Finger and Knuckle Pain or Stiffness Treatment in Mineola, NY
MULLIGAN CONCEPT
Finger and Knuckle Pain or Stiffness
Stiff fingers and painful knuckles make buttons, jars, typing and gripping harder. Common causes are sprains such as a jammed finger, arthritis in the finger or thumb joints, and stiffness after a fracture or surgery. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan finger and thumb mobilization with movement and taping to help joints bend and straighten more comfortably.
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 finger and knuckle pain or stiffness
- Stiff fingers, especially in the morning
- Painful, swollen knuckles
- A finger that stays swollen weeks after jamming it
- Pain at the base of the thumb when pinching or opening jars
- Weak grip
What causes it
Ball sports and falls can sprain finger joints. Osteoarthritis is common in the finger and thumb joints after 50. Casts, splints and surgery can leave joints stiff.
How we examine it
We check for fractures, tendon injuries and signs of inflammatory arthritis that need a doctor. We measure motion and grip and test whether a glide makes bending or pinching easier.
Mulligan techniques we use
- Finger joint MWM. A gentle glide of the knuckle or finger joint while you bend or straighten it.
- Thumb base MWM. A glide at the base of the thumb while you pinch.
- Buddy taping and Mulligan taping. Support for sprained or painful joints.
- Self-treatment. Home mobility exercises.
What the research says
Case reports describe benefit from thumb MWM and taping in thumb base arthritis and thumb injuries. Finger MWMs are textbook techniques with little research. We use them when testing shows a clear, pain-free change, along with exercise and joint protection advice.
What else is in your treatment plan
Your plan includes manual therapy, taping, motion and grip exercises, joint protection and tools that make daily tasks easier.
How long recovery takes
Jammed fingers usually improve over 3 to 6 weeks, though swelling can last longer. Arthritis is managed over the longer term.
If you are over 65
Finger and thumb arthritis is very common after 50 and can make jars, keys, buttons and cooking difficult. Along with gentle Mulligan mobilization, we recommend simple tools and techniques that take strain off your joints.
When to see a doctor first
Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:
- Fingertip that droops and won't straighten (needs a splint promptly)
- Visible deformity or a dislocated finger
- Many joints suddenly swollen and stiff (possible inflammatory arthritis)
- Numbness or color change
- A hot, red joint
Finger and knuckle pain or stiffness 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
Should I pull a jammed finger?
No. Pulling can make some injuries worse. Get it checked.
Can physical therapy help finger arthritis?
Yes. Exercise, joint protection and gentle mobilization can reduce pain and improve function.
Do I need an X-ray?
If there is deformity, severe swelling, or you can't move the finger, yes.
Which tools help with thumb arthritis?
Jar openers, thicker pens and key turners reduce strain. We suggest options.
Related pages
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.