Trigger finger is a common hand condition that makes it hard to bend or straighten a finger smoothly. The finger may feel stiff, click, or even lock in place. Pain often occurs at the base of the finger or thumb, making daily activities uncomfortable.
This condition happens when a tendon in the finger becomes irritated and can no longer glide easily. Repetitive gripping, heavy use, or health factors like diabetes may increase the risk.
Physical therapy offers safe ways to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve hand function. For many people in Salem, Oregon, therapy is the first step before considering injections or surgery. With the right plan, recovery is possible without invasive treatment.
Understand what happens inside the hand when trigger finger develops.
Each finger bends and straightens through flexor tendons that run from the forearm into the hand. These tendons slide through small tunnels called pulleys. The A1 pulley, located near the base of the finger, is the most important for smooth bending.
When tendons glide freely through this pulley, movement is easy and pain-free.
Trigger finger develops when the tendon or its sheath becomes irritated. Swelling or thickening creates a small nodule that catches inside the pulley.
As the finger bends, the nodule gets trapped. This causes clicking, stiffness, or locking. In severe cases, the finger may stay stuck in a bent position.
This cycle of irritation and catching leads to pain and loss of mobility. Physical therapy aims to restore smooth tendon motion, reduce swelling, and prevent long-term damage.
Learn how to recognize trigger finger and when to seek treatment.
Trigger finger often starts with soreness or a tender lump at the base of the finger or thumb.
Clicking, stiffness, or a popping sensation when moving the finger are common early signs.
In more advanced cases, the finger may lock in a bent position before suddenly releasing.
This locking can be painful and make gripping difficult.
Mild cases involve morning stiffness or slight discomfort.
Moderate cases include frequent clicking and difficulty straightening the finger.
Severe cases may involve the finger staying stuck, often requiring the other hand to force it open.
At this stage, daily activities like writing or gripping objects become harder.
Doctors and therapists usually diagnose trigger finger with a physical exam.
They check for clicking, tenderness, and finger locking.
Imaging is rarely needed, but may be used if other hand problems are suspected.
Early diagnosis helps prevent worsening and supports faster recovery with therapy.
Explore safe, non-invasive ways to manage trigger finger.
The first step is reducing strain on the affected finger.
Avoiding repetitive gripping, heavy lifting, or extended tool use allows the tendon to calm down.
Simple adjustments, such as using ergonomic grips or padded handles, can reduce stress.
Short breaks during activities like typing or gardening also help.
Splints hold the finger in a straight position, usually at night.
This keeps the tendon from catching inside the pulley and reduces irritation.
For more severe cases, daytime splints may be used.
These limit motion while still allowing basic hand function.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may ease pain and swelling.
Topical gels can also provide local relief.
Some patients may receive corticosteroid injections.
These reduce inflammation quickly but are often combined with therapy for lasting results.
For patients with diabetes or arthritis, managing the underlying condition helps reduce flare-ups.
Maintaining flexibility through gentle stretching keeps the hand more resilient.
See how therapy supports recovery without surgery.
Therapists use hands-on methods to reduce stiffness and improve tendon glide.
This may include gentle massage, stretching, and mobilization around the finger joints.
Manual therapy also helps reduce scar tissue buildup, which can worsen locking.
Regular sessions improve flexibility and restore smoother finger motion.
Physical therapy often includes heat, ice, or ultrasound to manage pain and swelling.
Heat improves circulation, while cold helps calm irritation after activity.
In some cases, advanced options like dry needling or shock wave therapy may be used.
These methods target tight tissues and improve healing response.
Therapists guide patients through specific tendon glides.
These are controlled movements that help the tendon pass smoothly through the pulley.
By practicing these drills daily, the tendon becomes less likely to catch or lock.
Consistent exercise also builds strength and supports long-term recovery.
Physical therapy not only relieves current symptoms but also teaches strategies to prevent recurrence.
With expert guidance, many patients avoid surgery and return to normal hand use safely.
Practical exercises to improve function and reduce pain.
Gentle stretching helps loosen tight tendons and improve joint range of motion.
One common stretch is finger extension, where the affected finger is gently pulled back to open the tendon.
Thumb stretches are also helpful.
Placing the thumb across the palm and then slowly extending it outward reduces strain and restores flexibility.
Once pain improves, light strengthening begins.
Squeezing a soft therapy ball or putty builds grip strength without overstressing the tendon.
Elastic bands can also be used for controlled resistance.
Simple movements like opening and closing the hand against the band strengthen supportive muscles.
These exercises restore power for daily tasks such as holding utensils, carrying objects, or typing.
Tendon glides are the core exercise for trigger finger recovery.
They involve moving the fingers through a sequence: straight hand, hook fist, flat fist, and full fist.
This sequence trains the tendon to move freely through the pulley system.
Glides should be done slowly, several times a day, to reduce catching and improve smooth motion.
Therapists increase exercise difficulty gradually.
Patients may start with simple stretches, then move to grip training, and finally to functional tasks like holding tools.
The key is consistency without overuse.
