Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Trigger finger — the clicking, locking, or catching sensation when bending a finger — is caused by a thickened tendon sheath that catches as the tendon slides through. Physiotherapy provides effective management for mild-to-moderate cases, and post-surgical rehabilitation for those who require an operation.
How Trigger Finger Develops
The flexor tendons of the fingers pass through a series of fibrous pulleys — rings that keep the tendons close to the bone. The first annular pulley (A1 pulley) at the base of each finger is the most common site of tenosynovitis. When the pulley thickens and the tendon develops a nodule from chronic friction, the nodule catches when passing through the narrowed pulley — producing the characteristic triggering.
Conservative Management
- Splinting: PIP extension splinting reduces catching and allows the tendon sheath to settle. Most effective for grade 1–2 cases, particularly if worn consistently for 6 weeks.
- Activity modification: Reducing prolonged or forceful gripping activities that aggravate the tendon sheath.
- Tendon gliding exercises: Specific range-of-movement exercises that mobilise the flexor tendon through the pulley system without provoking catching.
- Manual therapy: Soft tissue mobilisation of the A1 pulley and surrounding flexor tendon sheath.
- Corticosteroid injection: Highly effective — often coordinated with the treating GP. Physiotherapy is valuable both before and after injection.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
If surgery is performed (percutaneous or open A1 pulley release), physiotherapy rehabilitation follows to: reduce post-operative swelling, restore full finger range of movement, build grip strength, and return to full hand function. Recovery after trigger finger release is typically 4–6 weeks.
Trigger Finger Treatment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We provide splinting, tendon gliding programs, and post-surgical rehabilitation for trigger finger at our Bundoora clinic. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does trigger finger feel like?
Trigger finger presents as: morning stiffness and aching at the base of an affected finger, a clicking or snapping sensation when bending or straightening the finger, and in more severe cases, the finger locking in a bent position and requiring passive straightening with the other hand. The thumb, middle, and ring fingers are most commonly affected.
What grades of trigger finger are there?
Grade 1: occasional pain and tenderness at the A1 pulley (base of finger), no triggering. Grade 2: intermittent triggering, patient can actively straighten the finger. Grade 3: locking — patient cannot actively straighten the finger. Grade 4: permanently locked in flexion (rare). Grade determines management approach — physiotherapy is most effective for grades 1–2.
What does a splint do for trigger finger?
A trigger finger splint holds the finger's proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in extension while allowing full metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint movement. This position prevents the tendon nodule from catching on the A1 pulley while still allowing some hand function. Worn at night and during activities that aggravate symptoms, splinting is effective for mild cases.
How effective is cortisone injection for trigger finger?
Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is the most effective non-surgical treatment for trigger finger. A single injection produces resolution in approximately 60–70% of patients. A second injection is given if the first provides only partial relief. Physiotherapy helps maintain the benefit by addressing the contributing factors.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora