What is De Quervain’s tendinopathy?
Anatomy of the first compartment tendons
De Quervain’s tendinopathy affects the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which run together through a narrow tunnel on the outer edge of the wrist, on the thumb side. These tendons allow the thumb to spread and extend, a movement that’s extremely common in everyday life as well as in sport.
Why does this area become painful?
Pain appears when these tendons undergo repeated friction in their narrow tunnel, particularly during repeated movements combining thumb abduction and wrist tilting. Repeated gripping motions, racquet movements, or certain intensive manual activities contribute to this tendinopathy.
Which sports contribute to De Quervain’s tendinopathy?
Any sport with repeated gripping and thumb movements exposes these tendons:
- Golf
- Racquet sports (tennis, badminton)
- Climbing
- Skiing (poles)
- Canoeing, kayaking and rowing
- Sports with repeated gripping of a handle or racquet
Treating De Quervain’s tendinopathy in rehab with a sports physio
The goal of treatment is to reduce friction of the tendons in their tunnel while progressively strengthening their capacity to absorb load.
- 1Reducing pain and managing load
- 2Wrist and finger mobility
- 3Isometric strengthening
- 4Progressive concentric strengthening
- 5Eccentric strengthening
- 6Full forearm work
- 7Correcting sporting technique
- 8Strengthening under sport-specific load
- 9Progressive return to your sport
- 10Return to competition
Why the physio’s initial assessment matters
During the initial assessment, the physiotherapist aims to identify the repetitive movements behind the pain (sport, work-related motion, carrying), how long the symptoms have been present, and your sporting technique if you play a racquet sport.
“It’s not that the tendon is fragile, it’s that the load needs to be better dosed and distributed.”
Progressive strengthening, the cornerstone of treatment
Progressive strengthening of the thumb tendons, combined with comprehensive wrist and forearm work, restores their capacity to absorb the load specific to your sport or activity.
In brief
- Progressive strengthening of the thumb tendons
- Comprehensive wrist and forearm work
- Correcting technique if needed
- Gradual return: mobility, then load, then sport
Ready to take your De Quervain’s tendinopathy seriously?
Start the HOPP programme designed by sports physios.
Should you rest or keep playing sport?
Total rest is generally not necessary. It’s better to temporarily adapt the movements that clearly reproduce the pain, while starting progressive strengthening as soon as possible.
Think you might have a different wrist or hand injury?
Take your free test in 3 minutes flat.
When should you see a specialist for De Quervain’s tendinopathy?
If the pain persists for more than four to six weeks despite adapting your activities and following a well-run strengthening programme, a medical opinion is recommended to consider additional treatment options.
The HOPP care programmes to treat your De Quervain’s tendinopathy and get back to sport
This tendinopathy requires progressive, well-dosed strengthening. HOPP offers you a precise exercise programme, allowing you to get back to your activities as quickly as possible.
The programme runs from 3 to 9 weeks depending on the injury and ends with a reconditioning phase allowing a return to competition in the best possible conditions. Each programme is designed by the HOPP team, made up of two sports physiotherapists who are experts in assessing and treating athletes. You’ll also find theoretical content throughout your progression, so you master every aspect of your recovery and can adjust your treatment independently. If needed, our team of physiotherapists is on hand to support you.
Essential
FROM INJURY TO
BACK TO YOUR ACTIVITIES
59€
One-time payment
“AT YOUR OWN PACE WITH
DAILY ADAPTATION”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
Performance
TO GET BACK TO SPORT
IN THE BEST CONDITIONS
79€
One-time payment
“GET BACK TO YOUR LEVEL
WITHOUT RISK OF RELAPSE”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
Expert
PERSONALISED VIDEO-CALL
SUPPORT, ANY TIME
149€
One-time payment
“A PHYSIO
WHENEVER YOU NEED”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility, Strengthening, Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
- + 2 video calls with an expert sports physio / return check-up
A programme that adapts to you every day
Every day, how you feel (RPE) is factored in to automatically adjust the rest of your programme: more load if all is well, a bit less if your wrist is complaining. This daily personalisation is what makes the difference compared to a fixed, paper-based programme.
Ready to start your programme?
Join the HOPP support programme designed by sports physios.
F.A.Q
Does the HOPP programme replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is a support and rehab tool designed by sports physiotherapists, but it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. If in doubt, or if the pain persists, see a health professional.
Is the programme suited to all sporting levels?
Yes. Every programme is personalised to your sport, your level and how you feel each day, whether you’re a recreational athlete or preparing for competition.
Can I keep playing sport with this tendinopathy?
In most cases, yes, by temporarily adapting the movements that reproduce the pain, while starting strengthening in parallel.
How long does it take to recover?
A structured programme generally brings clear improvement within a few weeks, with a full return to sport after several weeks of progressive strengthening.
Can a splint help?
A splint immobilising the thumb can temporarily ease the pain, but it doesn’t replace progressive strengthening, which remains the underlying treatment.
