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POWERbreathe is the name on everyone’s lips when they talk about the best breathing trainer. That’s because we are the proud creators of the world’s first mechanical inspiratory muscle training device (IMT), launched in 1996, and the world’s first electronic breathing training device, launched in 2010. The electronic POWERbreathe K-Series uses dynamically adjusted flow resistance to generate breathing load, making it the device of choice in medical and sports settings.
But now, our latest innovation will help you benefit more from your breathing exercises when using our mechanical breathing devices.
Dynamically Adjusted Flow Resistance (The POWERbreathe K-Series and KH-Series use Dynamically Adjusted Flow Resistance. These inspiratory muscle training devices use a dynamically adjustable flow resistor that provides resistance to the inspiratory muscles. This real-time, dynamic adjustment to breathing load, will automatically adjust the load on the inspiratory muscles, according to the user’s current breathing strength.)
Our new electronic POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor and companion ActiBreathe® App transforms your mechanical POWERbreathe breathing devices into state-of-the-art smart breathing devices, using Bluetooth® wireless technology. Available from 9th September 2024.
The new POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor easily attaches to your POWERbreathe Plus IMT or POWERbreathe EX1 EMT device, and later, your POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Mucus Clearance device. This hi-tech addition turns your mechanical breathing device into a smarter one; one that provides real-time, customized feedback on your breathing performance.
The new POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor is compatible with these POWERbreathe IMT and POWERbreathe EMT breathing trainers, and coming later, POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Mucus Clearance devices too:
We designed the electronic POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor so that you could see your breathing improvements as they happen. By pairing it with the ActiBreathe® App via Bluetooth®, it provides helpful breathing feedback to help you get the most from your training. This combination of advanced technology and personalized guidance makes it possible for you to now see your training progress on screen, with hard evidence of your efforts.
The ActiBreathe® App is an exciting companion to the POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor because it presents you with visual feedback. It takes the data from the Smart Adaptor and transforms it into actionable insights. Here’s what you can expect:
If your aim is to increase your breathing fitness for improved athletic or sports performance, or if you wish to breathe better for health and wellbeing, or have a medical condition that results in breathing difficulties, this new breathing training technology will adapt to your own, personal goals. The POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor and ActiBreathe® App help you take control of your respiratory health by visualising your progress and recommending new goals to make every breath count.
With the new electronic POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor and the ActiBreathe® App, POWERbreathe is setting an exciting, new standard for breathing exercise equipment. This powerful technology combination provides the feedback and guidance you need to get the most from your breathing training to improve overall respiratory fitness.
Welcome to a practical guide for optimizing your lung health. In this blog, we’ll explore 9 effective strategies to support your respiratory system. Your lungs are vital for breathing and overall well-being. This guide aims to provide straightforward methods to understand and enhance lung health.
Let’s start by recognizing the essential role of your lungs. They are responsible for oxygen exchange, critical for sustaining life. Various challenges and conditions can impact lung function. Understanding these basics sets the stage for exploring strategies to strengthen and maintain optimal lung health.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by obstructed airflow. Long-term exposure to irritants, primarily cigarette smoke, is a leading cause of COPD.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It often leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Respiratory Infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza can affect the respiratory system, leading to temporary but significant challenges in breathing.
Understanding lung health also involves recognizing factors that can worsen existing conditions or contribute to the development of lung issues.
Smoking: Smoking is a primary and preventable risk factor for various lung diseases. It damages the airways and air sacs in the lungs, contributing to the development and progression of conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Environmental Pollutants: Exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter, chemicals, and dust can irritate the lungs and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
Occupational Hazards: Certain occupational exposures, such as asbestos and other harmful substances, can pose a risk to lung health.
Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions can influence susceptibility to certain lung conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s family medical history.
By acknowledging these common lung issues and aggravating factors, we empower ourselves to make informed choices and adopt proactive measures for maintaining and improving lung health.
