Effectiveness of Astym Treatment For de Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Effectiveness of Astym Treatment For de Quervain's Tenosynovitis

To determine if the addition of Astym treatment to traditional therapy produces a more positive outcome then traditional therapy alone for the treatment of de Quervain's tenosynvitis. Two groups will be examined with one group receiving traditional therapy and the other group receiving traditional therapy in addition to Astym treatment protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

i. Positive Finkelstein's test: The client will report pain over the first compartment of the extensor retinaculum when the thumb is tucked in the hand and deviated ulnarly.

ii. Persistent symptoms for >3 wks which have not resolved after an additional 3 weeks of splinting

iii. A diagnosis by a physician of "de Quervain's", "fist compartment tenosynovitis", or "radial styloid tenosynovitis"

iv. Patients must agree and comply to a predetermined splinting regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

i. History of cortical steroid injection to affected wrist and/or thumb

ii. History of previous wrist trauma to affected limb

iii. Comorbidity such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), radial tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune disease or inflammatory conditions, lateral epicondylitis or tendinopathies

iv. Clotting deficits

v. Positive Cozen's sign which would indicate intersection syndrome

vi. Post-partum mothers <6 months and pregnant women