Shockwave Therapy for Trigger Finger
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for trigger finger, 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 fingers, and provides an alternative to more traditional treatments.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of the fingers or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and may straighten with a snap, like a trigger being pulled and released. This condition is caused by inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheath, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly.
If you think you have trigger finger 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 Trigger Finger
- 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 Trigger Finger
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for trigger finger 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 Trigger Finger
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating trigger finger, 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 Finger Mobility
As pain decreases and tissue health improves, clients often regain normal movement in their finger or thumb, reducing or eliminating the triggering sensation.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating trigger finger, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Trigger Finger
Severity of condition
If multiple fingers are affected, 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 or locking
If the trigger finger causes severe pain, frequent locking or catching of the finger, 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 may reduce inflammation and break down nodules in the tendon, improving finger 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.
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