1. Introduce breathing training to improve your respiratory muscle strength.
Explore methods like Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) devices to enhance respiratory muscle strength.
2. Adopting a regular exercise routine.
Engage in aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking or swimming, to promote lung function.
3. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
Take proactive steps to quit smoking and create a smoke-free environment for better lung health.
4. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods.
Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to support lung health.
5. Practicing deep breathing exercises and mindful breathing.
Learn and incorporate deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques into your daily routine.
6. Ensuring good indoor air quality.
Take measures to improve indoor air quality, such as proper ventilation and air purifiers.
7.Staying hydrated to support mucus production and lung function.
Stay adequately hydrated to promote mucus production, essential for healthy lung function.
8. Getting regular check-ups and vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.
Prioritize regular check-ups and vaccinations to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
9. Managing stress levels to avoid the negative impact on breathing patterns.
Incorporate stress management techniques, such as exercise or meditation, to support respiratory well-being.
When it comes to fortifying respiratory muscle strength, breathing training emerges as a dynamic and effective approach. Among the leading innovations in this realm are the POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) devices, offering a targeted and efficient method to enhance your respiratory prowess.
In this video, Poppy shares her journey with a diagnosis of severe brittle asthma. She discusses the profound impact it has had on her life, detailing instances where she needed ventilation on four separate occasions. Poppy also talks about her experience using the POWERbreathe Medic Plus IMT device as part of her training regimen.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) for improving your lung health, have a look at the Physio Store’s selection of IMT devices!
Breathing is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, yet it’s easy to overlook the intricate mechanics involved. Inspiratory Muscle Training, or IMT, shines a spotlight on the muscles responsible for inhalation, unveiling a world of respiratory fitness that often goes unnoticed. At the Physio Store, we carry a range of IMT devices built specifically to train these muscles.
The Basics of IMT: IMT isn’t just another breathing exercise; it’s a targeted approach to strengthen the muscles involved in the act of breathing. These muscles, primarily the diaphragm and intercostals, play a pivotal role in expanding the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs. IMT involves exercises and techniques specifically designed to fortify these inspiratory muscles.
Beyond Traditional Breathing Exercises: While traditional breathing exercises focus on general lung capacity, IMT hones in on the muscles that drive the breathing process. Think of it as a personalized fitness regimen for your respiratory system, offering a precise and intentional way to enhance the strength and endurance of the muscles responsible for taking in the breath.
The Significance of IMT: Why does this matter? Understanding IMT is about recognizing the impact these inspiratory muscles have on overall respiratory health. By undergoing targeted training, these muscles become more robust and efficient, leading to a range of benefits from improved breathing capacity to enhanced athletic performance. As we journey deeper, we’ll uncover the nuanced world of IMT, exploring its applications, benefits, and how it goes beyond conventional approaches to respiratory well-being.
To truly appreciate the benefits of IMT, it’s crucial to understand the science behind it. The inspiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostals, are central players in the breathing process. IMT operates on the principle of resistance, challenging these muscles to work against a controlled airflow.
This resistance prompts the inspiratory muscles to adapt, becoming stronger and more efficient. The physiological effects are profound, leading to improved lung function, increased oxygen uptake, and enhanced respiratory endurance. The science behind IMT transforms breathing from a passive act into a dynamic and trainable component of overall health.
At the Physio Store, we carry Powerbreathe IMT devices, which have been scientifically proven to produce benefits to lung health.
The advantages of incorporating IMT into your fitness routine extend far beyond improved lung function. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:
Enhanced Respiratory Endurance: IMT increases the stamina of your inspiratory muscles, allowing you to sustain deep breaths for more extended periods.
Athletic Performance Boost: Athletes often turn to IMT to gain a competitive edge. Strengthening the inspiratory muscles contributes to enhanced overall respiratory efficiency during physical activities.
Potential for Respiratory Condition Management: For those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), IMT may complement traditional treatments by improving respiratory muscle strength.
