Trigger Thumb Tips + Tricks: Home Exercises, Splinting, and Massage

[@nickmontgomery4303]

My trigger thumb was making my life a misery for 18 months. I'm a paramedic so it was affecting me at work too. Your advice on getting an oval 8 splint and stretching has literally changed my life!! I'm pain free and have full motion back. Thank you

[@ForwardTherapy]

Ah! That's amazing!! I never used them before and then just in the past 2 years I had this like, epiphany and started using them with all my trigger finger patients and IT WORKS SO WELL! It's the easiest little trick. I'm so glad it's working for you - best of luck!!

[@praveenthella5653]

@@ForwardTherapy Can i get the link to purchase 8 ovalSplint

[@ForwardTherapy]

You can find them on Amazon!

[@rolandf7419]

My trigger thumb just started. It's very painful at the base of the thumb. Yours last 18-months! Did you ever get a cortisone injection?

[@gonzalez-valdez8043]

@@rolandf7419 I did on my middle finger and thumb. It worked on my thumb only.

[@bridgetrealty4u]

I have gotten more from her video than I did from going to the orthopedic doctor and therapy from the hospital. Thank you for doing this for us.

[@el2530pv]

agreed!

[@theteaprincess]

I had trigger thumb. I did a search and found your video. I followed what you said almost to the letter. It took about eight weeks but I no longer have that trigger thumb. Thank you so much for making this video. It was clear and easy to understand.

[@surinderbhatia7829]

Plse explain in Hindi

[@indgogirlz]

I am so excited to have found your page!!! I am a 53 year old female. I noticed a small ‘knot’ on my thumb knuckle, just below the nail. It has gotten a little bigger. Just a few days ago, the joint began popping when I bent it. Everyone I have watched, only talks about the thumb joint closer to the palm. Thank you so much for sharing these videos!! I was an EMT for about 10 years. Now, I am a security guard at a Childrens Specialty Clinic. I use my hands a lot. The stretches are definitely going to come in handy, pun intended!!

[@HLotusSoul]

You are a phenomenal woman who offers her time on the internet to helps thousands. I think your techniques will work. You are the first to explain proper treatment so clearly. So grateful to you.

[@ForwardTherapy]

You just warmed my heart! Thank you!

[@Teshelle18]

SAME!! 🙌🏼 *I agree Most helpful information I’ve seen!

[@ForwardTherapy]

@@Teshelle18 thank you!!

[@ataliawatkins979]

@@Teshelle18 thank you very much for you help♥️

[@MariaReyes-fz4rv]

- I agree.

[@debraross7804]

Two cortisone shots later, and almost 8 months suffering thinking surgery is next, I found your video. The splinting is really helping and I’ve been doing the massages and stretches for about a week. My thumb feels the best it has in months. Thank you! Will continue as I’m really feeling results!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Amazing!!!

[@laurendavis771]

My thumb started out triggering for about a week and then today I could not move it at all. I did your tips, massage and iced a couple of times today. I can move it now! It is still triggering but it isn't STUCK. I'm so happy! I'll keep doing this daily along with wearing the splint until I'm better!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Ah, amazing!! Keep it up and hopefully it gets better with your diligent effort!

[@KimCSmith]

Kelly, thank you for these exercises. I've had trigger thumb for a couple weeks now and my doctor was no help at all. She took an xray and brushed it off as arthritis. She said to wear a splint and take ibuprofen, not telling me that i needed to remove the splint periodically. As a result, over the past week wearing a splint 24/7, im in much more pain. After watching your video, i have hope that ill be on the right track now. Thank you!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Sorry it’s more painful!!! I hope the exercises will help.

[@nancyebanks6313]

Excellent video! The exercises work and helped me get my thumb action back in less than 3 weeks. My right thumb was literally swollen into an "open" position and wouldn't bend without extreme pain. A real pain since I'm right-handed. I had tried exercises from another video that didn't work. Thank you for helping so many people with this issue!

