The comparison of the effects of rehabilitation on trigger finger on functional recovery processes according to stages

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the physiotherapy program on the functional recovery in patients with trigger finger according to the triggering stages. Thirty-four patients aged between 35-65 years diagnosed trigger finger were participated in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their triggering stages: Stage 1 (n=11), Stage 2 (n=14) and Stage 3 (n=9). The physiotherapy program including splinting, exercise program and activity modification was applied to all groups. The follow-up period for all groups was 6 months. Patients were assessed before treatment, at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th months. The assessments included pain severity, number of triggering event, grip strength. Upper extremity functional status, quality of life, emotional status, kinesiophobia. Pain severity, grip strength, upper extremity functional status, quality of life and emotional status were improved in Stage 1 (p<0.05). Pain severity, number of triggering event, upper extremity functional status, quality of life and emotional status were improved in Stage 2 (p<0.05). Number of triggering event, upper extremity functional status and quality of life showed significant improvements in Stage 3 (p <0.05). Group comparisons showed great improvements in grip strength in patients with Stage 1 and in quality of life in Stage 3. Moreover the functional recovery of three stages was different in terms of pain severity, number of triggering event and upper extremity functional status. Stage 2 and Stage 3 showed earlier recovery than Stage 1. In conclusion, physiotherapy is an effective approach in patients with trigger finger with Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 and functional recovery is different in trigger finger stages. Keywords: trigger finger, functional recovery, physiotherapy, splinting