De Quervain's Tendonitis Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

De Quervain's Tendonitis

De Quervain's tendonitis causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when lifting, gripping or moving the thumb. It is common in new parents. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan wrist and thumb mobilization with movement and taping to reduce pain, along with lifting changes and strengthening.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of De Quervain's tendonitis

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
Pain lifting a baby, a pan or a gallon of milk
Swelling near the base of the thumb
Pain moving the thumb or making a fist
Catching with thumb movement

What causes it

The tendons that move the thumb become irritated where they run through a tunnel at the wrist. Lifting with the thumb out, such as lifting a baby, and hormonal changes after pregnancy are common factors.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We confirm the diagnosis, rule out thumb arthritis and wrist injuries, and test whether a glide makes thumb and wrist movement less painful.

Mulligan techniques we use

Wrist MWM. A glide of the wrist bones while you move the thumb and wrist.
Thumb MWM. A glide at the base of the thumb during thumb movement.
Mulligan taping. Tape to hold the glide during daily tasks.

What the research says

A small 2025 randomized trial of 28 patients found Mulligan MWM improved pain, disability and movement in the short term, and case reports describe similar results. Research is still limited, so we combine it with splinting advice and activity changes.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes MWM, taping, lifting technique changes, splint advice if needed and progressive strengthening.

How long recovery takes

Most people improve over 4 to 8 weeks.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Wrist pain after a fall onto the hand
Numbness in the hand
A hot, red, swollen wrist
Pain getting rapidly worse
Grinding and deformity at the thumb base

De Quervain's tendonitis treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

What is mommy thumb?

A nickname for De Quervain's tendonitis in new parents, caused by repeated lifting of a baby.

How should I lift my baby?

Keep your thumb close to your hand and scoop with your palms. We show you how.

Do I need a splint?

A thumb splint can help early on. We advise you based on your symptoms.

How long does it last?

Often 4 to 8 weeks with treatment.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.