What to Expect from Hand Therapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

The therapist asks which movements trigger pain and examines thumb and wrist motion, tenderness, swelling, grip, and how you use the hand. Repeated lifting, pinching, texting, or wrist deviation may irritate the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. A thumb-and-wrist splint may rest this area while allowing safe movement of the fingers.

You may be shown gentle thumb and wrist movements, then strengthening once everyday pain and irritability have settled. Change lifting technique, keep the wrist in a more neutral position, and use both hands for heavier objects when possible. Follow the wearing schedule for any splint and report rubbing or numbness. Read about [De Quervain's Tenosynovitis](/conditions/de-quervain-tenosynovitis/) and [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/).

Contact the care team if pain or swelling keeps worsening despite reduced strain, the thumb becomes weak, or the splint causes numbness, colour change, or skin damage. Sudden severe pain after an injury, fever, or spreading redness needs prompt medical assessment.

Ask how long to wear the splint, which tasks to modify, when strengthening can start, and what improvement should be expected before considering another treatment.