Can hand therapy treat De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Hand therapy can help De Quervain's tenosynovitis by reducing tendon strain and restoring comfortable thumb and wrist use. A therapist may combine activity changes, a thumb-and-wrist splint, gentle exercises and advice for a gradual return to loading.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis irritates tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Pain can increase when lifting a child, opening a lid, turning a handle or moving the thumb across the palm. Therapy looks at the hand position and repeated tasks that keep those tendons under strain. A splint may rest the thumb and wrist while leaving suitable fingers free for light activity.

Use your whole hand instead of pinching hard with the thumb, keep loads close to your body and change repetitive tasks into shorter periods. Wear a prescribed support as directed and perform only the exercises taught for your stage. If symptoms do not settle, a clinician can discuss other options, including an injection or a surgical opinion when appropriate.

Arrange review if pain continues despite activity changes, prevents normal hand use or returns whenever the splint is removed. Seek prompt care after an injury causing deformity or sudden loss of movement, or if the hand becomes numb, unusually pale, blue or cold.

Which activities are irritating the tendons? How long should I use the splint? Which exercises are safe now? What should happen if symptoms remain after therapy?