Treating De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (AKA Mommy Thumb)

Are you experiencing sharp pain along the thumb side of your wrist, especially when lifting your baby, typing, or gripping objects? You may be dealing with DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, also known as “Mommy Thumb.”

Although the name suggests it affects only new mothers, this condition can impact anyone who performs repetitive thumb or wrist motions (ie hairdressers, gamers, or those who regularly use a computer). Physical therapy is the best way to treat this condition. Physical therapy offers effective, non-invasive treatment that can help you recover and prevent symptoms from returning. In addition to standard physical therapy, shockwave therapy (ESWT) can be used in addition to manual therapy, exercise, and an ergonomic assessment for better results. 

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Dequervain’s Tenosynovitis is an irritation or inflammation of two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist; the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), as they pass through a narrow sheath. When these tissues become irritated, everyday activities like lifting a child, opening jars, or even texting can cause pain. 

Common Symptoms Include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb or wrist
• Swelling or tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist
• Painful “catching” or “snapping” when moving the thumb
• Difficulty lifting or gripping objects
• Increased pain when performing the Finkelstein test (tucking your thumb into your fist and bending the wrist downward)

Why It’s Often Called “Mommy Thumb”

New parents commonly develop this condition from repetitive motions like:

• Lifting babies under their arms
• Frequent feeding or holding
• Carrying infant car seats
• Increased phone use during long feeding sessions

Hormonal changes and fluid retention postpartum may also make tendons more sensitive to irritation.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy is one of the most effective and conservative treatments for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, restoring mobility, improving tendon gliding, and correcting movement patterns that contribute to irritation. 

Physical Therapy techniques may include: 

• Manual Therapy can help by improving tissue mobility and joint mobility in the surrounding muscles and joints and reduce pain. 
• Strengthening can strengthen muscles in the surrounding areas to take the strain away from the irritated tendons.  
• Stretching and mobility can help reduce tightness in the wrist and thumb 

Activity & Ergonomics

Your physical therapist will help you modify daily activities like lifting your baby, typing, or using your phone to reduce strain.

Bracing As Needed

A thumb spica brace can temporarily reduce stress on the tendons, especially during flare-ups.

Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough Option for Mommy Thumb

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is becoming a go-to tool for irritated, chronic or recurrent tendon conditions, including De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

How Shockwave Helps

• Stimulates blood flow and tissue regeneration
• Breaks up adhesions or thickened tissue
• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases pain by interrupting pain signaling
• Accelerates tendon healing when paired with exercise

Most patients experience improvement within 6-10 sessions, depending on severity, and it can be particularly beneficial when combined with manual therapy and other physical therapy practices. 

When to Seek Treatment

If wrist or thumb pain lasts longer than a week, worsens with lifting, or begins to interfere with daily activities, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation. Early intervention can prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Release Physical Therapy can help you with your physical therapy and shockwave treatment. Schedule an appointment today to get started.