Thumb Pain

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Physiotherapy for Thumb Pain: Arthritis & De Quervain’s Tendon Pain

Thumb pain from arthritis or De Quervain’s tendonitis can limit your grip, everyday activities, and fine motor tasks. Our physiotherapy programs reduce pain, improve thumb mobility, and restore hand function for daily life and sport.

Understanding Thumb Pain

Thumb pain is a common condition that can result from arthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, or De Quervain’s tendonitis, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Both conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness, affecting gripping, lifting, typing, and sporting activities.

Physiotherapy targets both pain relief and functional restoration, allowing you to regain strength, dexterity, and confidence in daily tasks.

Common Symptoms We Assess

  • Pain at the base of the thumb or along the thumb tendons

  • Stiffness or swelling at the thumb joint

  • Difficulty gripping or holding objects (cups, pens, tools)

  • Pain during repetitive thumb movements or lifting

  • Weak pinch or loss of strength in the thumb

  • Clicking, catching, or discomfort with thumb motion

How Physiotherapy Helps Thumb Pain

Our physiotherapy approach focuses on reducing pain, improving thumb mobility, and strengthening surrounding muscles.

Our Treatment Approach Includes:

  • Assessment of Joint and Tendon Function
    Evaluating thumb joint range of motion, tendon loading, grip strength, and hand mechanics.

  • Manual Therapy & Mobilisation
    Techniques to reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and decrease tendon irritation.

  • Targeted Strengthening Exercises
    Focused on:

    • Thumb stabilisers

    • Intrinsic hand muscles

    • Forearm muscles supporting thumb movement

  • Activity Modification & Ergonomic Advice
    Adjusting hand and wrist positions during daily tasks, work, or sport to reduce stress on the thumb.

  • Thumb Brace for Short-Term Relief
    Temporary use of a thumb brace can reduce tendon load, protect arthritic joints, and provide pain relief while rehabilitation exercises improve strength and function.

  • Functional Retraining
    Exercises to restore fine motor skills, grip endurance, and dexterity for work, sport, or daily activities.

Areas We Treat for Thumb Pain

  • Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint – for arthritis pain and stiffness

  • De Quervain’s tendons – abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis

  • Intrinsic hand muscles – stabilisers supporting grip and pinch

  • Forearm muscles – wrist flexors and extensors for tendon load management

  • Hand function – pinch, grip, lifting, writing, and tool use

  • Activity and ergonomic modifications – to prevent recurrence

  • Thumb brace usage – for short-term pain relief and joint support

Why Choose Our Clinic for Thumb Pain?

  • Evidence-based physiotherapy for thumb arthritis and De Quervain’s tendonitis

  • Hands-on treatment plus progressive strengthening programs

  • Tailored plans for daily activities, sports, and occupational tasks

  • Focus on restoring function, dexterity, and long-term joint/tendon health

  • Practical advice for load management, ergonomic improvement, and temporary brace use

Book your assessment today to reduce thumb pain, restore movement, and regain full hand function

Martin Spitzeck
Next

Trigger Finger