[@PS-ut5ct]

actually showing us what to do is very helpful. thank you

[@kkat42069]

omg thank you so much I've been playing guitar for 7 years and all the sudden my left thumb was stuck and i was so nervous but i feel a lot better

[@shanniwelsh133]

This is so helpful. My trigger thumb (s) have been interfering with my work and I desperately just needed something I could do throughout the day. I’ve already started all of the things suggested in this video. Thank you so much!!!

[@fmlogic]

This is the best video that I’ve watched about trigger thumb. Others were a bit vague.

[@theresawolter9592]

Oh my gosh thank you. I've developed this clicking thumb about 5 weeks ago. Use to be just when I woke up..then all the time. I started to splint it so it would not move. Now I have sound advise to heal my clicker. Thank you!

[@JudgeSteve-pe8fh]

Did it work?

[@jenniferellen5791]

Thanks so much for all your videos! You have restored my faith in the possibility of me fixing my thumb without surgery. I believe I am in early stages of trigger thumb. It started in early August but it took me quite some time to figure out what it was, to research products /tools to buy and what to do. My swelling was severe while I was unintentionally pushing myself before I obtained the proper info. I will give it another 6- 8 weeks doing all items you suggested. I saw a hand specialist who was super condescending, discouraging and rude. He gave me a cortisone shot, told me I would need surgery for sure, discouraged any physical therapy and a bunch of other horrible advice. THANKS SOOOO MUCH!

[@bambiterryable]

Hello my doctor is pushing for surgery due to me having my 3rd cortisone shot, hows your trigger thumb doing now?

[@Hisdaughter85]

Thank you much for this! I felt disheartened yesterday because I waited 4 weeks for my doctors appointment, only for him to touch my thumb and tell me that he will make a referral which he warned would take weeks/months to get an appointment. I have been instinctively stretching and massaging, so you have shown me that I’ve been on the right track! Thank you for giving me some hope of healing and getting some sleep again.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps! Keep at it - trigger fingers are really stubborn but with consistent effort and REST they can get better in many cases.

[@Hisdaughter85]

@@ForwardTherapy thank you! I can already see some improvement, so here's hoping I have full recovery 😊

[@rosemaryhannah3467]

I'm in the UK and developed trigger thumb about 5 weeks ago. I'm 74 and also have general osteoarthritis. When my right thumb started clicking I just thought it would go away after a couple of days but of course it didn't. I Googled the symptoms and for the first time I found a name for the condition. Due to lockdown restrictions here we are not able to see our GP unless, after triage on the phone, we are told to go to our surgery. So we can only book telephone appointments. My GP told me to buy some Ibuprofen gel and explained an exercise which is basically the one you call cross friction massage. He also said that if it was no better in 6-8 weeks they will give me a cortisone injection. He didn't give me anything like the detail you give in this video so thank you. I've only been doing the exercises for 2 days so it's early days. I've managed to buy a thumb splint from a pharmacy today so that will help me in keeping my thumb straight. You've said not to wear them 24/7 but is it ok to wear them while I'm asleep? The one I've got isn't the oval 8 splint, it's made of a soft pliable metal with 4 'prongs' that are lined with strips of foam so you place it over your thumb and gently press the prongs to the shape of 6our thumb. I often wake up with one or both thumbs in an unnaturally straight position and they are very painful especially if I have forgotten the problem and throw back my duvet to get out of bed! The other question I have is I find it very difficult to bend my thumb at the first joint without it clicking so I have taken your advice and stopped doing that part of the exercise; however, I can bend my thumb at the next joint without it clicking. So should I carry on with this second half of the exercise? Sorry for the long post but your video has been much more help to me than my doctor.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Good to wear when you sleep! Just make sure you remove some during the day to stretch. Yes! Avoid the first exercises if it causes clicking. Thank you (: I hope it helps!

