Articles Vol. 67 No. CĐ5-NCKH 04/05/2026

PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS AND THE ROLE OF IMMOBILIZATION SPLINTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DE QUERVAIN’S SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Ta Trung Nghia1,2, Duong Hoang Nhon1,2, Bui Ngoc Bao Tran3,4
1 Nam Can Tho University
2 Trường Đại học Nam Cần Thơ
3 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
4 Trường Đại học Y Dược Cần Thơ
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67iCD5.4976
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Keywords
de Quervain, physiotherapy, thumb immobilization, high-intensity laser.
Abstract

Objective: To synthesize scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis from 2020 to 2025 and to evaluate the role of thumb immobilization splints.

Methods and literature overview: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed and the PEDro to identify randomized controlled trials published between January 2020 and October 2025.

Results: Among 30 studies initially identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Thumb immobilization splints demonstrated clear effectiveness in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. Additional physiotherapy modalities, including high-intensity laser therapy, shockwave therapy, paraffin heat therapy, and therapeutic exercise, produced positive results, particularly when combined with splinting.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy represents an effective conservative treatment option for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Thumb immobilization plays an essential role, and combined therapeutic protocols yield superior outcomes compared with single interventions.

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