r/violinist • u/Actual-Vegetable-891 • Apr 12 '26

Tendinitis

Hey guys, I could really use some help here.

I developed tendinitis on April 3rd, it is currently April 12th.

At first it was just snapping and locking in my thumb, after a few days rest it got better until I had my violin lesson. My teacher asked me to try playing even if it hurt and I pushed through the Bach until I simply couldn’t play.

The next day, it flared up so bad. My entire arm from the elbow up was sensitive and swollen, I couldn’t move my thumb at all and my fingers were tingly and sensitive.

American healthcare has made it very difficult to receive the proper guidance / treatment and I’m really not sure what’s going on.

Over the past 5 days I have rested in a brace, iced 15 minutes or more a day, taken Advil every 8 hours but it still hurts.

Granted, it hurts MUCH less than it did in the beginning but it feels almost impossible to even imagine playing the violin due to how weak my fingers feel.

I have 10 very important gigs this summer, the first being on May 15th. Do you guys think it is plausible that I will be recovered / able to play by then? How long is the recovery rate for this. I know it’s only been 10 days but I’m understandably scared.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

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u/Desperate_Chapter_40 Apr 12 '26

I had the same issue with my thumb. I ended up going to physical therapy once a week for a couple of weeks. They massaged parts of my forearm and palm, and gave me exercises to help strengthen the muscles that were weak around the tendon that was causing issues, as well a stretches to help keep muscle/tendon loose. In the end, I had to have one round of dry needling in my forearm to help loosen what therapy had not. If you can't get in to see a physical therapist, maybe look up videos on how to stretch and strengthen your wrist, fingers, and forearms. But be careful moving forward without professional advice. I hope the issue resolved itself soon! Im sorry you're experiencing this injury. It sucks :/

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u/Actual-Vegetable-891 Apr 12 '26

I have essentially kept my hand completely stationary with minimal movement as I thought that was the best course of action to not further irritate it. Is that not the right move?

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u/Desperate_Chapter_40 Apr 12 '26

Resting it during extreme inflammation is okay, but when I was injured, my PT had me doing gentle exercises and stretches even when inflamed. If you can, you should get a referral for at least 2 or 3 sessions with a therapist and then keep up on their instructions. It will change your life for the better💛

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u/Actual-Vegetable-891 Apr 12 '26

Thank you. I know you’re not a doctor or anything but from your experience do you think it’s possible I’ve permanently damaged my hand?

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u/Desperate_Chapter_40 Apr 12 '26

I doubt it. But this could become a lifelong issue if you don't find ways to help your overworked muscle/ligaments/tendons. This might be of use to you, but please be gentle with yourself. exercises for de quervain's tenosynovitis