[@Srhodes0519]

Best “how to” video on this subject that I’ve seen! Thank you!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you 🥰

[@jypsydog6079]

Made the brace from 12ga. wire. 5 weeks of brace and message, FIXED!!! Thanks for the video.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Love it!

[@okayako]

Kelly, Thank you for sharing your knowledge on Trigger Thumbs. I am currently experiencing triggering in both my thumbs- and am so grateful I found your page, thanks again for your help!!🙌🌺

[@conniegal201]

I've just found your exercises and I'm looking forward to doing them daily. I've had injections on both thumbs and they typically last about a year but then the pain and clicking returns. I have just ordered the oval-8 splints. I'm hoping the combination of your exercises and the splints help the pain and motion! You have a very soft and calming voice, and you explain things/show them very well. Thank you so much.

[@ForwardTherapy]

hope it gets better soon!

[@richardroach6646]

All I can say is WOW, it REALLY WORKS!!! I've been suffering with trigger thumb for the past couple of months. I’ve followed all of your recommendations (except for the splint - I simply haven’t bought one yet), and after TWO days, I’ve noticed a significant improvement. Thank you so very much for your video! One question……. Should I do the stretches EVERY day, or would it be better to periodically stop the exercises to give my thump time to “heal” from all of the stretching? Thanks again for all of your phenomenal help!

[@tbjgold]

I made my splint out of duct tape--wrap the thumb with the sticky side out and then wrap it again with the sticky side down. It's a great splint because it gives some mobility but prevents snapping. My problem started a few weeks ago and is improving rapidly.

[@carmenmarcelo7193]

Thank you so much for the exercises and all the information. My trigger finger started last January and until now I’m suffering from pain . Now I know to take care of it.May God bless you

[@bjb0808]

This is the only video I have seen that actually helped me! After following along, my thumb could actually move more, where before it was straight and just wouldn't bend at all. I didn't do the ice yet though as i don't have any. I can actually sign my name again. You are a doll! Thank you so very much. 💕

[@ForwardTherapy]

I’m glad it helped!! Hope it gets better!

[@franceschukwukere209]

The dull and persistent pains ouch. After Watching your video, I realise that my trigger thumb will soon be a thing of the past. WI keep you updated Thanks so far, 🙏.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Hope it gets better soon!

[@JudgeSteve-pe8fh]

So, did it work or not?

[@festivalmama]

OMG. Thank you! I've been suffering for months with trigger thumb on my left hand. It was sore all the time and really, really painful when it snapped. I watched this video and started this protocol. I've only iced it a few times, but the last time I did it, it felt so much better. I got a thumb splint that is kind of like a glove and I wear that when I'm going to be using my hand and want to make sure I don't let it snap. It has hurt for so long I've gotten used to favoring it so I was hardly using it except I had gotten some bad advice and was actually moving it too much and letting it snap. I'm hoping I only have another week before it is back to normal. Thank goodness!!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

That’s so awesome!

[@Teshelle18]

@DC If you don’t mind sharing ... What kind of glove? How did you find it? Im goin through the same. Severe pain and snapping ‘out of joint’ constantly. It’s taking over my life 😢

[@jamesrosch1708]

Did it go back to normal?

[@shirleypiccles8503]

Where do you get the splints from thanks

[@ForwardTherapy]

Oval 8 splints are found on Amazon!

[@debsanchez3881]

So helpful. Unfortunately, I did exactly what you said we should not do! I went from a mild , painless trigger to excruciating pain because I was trying to show my doctor what was going on 😢. So now I’m benefiting from your help. Thank you for presenting so much detail…including the uncomfortable process of massage with the ice.

[@altmusic8215]

Thank you for reaching out with such detailed help, Kelly. There'll be some guitar playing starting up again in our house soon, because of following your tips!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Amazing!!!

[@steviemadison2127]

I am a guitar player who just developed TF in my thumb-- did you recover? Any advice on what I can do? Thank you!!!