Now, let’s get into the practical side of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT). This is where we talk about the tools and techniques that will help you strengthen those important muscles responsible for your breath.
Breathing Devices: Think of these as your workout equipment for your lungs. They come in various types, like handheld devices with adjustable settings. These devices add a bit of resistance to your inhale, making your breathing muscles work a bit harder.
Threshold vs. Pressure Devices: Some devices set a resistance level you need to surpass for airflow (threshold). Others provide a continuous pressure during inhalation (pressure). Each has its own benefits, and choosing one depends on your preferences and needs.
Isocapnic Hyperpnea Training: This is a more advanced technique where you maintain a specific carbon dioxide level while increasing your breath rate and depth. You might come across this in specialized training programs.
1. Deep Breathing with Resistance:
Hold the handheld inspiratory muscle trainer with the mouthpiece facing you.
Inhale slowly and deeply through the device, focusing on breathing in against the resistance it provides.
Exhale naturally.
Repeat for 5-10 breaths, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.
2. Interval Breathing:
Set the resistance level on the inspiratory muscle trainer to a comfortable starting point.
Inhale through the device for a specific count, such as 2 or 3 seconds.
Exhale naturally.
Gradually increase the inhale duration over time as your respiratory muscles become stronger.
Repeat for several cycles, aiming for consistency and control.
3. Sustained Breath Hold:
Inhale deeply through the inspiratory muscle trainer.
Hold your breath for as long as comfortable, focusing on maintaining good posture.
Exhale naturally.
Repeat for 3-5 repetitions, gradually increasing the duration of the breath hold.
As we conclude our journey into Inspiratory Muscle Training, remember that the breath is a powerful force in enhancing overall well-being. Whether you’re an athlete looking for a performance boost or someone seeking respiratory improvement, IMT offers a pathway to a healthier, more resilient you. Breathe beyond the ordinary with Inspiratory Muscle Training! If you are interested in getting an IMT device, have a look at the POWERbreathe Medic Plus.
As we journey through the chapters of life, one aspect that becomes increasingly vital is the art of maintaining your balance. While balance is often associated with physical stability, it extends far beyond the ability to stay upright on two feet. As we age, the significance of balance becomes even more apparent, influencing our overall well-being, independence, and quality of life.
Balance is a complex interplay of physical, sensory, and cognitive factors. The aging process introduces changes such as muscle loss, joint stiffness, and a decline in sensory functions, making individuals more susceptible to falls and injuries. To counteract these effects, it becomes imperative to actively engage in practices that enhance balance.
Maintaining balance is synonymous with preserving mobility and independence. A robust sense of balance allows individuals to navigate their surroundings with confidence, reducing the fear of falls that can lead to a loss of autonomy. It opens the door to continued engagement in daily activities, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Regular exercise emerges as a cornerstone in the quest for balance as we age. Activities that focus on strength, flexibility, and coordination contribute to building a solid foundation for stability. From yoga and tai chi to strength training and simple balance exercises, incorporating these practices into a routine can significantly enhance overall equilibrium.
Balance isn’t solely a physical feat—it extends to cognitive and emotional realms as well. Mental well-being, stress management, and emotional resilience are integral components of achieving a harmonious equilibrium. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and stress-reducing activities can play a pivotal role in maintaining this cognitive balance.
A balanced diet is not only essential for physical health but also for supporting the body’s internal equilibrium. Adequate nutrition, coupled with regular healthcare check-ups, ensures that underlying issues are addressed promptly, contributing to overall well-being.
The pursuit of balance in the aging process is not about defying the natural course of life but rather embracing it with grace. It’s about acknowledging the changes that come with age and proactively taking steps to optimize physical, mental, and emotional health.
There are several types of tests that you can use to test your balance. One of the easiest tests to perform is the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test.
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple and widely used assessment to evaluate mobility and balance in individuals, especially older adults. The test requires a person to rise from a seated position, walk a distance of 3 meters (10 feet) at a comfortable pace, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again. The primary objective is to measure the time it takes for the individual to complete the entire sequence.
