Fly-fishing isn’t the most physically strenuous sport out there. However, it takes rhythmic, coordinated movements to cast a line. A single fisherman can cast several hundred times over a long weekend of fishing. Experienced fly-fishers will tell you that it’s common to feel pain and soreness in the hands and wrists or the shoulder after a day or two of casting. If you already have arthritis in your hands or carpal tunnel syndrome, fly-fishing can definitely aggravate your condition.
There are some things you can do to minimize your risk of injury and manage any pain you experience after fly-fishing. For ongoing pain and overuse injuries, physical therapy can help you make a fast and complete recovery. Keep reading to learn about six common hand injuries among fly-fishers and find out how physical therapy can help.
Are hand injuries common in fly-fishing?
A survey study of 162 fly-fishers showed that a little more than one-third reported upper extremity pain or soreness immediately after fly-fishing. Some of the fishermen included in the study had hand and elbow injuries, but more of them had shoulder pain. Tendinitis in the rotator cuff and the elbow are two of the most common conditions caused by fly-fishing. None experienced chronic pain or a disability related to fly-fishing. About half of those who had pain after fly-fishing felt better within a day, and the other half felt better within a week.
6 types of hand injuries most common in fly-fishers
It’s rare for even the most dedicated fly-fishers to develop long-term conditions from this sport. Full-time instructors are more likely to experience pain that comes and goes or aggravates underlying conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, fly-fishers develop these conditions from work activities like typing at a computer or using power tools. Fly-fishing on the weekends or after a few years of retirement often irritates a preexisting injury.
The fly-fishing techniques and equipment you use can affect your likelihood of feeling pain in the days afterward, specifically, certain casting and grip styles. Sidearm or elliptical casting and a more pronated grip or one that’s rotated inward are more likely to result in pain and soreness. Using weighted lines can also be a contributing factor. Try using a more neutral grip and an overhead casting technique and see if it helps reduce your pain.
Fly-fishers may be more likely to develop pain from the following six hand injuries and underlying conditions:
-
Aches and pains — Soreness in the thumb and wrist is fairly common after a fly-fishing trip. In most cases, it goes away in less than a week and doesn’t contribute to chronic conditions. Adjusting your casting technique, resting your hand and self-treating with some home remedies can help you manage occasional hand and wrist pain.
-
Angler’s elbow — This is a form of tendinitis that’s also called lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. It’s an overuse injury that involves inflammation of the wrist and finger extensor tendons that connect to the outside of the elbow. You’ll notice pain in your wrist, forearm or elbow when you use your hand to grip something or extend your fingers backward.
-
Arthritis — There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. It’s a degenerative condition that happens when the cartilage that protects the bones from joint friction starts to wear away. It can affect the joints in your hands and other parts of the body. Some people develop arthritis from repetitive movements over many years, but it can also be a result of aging.
-
Carpal tunnel syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by activities where the wrist is bent at an angle for a prolonged period, such as typing or texting. It’s when the median nerve that passes through the wrist gets compressed for so long that the passageway starts to narrow. Pressure on this nerve can cause aches and soreness, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
-
Lacerations — Your fishing hook can cut your skin or end up lodged in your hand because of an accident or a casting error in fly-fishing. You’ll need to disinfect your hand right away and stop any bleeding. In some cases, stitches may be necessary.
-
Acute injuries — Falling and colliding with people or objects around you are safety hazards that can result in traumatic injuries. Fly-fishers can get sprains, fractures or dislocations in their hands and wrists by bracing themselves during a fall. You should always be careful when climbing over slippery rocks and be aware of your surroundings.
What treatments help with hand injuries related to fly-fishing?
In many cases, some at-home care is all you need to relieve hand pain from fly-fishing. We recommend the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Some people may also find that heat therapy helps reduce their hand pain. Try alternating an ice pack and a heating pad, leaving them on for about 20 minutes each, to see what works for you. If your pain persists, a physical therapist can help you recover from injuries or manage pain that shows up after fishing trips.
If you’ve noticed occasional pain getting worse, you should at least get an evaluation with a physical therapist. They can provide some information about your condition and help you modify your technique to keep your pain to a minimum. Some physical therapy treatments can provide relief in just one visit, and your PT can show you some stretches and exercises you can do at home to manage your pain.
The following physical therapy treatments can help you recover from hand injuries related to fly-fishing:
- Therapeutic stretching and exercise — Injuries from repetitive movements like fly casting can often be improved with targeted exercises and stretching. Your PT might help you create a warmup routine or show you some exercises to do when your hand is hurting.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a hands-on technique where your PT will use massage-like movements to reduce pain and stiffness. For hand injuries, manual techniques can mobilize stiff joints and release built-up tension.
- Dry needling — For injuries that affect deep layers of soft tissue, your PT may suggest dry needling. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is focused on a specific area. Your physical therapist will insert thin, unmedicated needles into your hand to stimulate movement and trigger your body’s healing response.
- Kinesiology taping — Have you ever noticed athletes on your favorite sports team wearing fabric tape on muscles in their arms or legs? Kinesiology tape can be strategically applied to support strained muscles while they heal. It may help if you have tendinitis in your hand or forearm.
Alliance PTP can help find expert physical therapists near you to address hand pain after fly-fishing
After a long fly-fishing trip, tracking down the right physical therapist might seem like another big project. You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help with hand pain from fly-fishing. Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need.
And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state.
Don’t keep letting your hand pain affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.
Get Help at a Location Near You