[@sandybantz8299]

THANK YOU! I can't believe how much this has been bothering me for weeks. I just kept thinking it would improve with the wrist brace I had and ibuprofen-- obviously not since this is a thumb joint problem! I just ordered the splint and will do the exercises. You are a blessing.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!!! Thank you!

[@RonDonProductions]

Has yours healed yet? Mine has been sticking for about 4 weeks and idk what to do lol

[@sandybantz8299]

No, mine hasn't healed. I saw a hand orthopedic 2 weeks ago and received a steroid shot in the 2nd joint. I have another appointment in a week. The first joint only can bend slightly. Triggering can still happen occasionally but generally I've learned to not move it to trigger.

[@sandybantz8299]

@@RonDonProductionsIt sounds like it won't heal without more doctor involvement.

[@RonDonProductions]

@@sandybantz8299 thanks for the update. I'm going to try a few more weeks of these exercises but I may end up having to get it checked out.

[@Hiiiinxjdbdbdidndn]

Thank you soo much for this vid!!!! I just figured out what i had today🎉🎉🎉🎉 i have had it since i was around 5-7,and im now 13 , i hope these work !!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

You may have a congenital trigger thumb - would be worth going to your doctor to see! Sometimes those are managed differently. But can't hurt to try!

[@Hiiiinxjdbdbdidndn]

@@ForwardTherapy Thank you soo much ♡, i got it after i got an injection on my right hand and my hand was covered with a tight cloth for like 1 to 3 days, thats how it ended up getting it , im really used to it but i hope it goes back to normal , i tried to unbend my thumb but it becomes straight and cant move backwards like a normal finger, and it makes a sound when i bend it back, but it works like a normal thumb, just bent, i was hoping it would become normal in a few days but i still have it (it could be the reason why i remember always writing slower than my classmates) and....☆Thank you sooooo much for this video!!!☆

[@BJRodgers2010]

Excellent! I just developed trigger thumb &about 5 weeks ago. This relieves it so much!

[@alexcarr8503]

Thank you, my thumb has been causing me discomfort. The thumb exercise felt really good. My thumb can move back and forth without catching with this exercise. Feels good. I will pick up a thumb splint tomorrow.

[@Shea1130]

You are a life saver!! I actually got the Oval 8 when you recommended it in one of your previous videos. I'm glad you posted this because I have been wearing it pretty much 24/7 for weeks...ding ding ding SHAME SHAME SHAME. Despite my error it has helped immensely. I'm looking forward to using your techniques to further my progress.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Oh I’m so glad!!! That isn’t on you, I should’ve mentioned earlier!! I just don’t want anyone to develop stiffness on top of the trigger thumb. I’m so glad it’s been helping you!!!

[@johng9778]

Your exercises helped me immensely! I still do them every day while watching TV. I went to an ortho and the first thing they wanted to do was surgery--cutting the sheath to make it bigger. I said NOPE. I opted for a cortisone shot in each thumb (not at the same time). The right thumb trigger returned and I went to Dr. Google and found your page. In very little time (and with the Oval 8) the trigger released and no longer catches. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Ahhh I’m so glad to hear that! Glad the trigger doesn’t catch anymore, it’s so tough to get them to go away. Takes lots of time and patience.

[@MariaReyes-fz4rv]

It’s first time I watch ur channel,& I think u explain things pretty clear. Tank u for the time u take to help others feel better.🙏

[@terri9374]

I have been suffering with a trigger thumb for a couple of weeks now. My chiropractor did an adjustment on it twice this week and it helped, but still sore. Not going to be able to get back to him for a couple of weeks and knew I couldn't manage that. I decided to Google thumb exercises and found your KZbin video. Have gone through the exercises 2 times and already feeling relief - I actually got relief after first time. THANK YOU!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I’m so glad!!! I hope it keeps getting better!!!

