EFFICACY OF CONSERVATIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY IN TRIGGER FINGER

Abstract

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is characterized by the narrowing of the fibrous tunnel through which the flexor tendons pass, compromising tendon gliding and generating clicking, pain, and functional limitation. This study aimed to analyze the physiotherapeutic evolution of a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with trigger finger in the 2nd finger of the right hand, treated at the Teaching and Research Clinic in Physiotherapy at Iguaçu University (UNIG). This is a case study, conducted through a detailed evaluation including anamnesis, specific physical examinations, joint tests, muscle strength, perimetry, and sensitivity. The therapeutic plan was structured with the application of therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, joint mobilization, stretching, kinesiotherapy, and ergonomic guidance. During the first sessions, ultrasound did not promote significant pain relief; however, with the introduction of continuous laser therapy, an immediate clinical response was observed, with a significant reduction in pain and functional progression. After eleven sessions, a decrease in edema, improvement in muscle strength from grade 4 to grade 5, increased range of motion of the wrist and fingers, and normalization of sensitivity were observed, in addition to a reduction in the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) from 10 to 3. The findings demonstrate that the systematized physiotherapy intervention, especially with the use of therapeutic laser associated with kinesiotherapy and mobilizations, contributed significantly to the restoration of function of the affected finger. It is concluded that physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the rehabilitation of stenosing tenosynovitis, enabling efficient functional recovery, reduction of relapses, and full return to activities of daily living.