How long does hand therapy take to work for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

The irritated tendons run along the thumb side of the wrist. Progress depends on how long symptoms have been present, how much gripping or lifting your day involves, and whether the wrist is protected between sessions. A therapist may address thumb and wrist movement, swelling, tendon loading, and the way you perform repetitive tasks. Early gains can include less pain during movement; strength and endurance may return more slowly.

Follow the home programme exactly, including any resting position or splint advice. Reduce forceful pinching, repeated thumb movements, and lifting with the wrist bent. Use comfortable movement rather than pushing through sharp pain, and tell your therapist if an exercise causes a lasting flare. Keep follow-up appointments so the programme can be adjusted as your symptoms change.

Arrange a review if pain is worsening, thumb or wrist movement is becoming more limited, or symptoms are not beginning to change after a consistent therapy plan. Seek prompt medical attention after a new injury, marked swelling, spreading redness, fever, numbness, or a cold or unusually pale hand.

Which movements should I temporarily modify? What improvement should we look for first? Could another wrist problem be contributing if therapy is not helping?