Shockwave Therapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, offering reduced fibrotic tissue, pain relief, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue healing. When combined with other therapies such as manual therapy, splinting, and exercise rehabilitation, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition.
This holistic treatment strategy helps clients recover more quickly and also reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling them to regain full function of their thumb, and provides an alternative to more traditional treatments, including surgery.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain's Syndrome, is a painful condition affecting the tendons of the thumb. It is typically caused by repetitive or excessive use of the wrist and thumb, which leads to irritation and swelling of the tendons and the sheath surrounding them making it difficult for the tendons to glide smoothly. It specifically affects the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) which moves the thumb away from the hand and the Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) which helps extend the thumb.
If you think you have De Quervain's Tenosynovitis and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue regeneration
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Non-Invasive and Non-Surgical
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimising the associated risks.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to return to normal activities with reduced discomfort.
Enhanced Healing
By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process, leading to faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy can decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, reducing potential side effects.
Improved Thumb Mobility
As pain decreases and tissue health improves, clients regain normal movement in their thumb and wrist.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Severity of condition
If movement is affected by scar tissue or adhesions, making the condition more disabling.
High functional demands
For those with high functional demands, such as those whose occupations require fine motor skills or repetitive hand movements.
Severe pain
If the condition causes severe pain, or significant limitations in hand function, that interfere with daily activities or work.
Avoid surgery
If you prefer to avoid surgical intervention and are looking for a non-invasive, effective treatment option.
Standard treatments ineffective
If you have undergone an initial course of standard treatments, such as splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections, without significant improvement after 4-6 weeks.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy will reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue or adhesions in the tendon sheath, improving movement and preventing the need for surgical intervention.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
I am delighted with the results on my Dupuytren's nodule. After 5 sessions of shockwave therapy with Nim, the nodule in my hand has reduced to a fraction of its size, it is no longer painful and is not pulling my finger in. It was a massive relief to find a treatment that can be done early for this condition and without the need for invasive painful surgery, injections or radiation. Several weeks after the treatment finished it is still continuing to improve. Shockwave therapy does feels a bit strange and uncomfortable at first but you very quickly get used to it and I had no ill effects from the treatment. I can highly recommend Nim and shockwave therapy.
I’ve been seeing Nim since 2019 for various badminton-related injuries, and I can’t recommend her enough! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but she always takes the time to explain exactly what she’s doing and why. I really appreciate her approach—she believes that the more you know, the better you can take care of yourself, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years.
Nim is also a shockwave treatment specialist, and I’ve recommended her to many of my badminton colleagues, especially those who could benefit from this particular therapy. Her friendly demeanor combined with her expertise makes every session comfortable and effective. If you’re in need of physiotherapy or considering shockwave treatment, Nim is definitely the person to see!
My Morton's Neuroma : NHS cortisone injections made no difference to my painful stiff and inflamed foot pad. I did not want surgery so found Shockwave and Nim. She gave me a very thorough examination and identified issues with my spine and hips that did not help. After a series of Shockwave treatments and advice on stretching, my right foot improved becoming soft and much less painful. I decided to have a follow up series of treatment this summer. Although not cured, compared to 2 years ago when I could not walk for more than 10 minutes if at all, I can now be on my feet wslking for hours. Plus the stretching advice and motivation has helped with my hip mobility too.