The TUG test assesses functional mobility, dynamic balance, and the ability to perform basic movements associated with daily activities.
It is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and individuals to quickly identify potential issues related to mobility and balance.
The interpretation of the TUG test time may vary across different populations, and specific benchmarks or cutoff values can depend on factors such as age and health status. However, in a general sense, here are some broad guidelines:
Timed Up and Go Balance Test Procedure
Timed Up and Go Balance Test Print Out
If you had some issues with this test, there are a few exercises you can work on. I have included a group of a few exercises below. If you scored a normal, you would be ready to try the Star Excursion Balance Test below and work on more advanced balance exercises.
Balance Exercises – Phase 1
Balance Exercises – Phase 2
If you did fine with the above test, then you should try the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). This is a more advanced test for dynamic balance. This test is a dynamic test that requires strength, flexibility, and proprioception. It is a measure of dynamic balance that provides a significant challenge to individual.
This test is harder to implement then the Timed Up and Go test and is usually on performed in a professional setting.
However, a group from the university of Western Ontario came up with a way of performing this test at home with a unique balance testing system that can be purchased from the Physio Store. Click this link for more details.
https://physiostore.ca/star-balance-training-system-by-onpoint-medical/
The home version of this test is a great system to give early detection of balance issues and can be used to continue to test your balance as you perform various exercises to improve your balance.
If you practice this test at home at an early age and can continue to maintain or improve your scores, you are guaranteed you will not have issues with balance down the road.
Throughout my years in practice, the significance of maintaining balance as individuals age has become increasingly evident. Often, patients are unaware of the subtle changes occurring in their balance as they advance in age. Activities that once seemed effortless, such as playing sports or bounding up stairs during youth, are taken for granted. However, as life becomes busier with work, family responsibilities, and various commitments, the demand for balance diminishes. While individuals may believe their balance remains as robust as in their youth, subtle signs of deterioration eventually emerge. The decline in balance is closely linked to a decrease in the overall quality of life. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of incorporating balance-specific exercises from one’s 40s and 50s onward, aiming to sustain optimal balance. Cultivating this practice can yield significant benefits as individuals progress into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, contributing to a more resilient and fulfilling aging experience.
The art of aging gracefully is intricately tied to the ability to maintain balance. By incorporating a holistic approach that encompasses physical activity, cognitive well-being, and healthcare, individuals can navigate the journey of aging with resilience, preserving their independence and enjoying a higher quality of life.
After all, true balance is not about standing still, but about moving forward with stability and grace.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious medical condition that can develop after surgery, especially if certain risk factors are present. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots can be dangerous because they have the potential to break free and travel to the lungs, causing a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. In this blog, we will delve into the risk factors associated with DVT after surgery and explore the various preventive measures and treatments available to reduce the likelihood of this condition.
Before delving into risk factors and prevention, let’s first understand what DVT is and how it develops. Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis, or arms. This condition is often asymptomatic, meaning many individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing DVT after surgery. These factors can be broadly categorized into patient-related factors and surgery-related factors:
Preventing DVT after surgery is crucial, and healthcare providers employ several strategies to mitigate this risk:
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious condition that can occur after surgery, but it is preventable. Recognizing the risk factors associated with DVT and implementing appropriate preventive measures is crucial to ensure patient safety during the postoperative period. If you are scheduled for surgery, it’s essential to discuss your risk factors and prevention strategies with your healthcare team to minimize the chances of DVT and its potentially life-threatening complications. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and stay vigilant for any symptoms, as early detection and treatment are key to a successful outcome.
Please feel free to direct any inquiries you may have regarding our products and DVT Prevention to our team of professionals. Our team is highly knowledgeable and well-equipped to provide prompt and accurate answers to any questions you may have!
