How Neurofunctional Acupuncture Can Help Treat De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
How Neurofunctional Acupuncture Can Help Treat De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
By Dr. Dimitri Boules | Boules Acupuncture Clinic ltd.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful and often frustrating condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It can make everyday activities like lifting a baby, using a phone, or opening a jar intensely painful.
At Boules Acupuncture Clinic ltd. , Dr. Dimitri Boules applies a modern, evidence-based approach to this condition using Neurofunctional Acupuncture — a powerful, non-surgical method for reducing inflammation, improving function, and restoring mobility.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis involves inflammation and thickening of the sheath (tenosynovium) surrounding the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons at the base of the thumb. The result is pain and limited movement — especially when gripping, lifting, or rotating the wrist.
Common symptoms:
- Pain at the base of the thumb or side of the wrist
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty gripping or pinching
- Sharp pain when moving the thumb away from the hand
- Positive Finkelstein’s test (pain when the thumb is flexed and wrist is ulnarly deviated)
What Causes It?
De Quervain’s is typically an overuse injury — common in new parents, office workers, athletes, and those performing repetitive wrist/thumb motions. Contributing factors include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Poor ergonomics
- Hormonal changes (especially postpartum)
- Inflammation-related conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis)
How Neurofunctional Acupuncture Can Help
Neurofunctional Acupuncture (NFA) goes beyond traditional acupuncture by targeting the neuromuscular and sensory systems directly. With precise needle placement and, when appropriate, electrical stimulation, Dr. Dimitri Boules helps resolve pain and restore optimal function.
Benefits of NFA for De Quervain’s:
1. Reduces Local Inflammation
Acupuncture stimulates anti-inflammatory biochemical responses around the APL and EPB tendons, helping reduce swelling and pressure in the first dorsal compartment.
2. Restores Motor Control
De Quervain’s often leads to compensation patterns and muscle imbalances in the wrist, forearm, and hand. NFA targets motor points and neuromuscular junctions to retrain proper movement and reduce overloading.
3. Improves Circulation and Tissue Healing
Targeted needling increases blood flow, supporting tissue repair and flushing out inflammatory byproducts.
4. Modulates the Nervous System
Chronic pain can create central sensitization. NFA can help calm pain pathways and restore the nervous system’s normal pain response.
5. Enhances Results with Movement Therapy
At Boules Acupuncture Clinic ltd. , acupuncture is often combined with corrective exercises and manual therapy to reinforce results and speed up recovery.
What to Expect During Treatment with Dr. Dimitri Boules
At your first visit, Dr. Boules will perform a detailed assessment to determine the exact source of your symptoms and contributing biomechanical issues. Based on that, a customized treatment plan is developed.
A typical session includes:
- Precision needling of key motor and sensory points
- Gentle electroacupuncture to enhance neuromuscular activation
- Functional movement retraining
- Ergonomic education and home exercises
Many patients feel noticeable relief after just a few sessions, with progressive improvement in pain, grip strength, and range of motion.
What the Research Says
Though research on De Quervain’s is still growing, studies have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves function in tendinopathies and repetitive strain injuries.
- A study published in Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2017) found that acupuncture promotes tendon healing through the regulation of collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory mediators.¹
- Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve outcomes in both acute and chronic tendinopathies by enhancing nerve signal regulation and reducing local pain.²
- Clinical experience also supports acupuncture’s role in avoiding or delaying corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Treat the Root of the Pain — Not Just the Symptoms
If you’re dealing with wrist pain, limited thumb movement, or have been diagnosed with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, Neurofunctional Acupuncture may offer the solution you’ve been looking for — without medication or surgery.
Book your consultation with Dr. Dimitri Boules at Boules Acupuncture Clinic ltd. and start moving pain-free again.
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📍 Giannou Kranidioti 30, Larnaca
References
- Zhang, R., et al. (2017). Effects of acupuncture on tendon healing: A review. Journal of Orthopaedic Research.
- Lee, J. H., et al. (2015). Effects of electroacupuncture on tendinopathy: A systematic review. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
