de Quervain's tenosynovitis: a review of the rehabilitative options

de Quervain's tenosynovitis is an overuse disease that involves a thickening of the extensor retinaculum, which covers the first dorsal compartment. A case study approach was utilized in this article to demonstrate many of the available medical and occupational therapy modalities to treat this condition. A 34-year-old right hand-dominant female who works in a daycare facility presents with radial side wrist pain during lifting activity for the past 4-6 weeks. The patient was diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis and conservative care was initiated. Conservative care involved anti-inflammatory medication and corticosteroid injections as well as occupational therapy to include splinting, activity modification, modalities, manual treatment, and therapeutic exercise. Although conservative care assisted the patient with her symptoms initially, she returned with increased pain and discomfort after 2 months time. At that point, surgery was discussed and performed to release the first dorsal compartment as well as the sub-compartment. The patient was provided with a splint postoperatively and initiated occupational therapy for edema and scar management, therapeutic exercise, and desensitization. Ultimately, the patient was able to return to work pain free.