What can physical therapy do for trigger finger?

What can physical therapy do for trigger finger?

Reader Question:

What can physical therapy do for trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition in which one your fingers or thumb catches in a bent position, often caused by narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. Symptoms often include finger stiff- ness in the morning or with inactivity, a popping sensation as you move your
finger, tenderness or a bump at the base of the affected finger, and finger locking in a bent position that suddenly pops straight. If symptoms are mild, physical therapy can help through massage, splinting and developing finger exercises to help improve mobility in the finger. You may be asked to rest and limit the repetitive or vibratory machinery that may be causing the pain in your finger. If the symptoms are severe enough, then surgery may be recommended by your doctor to prevent permanent stiff- ness, followed by physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in the affected finger.

Vince Frisillo, MPT
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Excel Therapy Specialists