[@dianer5472]

Thank you for this it helped more than my video visit with my MD and a video visit with a hand surgeon. I learned a LOT from you and already feel better. I will give it a couple weeks before I accept the ONLY two suggestions from the hand specialist which are injections and surgery. I had been wearing a big brace and NO movement for 3 weeks -- THAN YOU!!! You can get the oval 8 in Amazon by the way

[@karent.8245]

I really like the way you present your knowledge. Thank you and its good to know that you are a hand specialist.

[@bangzoom8180]

Very helpful information and excellent explanation of exercises. Humanity needs more people like you👍

[@terrywilliams551]

I just watched your entire video and may have heard aprx a dozen words... Due to your beauty.... Seriously, there should be a disclaimer to make viewers aware that they will need to watch your videos twice once for being lost in your beauty and once for their trigger finger.... Thx..sincerly

[@amandasteven1400]

kudo's to Fwd-Therapy for sharing and pointing out what not to do as well... it helped immensely! i was inadvertently making things worse by forcing my poor'lil thumb to work when it would get stuck.

[@isleno101]

If all the reviews are any indication, your advice is right on. My case is not particularly severe but very uncomfortable so I look forward to some relief in a week or so. Thank you for you help.

[@kristinbaker6970]

Thank you for this video, showing all of the stretches. I have been working on this for a couple of weeks now since a friend showed me a couple of these exercises but it helps to see them done. I have had to very painful shots and am trying to avoid surgery!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope the best for you!!!

[@finosuilleabhain7781]

Thanks for doing this, Kelly - very useful information, very well demonstrated and clearly explained.

[@lovetheeloquence]

Thank you so much for this excellent video. You explained it all so well and the pace was perfect for learning what to do. I'm so thankful for your help.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!! I hope it helps!

[@patriciasookhoo7727]

Thanks so much for your tips. I have already started to work on my trigger thumb. I also have a trigger middle finger. Blessings to you, pretty lady.

[@rhondabenz3150]

I literally just had this develop in one thumb. Thank yiu for the exercises. Ive been trying some but knuckle was popping. I wasn't doing it the right way! Now i will and will definitely do the ither things you showed us

[@madhujits]

Thank you for your videos. I'm experiencing trigger finger in my middle finger of right hand and trigger thumb in my left. After seeing both your videos, and practicing the exercises, I'm already feeling better in three days. I don't have a source to get the splint that you have recommended, however the exercises are helpful especially with the streched arm which I do multiple times in a day. Thank you

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps! For trigger finger splints I recommend oval 8 splints (for thumb or finger) or the vive trigger finger splint (for a finger)

[@MrA1582000]

Think these exercises will really help. I tried a oval 8 splint today and it already helped. Will do as you say. Thank you.

[@sonobiegibbons4802]

Thank you so much, this was truly helpful. I was over here freaking out

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!

[@dollyg4844]

Wow I just did the exercises that you showed my painful thumb is better!! I've been experiencing locking and painful feeling of my left thumb recently. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! God bless you more!

[@myrasolaris2180]

I really have to try your sticking it may work because the surgeries said it may help 50% change but not completely cure I felt so bad when I heard this ..why surgery won't cure this painful fingers..thank you so much.

[@user-pw4lo7iw3h]

Thank you for the helpful demonstration. I was in so much pain. After seeing your video, I did the exercises and wrapped my thumb the correct way. My thumb felt so much better. It was so hard not being able to do anything. I could not get an Ortho appt for a month plus I am wary of getting a steroid shot and having another reaction to steroids. many thanks

[@tyriceturner4619]

Thank you so much!!! The repetitive motion of my work has given me trigger thumb. This video is extremely helpful thank you.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!

[@Jess-qc3lp]

Thank you SO MUCH... I've been struggling with my thumb for a couple weeks now. After some searching, I am pretty sure this is what's going on, so I will try these ideas, and hope for some relief! Much appreciated!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!!!!!!

[@morningglorify]

The cross friction massage is fantastic!