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves on their feet for extended periods due to work, daily activities, or hobbies. Prolonged standing or walking can take a toll on our legs, leading to discomfort, swelling, and an increased risk of conditions like varicose veins. However, there’s a simple yet effective solution available: over-the-counter 15-20 mmHg compression socks. These socks offer a moderate level of compression that can provide significant benefits for individuals who spend more than 6 hours per day on their feet.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often occur in the legs due to weakened vein walls and impaired blood flow. Over-the-counter 15-20 mmHg compression socks help prevent the development or progression of varicose veins by promoting healthy blood circulation. The graduated compression design applies the highest pressure around the ankle and gradually decreases as it moves up the leg, assisting the veins in pushing blood back towards the heart. By reducing blood pooling and improving circulation, these socks effectively reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Prolonged standing or walking can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs, leading to swelling and discomfort. 15-20 mmHg compression socks play a vital role in minimizing leg swelling and edema. The gentle pressure exerted by the socks assists in fluid movement and drainage, preventing excessive fluid buildup. By promoting proper fluid circulation, these socks help keep swelling down, ensuring more comfortable and healthier legs.
When we spend prolonged hours on our feet, it’s common to experience leg fatigue, heaviness, and discomfort. 15-20 mmHg compression socks provide much-needed support to the muscles and reduce muscle vibration, which can contribute to decreased leg fatigue. The socks also help stabilize the muscles, improve endurance, and minimize the feeling of achiness, allowing individuals to stay energized and comfortable throughout the day.
Proper blood circulation is essential for overall leg health. 15-20 mmHg compression socks enhance circulation by assisting the venous return, facilitating the flow of oxygenated blood to the legs and helping remove metabolic waste products. Improved circulation supports the health of the leg veins, reduces the risk of blood clots, and promotes better overall leg function.
Wearing 15-20 mmHg compression socks provides a tangible sense of comfort and well-being for individuals who spend extensive periods standing or walking. The gentle compression helps maintain leg vitality, reduces discomfort, and improves overall leg health. By mitigating the negative effects of prolonged standing or walking, these socks contribute to a better quality of life and increased productivity.
Conclusion:
Over-the-counter 15-20 mmHg compression socks offer numerous benefits to individuals who spend long hours on their feet. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, retail worker, teacher, or simply someone with an active lifestyle, these socks can provide the support and relief your legs need. From preventing varicose veins to reducing swelling and alleviating leg fatigue, 15-20 mmHg compression socks are an accessible and effective solution for promoting healthier legs. Prioritize your leg health and consider incorporating these socks into your daily routine if you stand or walk for extended periods. Your legs will thank you for the care and support.
If you are interested in compression socks, have a look at our wide selection on the Physio Store site!
Sigvaris Microfiber Compression Socks for Women
Sigvaris Microfiber Compression Socks for Men
Spinal mobility is something most people do not think about when they are young. After all, we are born so flexible and can move in pretty much any direction without having a second thought about it. We run, play, twist, jump and do physical activities with our friends all day long.
As we age, we start to get into a routine in our lives. Day after day, we do repetitive activities such as going to work. At work we may be sitting at our computer for 8 hours. We may be bend over and twisting one way during the course of the day. We may be lifting and carrying objects the same way day after day. We sit and drive home and to work. We tend to even sleep the same way day after day.
Take a look at your life. You may find that like most of us, you have a posture that is bent forward (flexed) a majority of the time during the day and evening. You will find that in our society we tend to work with our arms out in front of us. We tend to sleep with our spine in a flexed position. We usually have our heads out forward (forward head posture). Our shoulder blades tend to be rounded to the front of our bodies (protracted posture). This occurs due to the way our society has gone. Those devices and amenities that made our life better are also causing issues down the road.
The problem is by the time we realize we have lost our mobility, balance, and strength it is too late. It happens slowly, decade by decade our tissues tend to tighten up and we over use certain areas of our joints more than other areas. We tend to lose extension and rotation in our lower and mid spine (lumbar and thoracic spine). We compensate by overusing one area of the spine and under use other areas. Losing mobility of the mid spine can even affect the efficiency and ability to breath.
