De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It usually develops from repetitive wrist or hand motions such as typing, texting, lifting, or gripping. This tendon irritation causes inflammation and pain, making it difficult to move the thumb or wrist comfortably.
At Back in Motion, our De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY focuses on reducing inflammation, improving tendon mobility, and preventing future recurrence through individualized, evidence-based care. We bring treatment to your home so you can recover safely, effectively, and conveniently.
Understanding De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis occurs when the two tendons that control thumb movement, the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, become inflamed inside their sheath. These tendons run through a narrow tunnel at the wrist called the first dorsal compartment. When the sheath swells, the tendons cannot glide smoothly, leading to friction, pain, and stiffness.
According to the Mayo Clinic, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis most often develops in people who perform repetitive hand or wrist motions, such as lifting children, using smartphones, or typing for long hours (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The condition can also result from direct injury to the wrist or inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In Brooklyn NY, this condition commonly affects professionals who use computers daily, healthcare workers who lift or handle equipment, and parents who frequently carry infants. It is also common among fitness enthusiasts, musicians, and manual laborers. Early diagnosis and conservative care can prevent the need for surgery and help restore full hand and wrist function.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
The symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis usually develop gradually and worsen with repeated motion or strain. Identifying the condition early can prevent further inflammation or tendon damage.
Common symptoms include:
Pain near the base of the thumb and along the wrist
Swelling or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
Pain that worsens with gripping, twisting, or lifting objects
A snapping or catching sensation when moving the thumb
Weakness or stiffness in the thumb or wrist
Many patients notice pain when performing tasks such as typing, texting, cooking, or lifting a baby. The discomfort may radiate up the forearm and worsen when the wrist is bent toward the thumb. If you experience these symptoms, seeking De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY can help reduce inflammation and restore proper hand function.
How De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Affects Daily Life in Brooklyn NY
Living in a busy community like Brooklyn often involves repetitive hand and wrist movements, from typing on a laptop to carrying groceries or commuting by train. When wrist pain strikes, even simple activities can become challenging.
Office professionals may struggle to use a computer mouse or type comfortably. Parents can find it painful to lift their children or push strollers. Construction workers and hairstylists may experience sharp pain while gripping tools, brushes, or equipment. Over time, untreated tendon irritation can limit independence, cause frustration, and affect work performance.
At Back in Motion, we understand how wrist pain can affect every part of your daily life. Our De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY is tailored to your lifestyle, so you can continue your responsibilities while receiving effective in-home care.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Our care model combines proven clinical therapies with personalized attention. Each plan is customized to your pain level, occupation, and daily activities, helping you recover faster and prevent flare-ups.
Chiropractic Care
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help improve wrist alignment, reduce tension in surrounding joints, and support proper biomechanics. These adjustments can relieve stress on the inflamed tendons, allowing smoother movement and faster recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a key component of recovery. It includes stretching, strengthening, and soft tissue mobilization to reduce swelling and restore function. Research supports conservative management, including physical therapy, splinting, and ergonomic modifications, as effective first-line treatments (PubMed, 2020).
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists teach patients how to modify daily activities to prevent re-injury. They also design ergonomic solutions and, when necessary, provide custom splints or braces to support the wrist and thumb during healing (JAMA Network, 2023).
Speech Pathologist Collaboration
While De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis primarily affects the wrist, posture and movement coordination across the upper body can influence healing. Our speech pathologists work alongside other specialists to ensure optimal posture and muscle control for better overall results.
Spinal Decompression
Poor posture or neck tension can contribute to upper extremity strain. Spinal decompression therapy helps relieve nerve pressure and promotes better alignment for improved wrist and arm function.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate blood flow and healing in damaged tendon tissue. Clinical studies have shown it to be beneficial for chronic tendon conditions, including wrist tendinopathies (PubMed, 2024).
Sport Rehabilitation
For athletes or fitness enthusiasts, sport-specific rehabilitation focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and coordination. Our therapists guide you through safe return-to-sport exercises that prevent re-injury.
Myofascial Cupping
Cupping therapy promotes circulation and helps loosen tight fascia and muscle tissues surrounding the wrist and forearm. This technique can relieve pain and improve range of motion.
Manipulation and Mobilization
Manual therapy, including joint mobilization and myofascial release, helps restore normal movement between the wrist and thumb joints. Studies confirm that conservative manual therapy can effectively improve mobility and reduce pain (PubMed, 2021).
Normatec Compression Therapy
Normatec compression is used to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation after activity or therapy sessions. It helps accelerate healing and recovery from overuse injuries.
Car Accidents and Workers Compensation
If your De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis developed from repetitive motion at work or a car accident, our clinicians can assist with both your recovery and the necessary workers’ compensation documentation.
At Back in Motion, every treatment plan focuses on long-term recovery, not just short-term pain relief. We combine therapies that address both the physical and lifestyle factors contributing to your condition.
Our Approach at Back in Motion
At Back in Motion, our philosophy is simple: recovery should be personalized, convenient, and evidence-based. Our De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY is guided by the latest research and tailored to each individual’s lifestyle.
We start with a thorough assessment to determine how the condition developed and which movements aggravate the pain. Then, we design a plan that combines manual therapy, exercise, ergonomic education, and preventive care.
Our in-home model ensures that therapy happens in a comfortable setting without travel or waiting rooms. We bring everything you need for treatment, so you can focus on healing.
Our methods align with medical standards recommended by the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, which emphasize rest, splinting, and therapy as the first steps before considering injections or surgery (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
Why Choose Back in Motion in Brooklyn NY
Patients across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Hoboken, and Jersey City trust Back in Motion because we combine professional expertise with compassionate care.