[@tswartz624]

Appreciate your video. Very informative, clear instructions, and such a soothing voice. Starting these methods today ! ✌

[@hardcorehoulie]

I have been suffering with a trigger thumb for the past few months. I've been wearing a splint on and off and also have taped the knuckle to keep it immobilized. Also doing stretches and massage as you described. That massage point is very sore, so I'm pretty sure I have the right spot. So far nothing has helped much but I will keep at it and hopefully things get better. Thanks for all your advice!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it gets better!!!

[@hardcorehoulie]

thank you! ❤@@ForwardTherapy

[@abbiemcclintock8311]

Thank you so much for your videos! I have had painful fingers and thumb on my left hand for 3 1/2 years now and each of the practitioners I’ve seen for it tell me that it’s trigger finger but they aren’t locking. I have no locking at all but swelling, pain, loss of motion, and tender nodules. One says it could be the start of dupuytren's contracture but again no pulling. The top hand surgeon in my area says no surgery since there is also some osteoarthritis so surgery wouldn’t help. This started at 44 years old. I’m now 47. I just can’t imagine with this much pain the only option is steroid shots. That’s the only thing that has worked so far but the pain returns in 2 months. No one has recommended physical therapy either. And all the autoimmune testing including RA comes back negative. The pain is in my ring finger, pinky finger, and thumb of my left hand and a different pain in the thumb joint of my right hand which I am resigned to that being thumb arthritis. It’s the left hand that no one is providing any long term solution. It’s like I’m not being listened to or believed. The inflammation is visible. Anyway, do you have a recommendation? Would you expect your trigger finger exercises for my fingers and then work if they don’t actually lock? Is that even possible to have trigger finger in 3 fingers on one hand for 3 1/2 years and they’ve never locked? I would really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

It is possible to have trigger finger that isn’t locking, but unusual that it would never have locked. Sounds like a tough situation! I’d ask your doctor for a hand therapy visit to go over a home program and talk about pain management and activity modification strategies!

[@Laurie_Tinsley]

I just ordered my figure eight splint. I cant wait to receive it and start using it. I woke up one morning about 2 weeks ago and noticed that my thumb was locking up and hurt when I tried to bend it. You can feel a popping in the middle joint and it is painful to move it. I do massage my thumb like you showed and my thumb will loosen up during the day. Hopefully I can get rid of this trigger thumb, it is annoying to say the least. Thank you for the video!!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it goes away quickly!!

[@joycependleton589]

Just came across your page. I am experiencing trigger thumb and I will try these exercises you just did. Thank you and I did subscribe.

[@susanspratling]

Thank you

[@Klu-9]

My thumb clicks every time but once I’ve tried the massage at the base of the thumb,.. click stops👏👏👏👍👍Thank you

[@miguelinamorales7086]

Hopeful this exercise suggestions will help me 🙏🏽 Thank you !! God Bless you You are so naturally beautiful , it’s not often individuals make videos with their natural beauty without a lot of makeup, nail polish etc

[@The-KP]

Good info, i learned something helpful, will be applying

[@FloElkins1]

This video is super helpful. Thanks. I did all the stretches with you while watching this video and will make sure to do them on a regular basis. Will post my results later.

[@robertstamey]

Thank you very much! Your instructions were exactly to my issues! I look forward to implementing your directions and feeling the relief!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!!

[@mims2582]

Best video yet on trigger thumb

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

I would give this video a ‘thumbs up’…but i can’t😂

[@bjsprout]

I have severe osteoarthritis in my hands and wrists, and have “swollen”knuckles. I’ve had clicking in a few fingers but no trigger finger until my thumb recently started doing the trigger thing! I know it was from overdoing it with yard work. I’m taking your advice for exercise, but may end up with a hand doctor.

[@davidspencer2663]

Thanks so much for this. Kinda scary when this just starts happening out of the blue. I really appreciate learning how to treat this conservatively.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!! Best of luck!

