulty gripping objects

Recovery:

  • Early finger movement encouraged
  • Gradual return of strength and hand coordination
  • Scar management and mobility exercises may be required
  • Functional recovery progresses over several weeks

Wrist Fracture Fixation (ORIF)

What it is:
A surgical procedure using plates, screws, or pins to stabilise fractured wrist bones.

Common symptoms:

  • Severe pain after trauma
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Reduced wrist movement
  • Difficulty using the hand

Recovery:

  • Protection phase after surgery
  • Gradual restoration of movement
  • Strengthening and functional rehabilitation
  • Return to daily activities guided progressively

Tendon Repair Surgery

What it is:
Repair of torn or damaged tendons in the wrist or forearm, often after trauma or overuse injuries.

Common symptoms:

  • Weakness during hand or wrist movement
  • Pain during gripping
  • Reduced finger or wrist control
  • Difficulty performing daily tasks

Recovery:

  • Structured rehabilitation protocol
  • Gradual tendon loading progression
  • Hand and wrist mobility restoration
  • Careful return to functional activities

How Physiotherapy Helps After Elbow and Wrist Surgery

Surgery addresses the structural issue, but recovery depends heavily on rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy helps to:

  • Restore elbow, wrist, and hand mobility
  • Rebuild strength and coordination
  • Reduce stiffness and pain
  • Improve grip and functional use of the arm
  • Guide safe return to work, sport, and daily activities

At MoveMed, rehabilitation programmes are tailored to the specific surgery, condition, and recovery goals of each individual to ensure a safe and progressive return to full function.

About MoveMed Physiotherapy Singapore

At MoveMed, we support your recovery through purposeful movement.

Our professionally trained physiotherapists at Novena and Orchard provide tailored sessions in a well-equipped facility—featuring treatment beds, shockwave therapy machines and more —to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Whether it’s pre-op rehab, pain management or post-op rehab, our team is here to guide your journey every step of the way.

📍(Orchard) Movemed Physiotherapy, 391B Orchard Road Ngee Ann City Office Tower B. #25-03 Singapore 238874

📍(Novena) MoveMed Physiotherapy, 10 Sinaran Dr, #09-04, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506

🌐 www.movemedsg.com

📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 9627 2000
📧 Email: hello@movemedsg.com