In-home convenience so you can recover comfortably
Multidisciplinary care from chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, and speech pathologists
Personalized treatment plans based on your goals and daily habits
Advanced modalities such as shockwave therapy and compression recovery
Flexible scheduling Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm
No matter where you are in Brooklyn, from Sheepshead Bay to Brighton Beach, we make expert care accessible and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is caused by irritation or inflammation of the tendons that move the thumb. Repetitive hand motions, direct injury, or certain inflammatory conditions can trigger it.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and the Finkelstein test, where pain increases when the thumb is bent into the palm and the wrist is moved downward.
Yes. Most people recover with conservative treatments like physical therapy, splinting, and ergonomic adjustments. Studies support non-surgical management as highly effective (PubMed, 2020).
Mild cases may improve in a few weeks, while chronic cases can take several months depending on how long symptoms have been present and your activity level.
Yes. We provide treatment and documentation for injuries related to work or repetitive motion. Visit our contact page for assistance.
You can receive professional, in-home therapy from Back in Motion, located at 2625 E 14th St #209, Brooklyn, NY 11235. We also serve nearby areas such as Queens, Staten Island, Hoboken, and Jersey City. Visit our book appointment page to get started.
Start Your De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Recovery Today
Wrist or thumb pain should not limit your ability to live, work, or enjoy daily activities. With De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Brooklyn NY from Back in Motion, you can find effective, lasting relief through gentle, evidence-based care.
Our expert team of chiropractors, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists delivers in-home treatments designed to reduce inflammation, restore strength, and prevent recurrence. You deserve comfort, mobility, and confidence in every movement.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation in Brooklyn NY and start your journey toward recovery. Visit Back in Motion to learn more or book an appointment.
DE QUERVAIN'S TENOSYNOVITIS
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s syndrome, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is the result of a wear-and-tear process that leads to inflammation and irritation of the tendons that run through a narrow tunnel (i.e., tendon sheath)
This condition typically develops as a result of repetitive motions of the wrist and hand, such as texting, typing, gripping, and holding objects for prolonged periods. Researchers found that this condition is more common in women than men.
On this page, we will discuss some common causes and risk factors of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, then switch gears to the clinical presentation of this disease. After that, we will see what the scientific literature says about the role of chiropractic care in the management of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
What are the causes and risk factors of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
The inflammation that triggers De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by a number of factors, including overuse of the wrist and hand, as well as a few underlying medical conditions.
Here are some of the common causes and risk factors associated with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis:
Repetitive motions
This is the most common cause of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. It often occurs in individuals who perform repetitive motions of the wrist and hand for extended periods of time. Such activities include typing, texting, playing musical instruments, and gripping objects.
Inflammatory Arthritis
People with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at a higher risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This is due to the high levels of proinflammatory cytokines circulating around the joints and tendons.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to develop De Quervain’s tenosynovitis due to a significant increase in volume and the swelling that follows.
Unmodifiable risk factors
Age is a considerable risk factor for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. For instance, middle-aged people are at a higher risk of this condition. Another unmodifiable risk factor is gender, where the incidence of this disease is higher in women relative to men.
Trauma
A direct injury or trauma to the wrist and hand can also cause inflammation and irritate the tendons, leading to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Individual anatomy
Some individuals may have a naturally smaller or tighter tendon sheath, which can increase the risk of inflammation of the tendons.
What are the signs and symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
Pain
Pain at the base of the thumb is the most common symptom of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Patients describe the pain as sharp, which worsens by activities that involve gripping, pinching, and twisting motions.
Swelling
Edema (i.e., swelling) around the base of the thumb is another common symptom of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. You may feel that the area is warm and red as well.
Difficulty moving the thumb
Individuals with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may experience difficulty moving the thumb, especially when making a fist or grasping objects.
Clicking or snapping sensation
Some individuals may experience a clicking or snapping sensation when moving their thumb or wrist.
Numbness or tingling
In some cases, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can cause numbness or tingling in the thumb and hand.
Weakness
Finally, patients report weakness in the thumb, which can make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks.
How do chiropractors help with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Chiropractic care is a viable option for managing the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Chiropractors may use several ways, including manual therapies, physical modalities, and lifestyle modifications.
For example, chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue manipulation may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. A study found that patients who received chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain, grip strength, and range of motion. Another study also confirmed these findings, reporting that patients experienced notable clinical improvement after a few sessions of chiropractic care. These findings suggest that chiropractic care may be an effective alternative to conventional medical treatments for managing the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Your chiropractor may also use some physical modalities, such as ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation, to improve your symptoms. Luckily, there is plenty of evidence to support this. In one study, researchers found that patients who received ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation had significant improvements in grip strength and range of motion.
Aside from these treatments, chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle modifications to help manage the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. For example, they may recommend ergonomic modifications to reduce strain on the affected wrist and hand. They may also recommend exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and strengthen the affected muscles.
A classic study concluded that patients who received chiropractic care and followed a home exercise program experienced significant improvements in their musculoskeletal conditions.
What to expect during your visit?
During a chiropractic exam, your practitioner will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and any areas of tenderness or inflammation. They may also perform diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other underlying conditions.
Once the diagnosis of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is confirmed, the chiropractor can provide a range of conservative treatment options to alleviate pain and improve joint function. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation to the affected area.
Moreover, chiropractic care can also provide a holistic approach to managing De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis by addressing any underlying spinal misalignments or postural imbalances that may be contributing to the condition. This can help prevent future flare-ups and improve overall musculoskeletal health.
Takeaway message
Chiropractors can substantially help in mitigating the symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the management of this disease.
We hope that this article successfully highlighted how our spine clinic could help you control the symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
If you want tailored advice for your specific case, feel free to contact us through this link.