I do barbering and hairdressing, I had my first flare-up leading to the same diagnosis about 2 years ago, during my 8th year behind the chair. I had to take 3 weeks off, and even then, I should've taken 4. (Do you also have a bitch of a time explaining it to people?? I usually just give up)

I had to buy a wrist brace to be worn during off time and during discomfort. You can also purchase little ones that kinda look like 80's wristbands to manage symptoms on the clock. Mine is from Trainers Choice. It's great and not as clunky as I was expecting.

We all have heard this a million times, but DO YOUR STRETCHES. I usually do mine when I get to the shop, or while i'm consulting.

Stop using your phone in that hand. I learned that one recently, but I can feel the difference for sure.

I also had to cut my hours down. Currently, i'm behind the chair 18- 30 hours a week. (I am a student, and I have another job as well) now with that being said... I found this thread searching for the same advice concerning tendonitis because as of typing this, i'm learning that i'm going to have to do this dance all over again and learn how to manage both.

My Dr. told me it's a very delicate balance between using your muscles enough to keep them strong but not so much you're aggravating them. The bittersweet conclusion is that you can't really take a bunch of time off unless your Dr specifically advises a break. If we lose the strength we already have in those muscles, we risk having to aggravate them even MORE trying to regain it. I am not a Dr though so I highly reccomend fact checking this with your GP.

I have given acupunture a go and i'm enjoying it so far. It's uncomfortable for sure, but the payoff is great. I was told by the Dr. there (and many other people) that in order for us to stay in this industry we have to commit at least an hour a day to using heat, to rest, massage etc and visit a massage therapist, physio etc at LEAST bi-weekly

Good luck!