You might notice by the time you hit your 30’s that you feel a little stiff rotating your spine or extending your back. By the time you are 50, if you have not been actively working on rotation and extension in your spine you will find it very difficult to do this smoothly and efficiently. You might find you can still do it, but it is an effort. If one were to observe you, they might notice that when you move, your mobility is not done smoothly with all your joints. You would observe just a few joints moving excessively to compensate for the lack of movement of the other joints. This can lead to issues over time, including stiffness, pain, arthritis and muscle imbalances.
By getting into a routine and performing these simple stretches, it can make such a difference as you age. By doing just 5 reps daily of these spinal mobility stretches you can help avoid the loss of mobility that is bound to happen as you age. Think about it logically. Think about your daily routine. Whatever your spine does for most of the day and night, it is very important to balance that by stretching your spine in the opposite direction daily. This will help prevent the issues that i see daily in my practice with my elder patients.
Physiotherapy Room Thoracic Spinal Mobility Stretches As We Age
Trigger finger occurs when there is an irritation in the long tendons within our fingers. This irritation creases a nodule or bump of inflammation in the tendon. This can reduce the smooth gliding and lead to pain in the fingers.
Your fingers don’t have any muscle. Well, not exactly anyway. Our fingers act more like a pully system, with the bulk of the muscle existing in our forearms and hands. Where the tendons extend to the tips of our fingers, to hold these long tendons in place, there are a series of short bands that run perpendicular to the tendons below each joint.1 This allows us to bend at each of the three joints in our fingers. While this design is excellent in performing the fingers’ complex movements, it may also lead to a pathology known as trigger finger. Trigger finger occurs when there is an irritation in the long tendons within our fingers. This irritation creases a nodule or bump of inflammation in the tendon. This can reduce the smooth gliding and lead to pain in the fingers. As the digit is used more, the inflammation increases and the bump becomes larger. Then the finger is flexed. This bump can squeeze through the perpendicular tendons and become stuck. Leaving the finger flexed.1
Trigger finger is most common in the ring finger and thumb of the dominant hand.1 It usually occurs, and pain comes on
slowly over time. Other symptoms you may experience are aches in the palm, clicks, locking or catching of the finger, stiffness,
cramping, or swelling at the affected finger’s base.1 Often, the affected finger will be stiffer in the morning as it has
not moved as you sleep. It is important to warm up your tendons in the morning slowly. Trigger finger is associated with jobs that
require repetitive use of tools that vibrate and need a trigger motion of the finger, such as a drill.2
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, diabetes, amyloidosis gout, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing
trigger finger.1
Treatment of trigger finger involves managing swelling, taking down the inflammation and regaining range in the finger and finally
strengthening. To manage the swelling, we suggest ice but heat may also be used under some circumstances. Anti-inflammatory
medication such as Advil may also be used to help reduce the swelling. In some cases, a cortisone injection is done to help
reduce the swelling of the tendon. Cross frictioning of the tissue is sometimes done, to help improve movement and blood flow.
In more advanced cases bracing for 3-9 weeks may be required.1
Passive range of motion is a great option to
get affected fingers moving again. It helps to move the path of the tissue to one another. Without placing tension on them,
this decreases the friction (Exercise Set 1). Finally, some strengthening of the finger muscles isometrically
(no movement of the joints) will help to improve the health of the tendons. This is a way of exercising that does not cause movement
or friction of the tendons because they are not sliding past each other
(Exercise Set 2).4
The Physio Store website does not provide specific medical or physiotherapy advice of any kind. All content on The PhysiotherapyRoom website including text, images, video, graphics, documents and other information, provided by The Physio Store Inc. does not constitute medical advice of any kind, and is not intended to be, and should not be, used to diagnose or identify treatment for a medical condition and may not be relied upon by you as medical or health care advice. You are advised to always seek the advice of a physician and/or qualified physiotherapist or other health practitioner in your area BEFORE taking any action, ordering or starting to use any product or exercises from our website.