[@Teshelle18]

YESSSS!! This is so painful and it’s such a strange unfamiliar way for your hand to move...it IS ‘scary’ ... it just pops up one day and keeps getting worse every day 😢

[@ForwardTherapy]

@@Teshelle18 I'm so sorry ): I hope it improves quickly!

[@RickyRisha410]

Ya. Damn scary, all my life I have this experience

[@pravolivo]

I had been overusing my thumb holding the phone in a firm grip above my face while laying on my back, hence the tip of my thumb had been in a locked position for hours until one morning I woke up with stiffness and what turned out to be a “funny” trigger finger. It gets really stiff only in the mornings, but it feel uncomfortable to use the thumb during the day as well (using knife or holding something in a firm grip, that little nodule gets a little painful). Where I live there are no hand doctors, so thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. It is very much appreciated! I’ve done some research and a couple of respected medical websites also recommend stretching, but they never give any examples of exercises. I have one questions if you don’t mind answering: given that my finger doesn’t get locked during the day, do you think I should use that thingy to immobilize the tip? P.S. To anyone who happens to read this: learn from my mistakes and don’t use your phone the way I did. Stay strong and healthy!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Yes!! Wear the oval 8 during the day if you can during activities that cause it to lock.

[@lorigoldsmith2442]

My trigger thumb only happens when I'm sleeping. Should I wear the oval 8 at night when I'm sleeping for 8 hours?

[@maireadtallon1897]

Very very helpful and very practical exercises Thank you. Mairéad, Ireland

[@lizverrechia9723]

I developed a trigger thumb when I started knitting during the pandemic. I guess my hands have not been used to doing this. Will try these exercises. Thank you for sharing ☺👍

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!!! Good luck (:

[@allalone5810]

I'm looking for this kind of video. Thank you I found this. I will try all that thumb exercises.Thank you.🙏🙏🙏

[@rolandf7419]

Thank you for all of your videos on trigger thumb. I do these exercises/massage 3 times a day.

[@jimmypalmiotti]

Going through it right now. Ordered the oval 8 and it will be here in a few days. Wearing the cloth brace to keep my thumb straight until then. At night I wear it because I tend to sleep with my hand under my head- bad habit- but like you said, every morning its stiff and at its worst. Tried the exercises you suggested and will do them three times a day for as long as I can. would love a simple trigger thumb exercise video to watch 3x a day- separate from this...but so happy to have found this and I am gonna try it for the next few weeks. It is tough avoiding using my thumb, but giving it my best shot. Thank you. and yes- I am subscribed.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Awesome!! I hope it helps. You could always film yourself doing the exercises briefly and review them 3 times a day - I’ve had patients do that before and find it helpful for reminding themselves to do their home program!

[@jimmypalmiotti]

@@ForwardTherapy Great idea. Thank you.

[@brendasorrels5081]

Thank you SO much! This is great!

[@hemantbhardya4926]

Thanks a lot Ma'm, everything is beautifully explained about trigger thumb 🙏

[@chiefliberty]

Thanks for posting this! You explain things very well and I find your voice so soothing! Going to give all these tips a try.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!

[@theseacher6137]

Thank you so much.

[@theseacher6137]

Hey there, I had a question... Can I lift weights with mallet splint on? Or off? I’ve been missing my workouts because I don’t want to make it worse. Thank you.

[@JudgeSteve-pe8fh]

Three cheers for the cross friction massage.

[@leelarampersadffttytty6643]

2 mths ago i got a trigger on my thumb, the orthopaedic dictor gsve an injection abd it was good. However, i liftrd a kadder for xnas sbd it went right triggrting. Iooked at yr video this morning abd did sll what u said and si far it feels good.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it will help!! Remember that it takes time for this to go away so you need to be consistent for weeks - months

[@TruB73]

This is great information. Just what I was looking for to help me with my painful thumb. Thank you! Thank you!

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!! Best of luck!

[@kristelsantos515]

Wow rubbing the thumb tendon. My thumb felt so relaxed after. It felt like I put it in sleep mode. What a differences have been suffering with this problem so long.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I’m so happy to hear that!

