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.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
