Tendonitis Hand Therapy in San Francisco

Stop letting tendonitis control your daily life. Our board-certified hand therapists specialize in treating trigger finger, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, tennis elbow, and other tendon injuries. With over 25 years of experience in San Francisco, we use evidence-based techniques to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you love.

specialized care for hands and wrists

Don't Let Tendonitis Take Over Your Life

Tendonitis pain shouldn't force you to stop doing what you love. When every movement hurts, simple tasks become frustrating challenges.

Work Struggles

Typing Sends Sharp Pain Up Your Arm Every email, every text, every keystroke triggers shooting pain that makes work feel impossible.

Daily Task Limitations

Opening Jars or Gripping Tools Hurts Simple activities like turning a doorknob or holding your coffee cup cause discomfort throughout the day.

Activity Restrictions

You Can't Play Tennis, Golf, or Exercise
The sports and hobbies you love are on hold because tendonitis pain won't go away on its own.

"I had a bad bicycle accident resulting in a broken wrist that required a cast and extensive hand therapy. After calling several places on the list, only Golden Gate Hand Therapy called back promptly. I was given an appointment right away to see Melanie. During my first appointment and evaluation, I was very impressed by her expertise and caring demeanor. I highly recommend GGHT for anyone in need of superior hand therapy services."

Angela Chang
How It Works

Your Path to Complete Wrist Recovery

Book Your Free Consultation

Connect with our certified hand therapists to discuss your wrist fracture, current symptoms, and recovery goals. We'll answer your questions and create a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Complete Your Comprehensive Assessment

Our CHT specialists evaluate your wrist range of motion, grip strength, swelling, and functional limitations. We review your X-rays and coordinate with your physician to ensure optimal healing.

Begin Your Customized Treatment Program

Start your specialized therapy with manual mobilization, therapeutic exercises, custom splinting, and functional activities designed to restore full wrist function.

See What Our Patients Say

Google logo
"I highly recommend Golden Gate Hands Therapy! I got injured, and since I started doing my occupational therapy sessions here, I’ve been feeling so much relief."
frances avatar
Frances Reuther
Google logo
"I don't think most 10 therapy places would use paraffin wax and ultrasound as far as I know. 
I highly recommend Golden Gate
Hand Therapy!"
gabriele hoff avatar
Gabriele Hoff
Google logo
"TLDR: I love this place and didn't have a single bad experience. Can't recommend the folks in this office highly enough. Eizelle, Danielle, Crystal, and Kelly are amazing."
zach freedman avatar
Zach Freedman
Google logo
"Danielle I was so thorough, very interested in actually understanding my injuries fully, developed a great treatment for both injuries and is fun to talk to. Staff is incredible at scheduling and the organization is just ultra buttoned down and professional."
Google logo
"Superb care from an entirely knowledgable practioner. I had a hard time finding availability in San Francisco and it was more than worth the drive up to Mill Valley. i worked with many PT's after wrist surgery and Danielle was one of the best by far."
lori ayers avatar
Lori Ayers
Google logo
"Golden Gate Hand Therapy is an efficient and warm environment overall, but I am posting this review specifically for Annie because I feel like she saved my hands. The advice she gave me was so incremental in helping me navigate my injury and keep working while I healed and she always gave me top notch care.."
love maia avatar
Love Maia

Meet Our Expert Team

melanie johnke ceo
Melanie Johnke
OTR/L, CHT, Founder

Completed her Master's OT degree at Samuel Merritt University. Founded GGHT in 2005 with a passion for helping hands heal in San Francisco. She loves spending quality time
with her family, traveling and staying active with pure barre and pickle ball.  

danielle conroe
Danielle Conroe
OTR/L, CHT

With over 24 years of hand therapy experience, Danielle is an expert. Completed her BS OT at Loma Linda University. She is primarily in our Mill Valley office. She enjoys spending time with her family, yoga and traveling.

crystal wong
Crystal Wong
OTR/L, CHT

Crystal completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and Midwestern University and is primarily based in our San Francisco office. She recently earned her Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) credential. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, Pilates, and skiing.

Eizelle Barrientos, OTR/L
Eizelle Barrientos
OTR/L

Graduated with a Master's of OT from Dominican University. Eizelle is primarily in our San Francisco office. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her daughter and son discovering new places.

brutus
Brutus Henri
Resident Therapy Dog

Woof woof! Part-time office therapy dog. Puts a smile on your face. Treats and pets are always appreciated!

Visit Our San Francisco Location

We're conveniently located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, just minutes from the Marina District, Russian Hill, and downtown San Francisco. Both on-street parking and public transit are easily accessible.
Email:
mjohnke@gghandtherapy.com
Phone: 415.359.1444
Office: 2238 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94123

Driving Directions: We're just 5 minutes from the Marina, near the corner of Union and Fillmore. Close to restaurants, boutiques, and the Lombard Street area.

A patient receiving hand therapy at golden gate hand therapy in san francisco california

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tendonitis and how do you treat it?

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon — the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. In the hand, wrist, and elbow, tendonitis develops from repetitive motions, overuse, or acute injury. Our certified hand therapists treat tendonitis using evidence-based techniques including manual therapy to reduce inflammation, custom splinting to support healing, therapeutic exercises to restore strength, and ergonomic education to prevent re-injury. Treatment typically involves 45-minute one-on-one sessions with a CHT specialist over 6-12 weeks, depending on severity.

How long does it take to recover from tendonitis?

Recovery time varies based on the severity of your tendonitis, which tendons are affected, and how quickly you begin treatment. Mild cases may improve in 4-6 weeks with consistent therapy, while chronic tendonitis may require 8-12 weeks or longer. Our certified hand therapists create personalized treatment plans that include home exercises to speed recovery. Early intervention is key — the sooner you start hand therapy, the faster you'll see results and prevent the condition from worsening.

Do I need a doctor's referral for tendonitis hand therapy?

While some insurance plans require a physician referral, many patients can schedule directly with us for evaluation. We work closely with hand surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and primary care doctors throughout San Francisco and can coordinate with your healthcare team. We recommend calling us at (415) 359-1444 to discuss your specific insurance requirements and schedule your free phone consultation. Our team will verify your benefits and guide you through the process.

Still have questions?

Contact our team for answers to any questions about your specific condition or treatment needs.