De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist with gripping and lifting, common in new parents.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is irritation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is common with repetitive thumb and wrist use, and often shows up in new parents from lifting a baby. It causes pain when gripping or turning the wrist.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with de quervain's tenosynovitis. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We settle the irritated tendons with hands on therapy, advise on splinting and how to lift and use the thumb with less load, and build a graded program to restore tolerance. We adjust the daily tasks driving it so it can calm down.
- Wrist and thumb assessment
- Soft tissue release
- Splinting and load advice
- Graded strengthening
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
Learn more →
What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
I am a new parent, how do I rest it?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
This page is general information about de quervain's tenosynovitis, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.