Conservative management of De Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis: a case report

To chronicle the conservative treatment and management of a 32-year old female patient presenting with radial wrist pain of 4 months duration, diagnosed as De Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis.

The primary clinical feature is wrist pain at the radial styloid with resultant impairment of wrist, hand, and thumb function.

The conservative treatment approach consisted of activity modification, Graston Technique(®), and eccentric training. Outcome measures included verbal pain rating scale, QuickDASH Disability/Symptom Score, and a return to activities of daily living (ADLs). The patient attained symptom resolution and at 6 month follow-up reported no recurrence of wrist pain.

A combination of conservative rehabilitation strategies may be used by chiropractors to treat De Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis and allow for an individual to return to pain free ADLs in a timely manner.