[@mombeolunyonyi8027]

Thank you for showing us these exercises!

[@MosaicofSelf]

Thanks so much! I was diagnosed with trigger thumb and it's impacting BOTH thumbs now. The doc (general physician) told me to keep it splinted for 4-6 weeks and never mentioned taking breaks with having the splint off. That said, I've been wearing an Oval-8 splint nonstop, even sleeping with it for a few weeks now. I've taken it off and now have a very stiff thumb and have lost mobility. What will I have to do now that I've worn it too long to get my thumb back? I'm making an appointment with a hand specialist this week and will do the stretches you recommended. Finding you and hearing your videos gives me hope that a hand specialist may be able to help me heal this. Can you, or can anyone out there reading this, give recommendations for adaptive tools or apps when we need to use our thumbs/fingers for typing, graphic arts (I have a MacBook Pro, iPad and iPhone), finger pad and mouse work, but our fingers and thumbs don't work because they're immobile or painful? Before the trigger thumbs and fingers, I was using Canva for several hours a day, editing photos and videos, and posting to social for my work. I haven't been able to work in weeks and am trying to figure out how to adapt for the short-term and long-haul if I need to.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Yes! It is a balance - in trying to stop the triggering, it can definitely get very stiff. But a hand specialist should be able to give you some specific stretches to help you regain mobility! The key with any repetitive motion is to take breaks frequently (every 30-45 minutes you should move your hands away from the keys or mouse and do a couple quick stretches, and every 2 hours you should physically get up and walk away for a couple minutes), practice proper ergonomics with your equipment - make sure your setup fits your body well. Sometimes with pens/pencils (including the Apple Pencil or stylus) it helps to use a grip to make it wider where you hold it. Every time you're thinking about typing or what you're going to use the mouse for, instead of keeping the hands in that position while you think about it, flip the palms toward the ceiling and allow your hands to take a quick break, even if it's just a couple seconds before they go back to work.

[@MosaicofSelf]

@@ForwardTherapy Thanks, so much! This was helpful - and using a pencil grip on my Apple Pencil is a great idea!

[@suegilson519]

So glad I found this video! Thank you

[@mhellitsh7822]

Thank you sharing this video I'm hoping my thumb finger we'll be ok soon

[@bajamcguide]

Thank you!! Love this. Everything you said helped

[@Richard-wk9le]

I had trigger in both hands and after 3 shots in each hand a nurse suggested I try adding fish oil to my diet and I have not had a problem since I ve also believe that gringer as in Gringer ale is a good anti inflammatory, Reeds is a good brand to try.

[@ForwardTherapy]

That's good to know!

[@StatusFX3]

Thank you so much for sharing this pertinent info ❤️

[@joerico4230]

That helped a lot. Feel better already. Thumbs up. Ouch! Seriously though, thank you.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Haha! Glad to hear it! Hope it helps (:

[@sherilynalexnder897]

Thank you so much for this informative and so helpful post!! Blessings to you!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!

[@user-tw8rw3vi1x]

Thank you from Greece

[@andrearose7220]

Really fantastic. So helpful. Easy to follow and clearly explained. Thank you!

[@ForwardTherapy]

thank you!!

[@bronwenquick]

Sooooo helpful. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! ❤️

[@Katy99941]

Thank you for the very helpful advice.

[@bulldukeleather8578]

Thank you for being so caring and compassionate to post these videos. Im a firefighter and my thumb is locking constantly. Im in horrible pain and trying stretching. Do you think stretching and splinting is capable of repair or should i consider cortisone injections.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! Trigger thumbs can be so tricky. It's definitely possible (I can't say exactly in your case because every person is different, and there are several phases of trigger thumb severity which can correspond to different types of treatment strategies). It's worth a try to do the stretching and splinting, but may be worth a visit to your doctor to see what they recommend (I'd recommend seeing a hand specialist rather than a PCP).