Short, frequent sessions provide better results than long, strenuous efforts.
With guidance, these exercises not only treat current symptoms but also protect against recurrence.
Simple strategies patients can try safely at home.
Warm compresses before activity improve blood flow and loosen stiff tendons.
Cold packs after use reduce swelling and pain around the finger.
Alternating heat and ice can also ease irritation during flare-ups.
Always limit sessions to 15–20 minutes at a time.
Massaging the base of the affected finger improves circulation and reduces tightness.
Circular pressure around the tendon sheath helps release tension.
This should be gentle and stopped if sharp pain occurs.
A therapist can demonstrate safe massage techniques for home use.
Switching to tools with padded or larger grips reduces hand strain.
Taking short breaks during gripping tasks prevents tendon irritation.
Wearing a light brace at night can also ease morning stiffness.
These small changes help therapy progress faster and lower recurrence risk.
Learn how splints and therapy work together.
Static splints keep the finger straight and rest the tendon.
They are often worn at night to prevent painful locking.
Dynamic splints allow controlled motion.
These are used during the day to balance rest with safe movement.
Night splints are usually worn for several weeks.
They prevent catching during sleep and reduce morning stiffness.
Daytime splints may be used for short periods.
They limit strain while still allowing light activities.
Splints reduce irritation while exercises restore mobility.
Therapists guide patients on when to remove splints for stretches and tendon glides.
This combination protects the tendon yet prevents stiffness.
Used correctly, splinting with therapy improves healing and lowers the chance of recurrence.
Know when therapy may not be enough.
If symptoms remain after three to six months of therapy, surgery may be considered.
Severe cases where the finger locks daily or affects work and self-care are strong candidates.
Patients who cannot tolerate injections or whose pain worsens despite therapy may also need surgery.
The decision is made after weighing daily impact and long-term risks.
The most common procedure is A1 pulley release.
A small incision is made at the base of the finger to free the tendon.
This restores smooth motion and usually provides immediate relief.
Surgery is typically outpatient and recovery time is short.
Complications are rare but can include stiffness or scarring.
Most patients regain normal movement and return to activity within weeks.
Therapy after surgery ensures full recovery and prevents recurrence.
Understand how therapy helps after surgery.
Movement begins almost immediately after surgery to prevent stiffness.
Gentle bending and straightening exercises keep the tendon from forming scar adhesions.
Patients are taught to use the hand carefully without heavy gripping.
Scar massage may also start once the incision heals to reduce tightness.
As healing progresses, light strengthening exercises are introduced.
Squeezing a soft ball or using therapy putty helps restore grip.
Stretching continues to improve flexibility.
The focus is on pain-free progress, not forcing movement.
Most patients regain good mobility within two to four weeks.
Heavier activities like lifting or gripping tools may take longer.
By six to eight weeks, many return to normal daily tasks.
Therapy ensures strength, flexibility, and proper tendon glide are restored.
Following the therapist’s plan lowers the risk of stiffness or recurrence.
Be aware of possible setbacks in treatment.
Scar tissue may form after surgery or with long-term inflammation.
This limits smooth tendon glide and makes movement painful.
Therapists use stretching, massage, and mobility drills to break down adhesions.
Consistent exercises reduce stiffness and restore flexibility.
Some patients experience trigger finger again, even after surgery.
Diabetes, arthritis, and repetitive gripping tasks increase the risk.
Preventive therapy helps lower recurrence rates.
Lifestyle adjustments like ergonomic tools and activity pacing also protect the tendons.
Ongoing hand exercises keep mobility and strength balanced.
With proper care, most patients achieve lasting recovery and avoid future flare-ups.
Tips for selecting the right provider.
Look for a therapist with experience in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
Certification in manual therapy or hand therapy is a strong advantage.
Ask if the therapist has treated trigger finger before.
A provider familiar with tendon gliding and splint integration ensures better results.
Choose a clinic that is accessible, accepts insurance, and has strong community reputation.
HWY PT at Center 50+ offers specialized care for trigger finger in a supportive setting.
The right therapist provides both expertise and encouragement, making recovery smoother and safer.
Quick answers to common concerns.
Not always. Many mild to moderate cases improve with therapy, but severe locking may still need surgery.
Relief often begins within weeks, though full recovery may take months depending on severity.
Yes. Recurrence is possible, especially with diabetes or repetitive gripping. Maintenance exercises lower the risk.
Exercises may cause mild soreness, but sharp pain is avoided. Therapists adjust routines for comfort and safety.
Trigger finger can limit hand use and cause daily frustration, but physical therapy offers effective relief.
With guided exercises, splinting, and lifestyle adjustments, many patients recover without surgery.
For severe cases that do require release surgery, therapy supports faster healing and prevents stiffness.
The key is early treatment and consistency in care.
With expert help, trigger finger does not have to limit independence or long-term function.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Trigger Finger
Mayo Clinic: Trigger Finger Treatment
Call HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ (971-202-1979) in Salem, Oregon, for expert trigger finger care and recovery programs.