Arm, Wrist & Hand · Trenton, MI
DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis
Physical therapy for dequervain's tenosynovitis at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath surrounding two thumb tendons where they cross the wrist. It's famous among new parents — repetitive lifting of a baby with the thumb spread wide is a classic trigger — but any repetitive thumb-and-wrist work can cause it.
The hallmark is sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist with gripping and twisting, confirmed with a simple clinical test.
Common signs & symptoms
- Sharp pain at the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain lifting a child, pouring, or wringing
- Swelling over the thumb-side tendons
- A catching or snapping feeling with thumb movement
- Pain making a fist around the thumb and bending the wrist
How physical therapy helps
Early on, a thumb-spica splint and soft-tissue treatment quiet the inflamed sheath. As irritation settles we progressively load the tendons and rebuild pinch and grip strength, while coaching lifting mechanics — especially for parents — so the tendons stop being overloaded in daily life.
Treatments we use
- Thumb-spica splinting
- Soft-tissue treatment
- Progressive loading
- Lifting-mechanics coaching
- IASTM
Frequently asked questions
Why do new mothers get DeQuervain's so often?
Repetitive baby lifting with thumbs spread, plus postpartum hormonal and fluid changes, create a perfect storm. Adjusting lift technique is a core part of treatment.
Will a cortisone injection fix it?
Injections have a good success rate for DeQuervain's and are worth discussing with your physician — ideally paired with rehab and habit changes so it doesn't return.
How do I know it's DeQuervain's and not arthritis?
Thumb-base arthritis grinds and aches deep in the joint; DeQuervain's is sharper, over the tendons, and provoked by the classic fist-and-tilt test. Evaluation distinguishes them quickly.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.