Is Physiotherapy Good for Trigger Finger? Discover Its Benefits

YES, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for managing and alleviating the symptoms of trigger finger. Through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and modalities, physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the hand muscles, providing a non-invasive option that can lead to significant improvement in hand function and quality of life.

Understanding Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, making it difficult to move them smoothly. This can cause pain, stiffness, and even locking or catching of the affected finger in a bent position. When traditional treatments do not provide relief, many people wonder, “Is physiotherapy good for trigger finger?” In this blog, we’ll explore this question and delve into the various aspects of the condition and how physiotherapy can help. Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. It may straighten with a snap, similar to a trigger being released.

Causes and Risk Factors

Trigger finger is caused by the narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. Some of the common causes and risk factors include:

• Repetitive hand movements
• Medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Age, particularly those between 40 to 60 years old
• Certain occupations and hobbies requiring extensive use of the fingers

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning
• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger
• Tenderness or a bump at the base of the finger
• Finger catching or locking in a bent position, eventually straightening with a snap

Traditional Treatments for Trigger Finger

Conservative Treatments

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing the use of the affected finger and avoiding repetitive gripping activities.
• Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the finger in a straight position and reduce movement.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Medical Interventions

• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgical procedures can release the tension in the tendon.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Trigger Finger

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare discipline that uses mechanical force, movements, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy to remediate impairments and promote mobility and function.

Physiotherapy Goals for Trigger Finger

• Reducing pain
• Improving flexibility and mobility
• Strengthening the hand muscles

Physiotherapy Techniques for Trigger Finger

Range of Motion Exercises

• Finger stretches: Gently straighten the affected finger, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat multiple times a day.
• Finger lifts: Place your hand flat on a table, lift each finger individually, and hold for a few seconds.

Stretching Exercises

• Tendon gliding exercises: Move your fingers into different positions, such as making a hook fist, straight fist, and full fist, to stretch the tendons.

Strengthening Exercises

• Grip strengthening: Use a soft ball or a grip strengthener to improve muscle strength in the hand and fingers.

Manual Therapy

• Soft tissue mobilization: Techniques used by physiotherapists to reduce tendon tension and improve circulation.

Use of Modalities

• Heat Therapy: Applying heat to relax the muscles and improve blood flow.
• Ultrasound Therapy: Using sound waves to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Trigger Finger

• Non-invasive Treatment Option: Avoids the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
• Personalized Care Plans: Tailored exercises and therapies to meet individual needs.
• Enhanced Long-term Outcomes: Helps in preventing recurrence and improving overall hand function.
• Improvement in Hand Function and Quality of Life: Restores the ability to perform daily tasks without pain or discomfort.

Home Exercises for Trigger Finger      

Here are some exercises for trigger finger that can be done at home to help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness:

Finger Stretch

• Place your hand flat on a table or any hard surface, palm down.
• Gently press down against the surface to straighten your fingers as much as possible without forcing any joints.
• Hold for about 30 seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 3 to 4 times.

Finger Lift

• Place your hand flat on a table, palm down.
• Lift one finger at a time, hold it up for a second or two, then lower it.
• Do this for each finger, including the thumb.
• Repeat 10 times for each finger.

Tendon Gliding

• Start with your fingers straight.
• Make a hook fist by bending just the finger joints while keeping the knuckles straight.
• Return to a straight position.
• Make a full fist with fingers curled in.
• Return to a straight position.
• Make a flat fist with fingers curled but knuckles straight.
• Return to a straight position.
• Repeat this sequence 3 to 5 times.

Thumb Stretch

• Hold your hand out with fingers straight.
• Use your other hand to gently pull your thumb back away from your palm.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 3 times.

Finger Squeeze

• Use a soft ball or dough (like therapy putty).
• Squeeze the ball/dough with your fingers and thumb.
• Hold the squeeze for a couple of seconds before releasing.
• Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Pinching Exercise

• Pinch a small ball or a piece of clay between the pad of your thumb and the tip of each finger in turn.
• Hold for a few seconds with each pinch.
• Repeat with each finger 10 times.

Can a Trigger Finger in the Hand Have Any Long-Term Effects?

If left untreated, trigger finger can lead to persistent pain, reduced hand function, and may cause permanent damage to the tendon sheath. Early intervention with physiotherapy can prevent these long-term effects and improve overall hand health.

Diagnosis and Assessment

To diagnose trigger finger, a healthcare professional will:

• Review your medical history
• Perform a physical examination of the hand and fingers
• Observe the triggering or locking mechanism
  Further imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be ordered to rule out other conditions.

When to Consider Physiotherapy for Trigger Finger

Persistent pain, stiffness, or reduced finger mobility can be concerning signs that warrant professional attention. If you’ve tried home remedies, rest, or over-the-counter treatments without significant improvement, physiotherapy might be the next step. Other indicators that you may benefit from physiotherapy include:

• Difficulty in gripping or holding objects
• Finger locking or catching when you try to move it
• Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
• An inability to fully straighten or bend your finger

At Life Physiotherapy Clinic, we provide comprehensive assessments to determine the root cause of your symptoms and create individualized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our skilled physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, including Finger Physiotherapy to enhance finger strength, flexibility, and function.

Don’t let trigger finger hinder your daily activities. Reach out to Life Physiotherapy Clinic today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards a pain-free life with improved finger mobility. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

Conclusion

To sum up, physiotherapy provides a promising, non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from trigger finger. By incorporating a blend of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities, physiotherapy can effectively alleviate symptoms, improve hand function, and enhance the overall quality of life.

Call to Action

If you are experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Consider physiotherapy as a viable treatment option. Subscribe to our blog for more health-related tips and information, and contact us to book an appointment with a qualified physiotherapist today.