The Physio Store Inc. is not responsible or liable for any failure to follow the foregoing advice.
1. Jeanmonod R, Harberger S, Waseem M. Trigger Finger. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020
2.Is Occupation an Aetiological Factor in the Development of Trigger Finger? – A. J. H. TREZIES, A. R. LYONS, K. FIELDING, T. R. C. DAVIS, 1998.
3.Trigger Finger: Location and Association of Comorbidities – ProQuest [Internet]. [cited 2021 Feb 9].
4.Trigger finger: An overview of the treatment options : Journal of the American Academy of PAs
What is DeQuervain Syndrome and what can we do about it? DeQuervain Syndrome (Tenosynovitis) is a term used to describe irritation of your abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), or the thumbs up muscles.
DeQuervain Tenosynovitis occurs as these muscles become entrapped in compartments at the base of the thumb. It was once thought the sheath covering these muscles became irritated. However, It is now attributed to myxoid degeneration, which describes fibroids’ development within the tissue and increased growth of vascular tissue. DeQuervain Tenosynovitis is often associated with excess gripping. Examples include lifting babies, golfing, and squeezing with the thumb and fingers.1
Some signs and symptoms to look for if you think you might have DeQuervain Tenosynovitis are thumb sided wrist pain that develops slowly over time2. You may have pain with both wrist and thumb movements, especially repetitive ones such as twisting and gripping.1 You have swelling in the base of the thumb, less movement of the thumb. Soreness can occur where the thumb meets the hand and continue further up the wrist. But the news is not all bad! DeQuervain’s usually resolves well with proper rest and care!1
The first step in care for DeQuervain’s rests, preferably with a splint: this prevents further damage and inflammation.3 Heat or ice can help reduce pain. Either heat or ice can help, and it’s best to go with your personal preference. To build off the splint, activities requiring excess thumb gripping should be limited, such as: handwriting, pinching, and squeezing.
Research reveals that exercises can help! Exercises include basic thumb movements such as extension, flexion, and abduction. These help the APL and EPB glide through their sheath. This will reduce inflammation and bring
blood flow to heal these tissues. These movements should be slow, and only as far as the thumb can move pain-free, they should feel good
(Exercise Set 1)!4 After a few days, you can
progress to tendon slides, which involve flexing the thumb while side bending the wrist towards the pinky finger. (
Exercise Set 2).4 Finally, when you feel ready, you can return to full normal activates as pain dictates
(Exercise Set 3).4
The Physio Store website does not provide specific medical or physiotherapy advice of any kind. All content on The PhysiotherapyRoom website including text, images, video, graphics, documents and other information, provided by The Physio Store Inc. does not constitute medical advice of any kind, and is not intended to be, and should not be, used to diagnose or identify treatment for a medical condition and may not be relied upon by you as medical or health care advice. You are advised to always seek the advice of a physician and/or qualified physiotherapist or other health practitioner in your area BEFORE taking any action, ordering or starting to use any product or exercises from our website.
The Physio Store Inc. is not responsible or liable for any failure to follow the foregoing advice.
1. Satteson E, Tannan SC. De Quervain Tenosynovitis. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 [cited 2021 Feb 2]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442005/ PMID: 28723034
2. Laoopugsin N, Laoopugsin S. The study of work behaviours and risks for occupational overuse syndrome. Hand Surg. World Scientific Publishing Co.; 2012 Jan 1;17(02):205–212.
3. Cavaleri R, Schabrun SM, Te M, Chipchase LS. Hand therapy versus corticosteroid injections in the treatment of de Quervain’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hand Ther. 2016 Jan 1;29(1):3–11.
4. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A Review of the Rehabilitative Options – Ritu Goel, Joshua M. Abzug, 2015 [Internet]. [cited 2021 Feb 2]. Available from: https://journals-sagepub-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/doi/full/10.1007/s11552-014-9649-3
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