How to Massage De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and How Red Light Therapy Can Help

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De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons and the sheath that cover them on the thumb side of the wrist. It can make it difficult to move the thumb and wrist, especially when you try to grasp, pinch, or twist something. It can also interfere with your daily activities, such as typing, texting, or holding a baby.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can be caused by various factors, such as overuse, injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. The irritation and inflammation associated with this condition is typically caused by repeated friction between the tendons and the sheath due to excessive use of the thumb.

One of the ways to treat de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is to massage the affected area and the surrounding tissues. Massage can help to reduce the pain and inflammation, improve the blood circulation and oxygen delivery, increase the range of motion and flexibility, and break down the scar tissue that may contribute to the numbness and stiffness.

In this article, we will show you how to massage de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and what benefits you can expect from it. We will also introduce you to an alternative treatment that may help you with this condition: red light therapy. Red light therapy is a non-invasive and natural method that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to promote healing and reduce pain. But before we get into that, let’s see how to massage de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

How to Massage De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Before you start massaging, you should warm up the area with a heating pad or a warm towel. This will help to relax the muscles and prepare them for the massage. You should also apply some oil or lotion to your hand to reduce the friction and make the massage more comfortable.

There are different techniques that you can use to massage de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, but here are some of the most common ones:

• Effleurage: This is a gentle stroking movement that glides over the skin. It is used to warm up the area, increase the blood flow, and relax the muscles. You can use your fingers, palm, or knuckles to perform effleurage. Start from the base of the thumb and move up to the wrist, then back down. Repeat this several times, gradually increasing the pressure.
• Petrissage: This is a kneading movement that lifts and squeezes the tissues. It is used to loosen the tightness, release the knots, and stimulate the nerves. You can use your thumb and fingers to perform petrissage. Pinch and roll the skin and the muscles between the thumb and the index finger, moving along the thumb side of the wrist. You can also use your thumb to press and release the points where you feel the most tension or pain.
• Friction: This is a rubbing movement that creates heat and friction in the tissues. It is used to break down the scar tissue, reduce the inflammation, and increase the mobility. You can use your thumb or fingers to perform friction. Place your thumb or fingers on the affected area and move them back and forth or in small circles. Apply firm but gentle pressure, and avoid rubbing too hard or too fast.
• Stretching: This is a movement that stretches the muscles and tendons to improve their elasticity and range of motion. It is used to prevent the stiffness, shortening, and tightness of the tissues. You can use your other hand to perform stretching. Hold your hand in front of you, palm down, as if you were going to shake someone’s hand. Use your other hand to gently bend your thumb down toward your palm, at the base of your thumb. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, feeling a mild stretch on the back of your thumb and wrist. Then, bend your thumb across your palm and wrap your fingers around it, making a fist. Use your other hand to gently tilt your wrist down, toward your little finger. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, feeling a moderate stretch on the thumb side of your wrist.

You can do these massage techniques for 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. You should stop the massage if you feel any sharp or severe pain, or if the area becomes red, swollen, or hot. You should also ice the area and take some pain medication after the massage if there is any discomfort.

The Benefits of Massage for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Massage can have many benefits for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, such as:

• Reducing the pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins, the natural painkillers of the body, and by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, the inflammatory chemicals of the body.
• Improving the blood circulation and oxygen delivery by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the area. This can help to nourish the cells, remove the waste products, and speed up the healing process.
• Increasing the range of motion and flexibility by stretching the muscles and tendons, and by breaking down the scar tissue that may limit the movement. This can help to restore the function and performance of the thumb and wrist.
• Relaxing the muscles and the mind by reducing the stress and tension, and by promoting the relaxation response. This can help to improve the mood and the quality of life.

Red Light Therapy for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Another treatment that may help you with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is red light therapy. Red light therapy is a non-invasive and natural method that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to promote healing and reduce pain. Red light therapy works by stimulating the cells to produce more energy, which in turn helps them to function better and to repair the damage. Red light therapy can also reduce the inflammation, increase the blood flow, and enhance the collagen production in the tendons and the sheath, which are essential for the recovery and the prevention of further injury.

Several studies have shown the benefits of red light therapy for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and other tendon-related conditions, such as:

• A study that compared the effects of red light therapy and ultrasound therapy on de Quervain’s tenosynovitis found that both treatments improved the pain, range of motion, and function of the wrist, but red led therapy wrap had a more significant and lasting effect1.
• A study that evaluated the effects of red light therapy and exercise on chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) found that both treatments improved the pain, grip strength, and function of the elbow, but red light therapy had a more pronounced and durable effect2.
• A study that investigated the effects of red light therapy and eccentric exercise on chronic Achilles tendinopathy found that both treatments improved the pain, stiffness, and function of the ankle, but red light therapy had a faster and more consistent effect3.

Red light therapy can be easily and safely done at home with a device like a red light therapy belt, which is designed to fit around the wrist and to deliver the optimal wavelength and intensity of light to the affected area. The red light therapy belt can be used for 10 to 20 minutes a day, depending on the individual needs and preferences. The red light therapy belt can also be used for other types of pain, such as lower back pain, knee pain, or neck pain.

If you suffer from de Quervain’s tenosynovitis or any other tendon-related pain, you may want to give scienlodic photon therapy a try. It may help you to relieve your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and improve your quality of life. However, before starting any new treatment, you should always consult with your doctor and follow their advice. Red light therapy is not a substitute for medical care, but a complementary and supportive therapy that can enhance your overall health and well-being.

Have you ever tried massage or red light therapy for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis? What was your experience? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.