Information for patients
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What exercises should I do following my FPL repair?
You should only do the exercises your Hand Therapist has advised. These will be progressed when you are ready.
Making other hand movements may cause your repair to break.
Week of surgery and week 1:
Exercise in your splint but remove the thumb and palm straps.
Exercise 1
Use your other hand to bend your thumb down to your palm.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 2
Straighten your thumb out so the back of your thumb touches the splint.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 3
Place three fingers of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand, so that they are in contact with the base of your thumb. Bend the tip of the operated thumb over these three fingers.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 4
Use the tip of your thumb to touch the tip of each finger in turn.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 5
Use the first 2 fingers of your other hand to apply pressure to the base of your thumb just above the bottom knuckle of your thumb. Now bend and straighten the tip of your thumb.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Week 2:
You should continue with the exercises from Week 1 but progress exercise 3.
Place two fingers of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand, so they are in contact with the base of your thumb. Bend the tip of operated thumb over these two fingers.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Week 3:
You should continue with the exercises from Week 1 but progress exercise 3.
Place one finger of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand, so that it is in contact with the base of your thumb. Bend the tip of the operated thumb over this finger.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Week 4 onwards:
Your splint is to be removed for these exercises.
Exercise 1
Place the back of your hand on a table. Use your other hand to bend your thumb down to your palm.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 2
Place your hand, palm down, on a table. Lift your thumb off the table.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 3
Place your palm down on a table. Slide your thumb out to the side and back in again.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 4
Place the back of your hand on a table. Use the top of your thumb to touch the tip of each finger in turn. Once touching the top of your little finger, slide the top of your thumb down to the base of your little finger.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 5
Rest your elbow on a table. With your fingers relaxed, bend and straighten wrist.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Exercise 6
Hold the bottom knuckle of your thumb between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Bend the tip of your thumb up and down.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours
Contact Details:
Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:
- You have any concerns or questions.
- If your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable.
Contact Details are:
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Hand Therapy Team
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You will be asked to attend either:
Hand Therapy
First Floor, North Wing
University Hospital of North Tees
OR
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department
Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool
References
- Giesen, T., Sirotakova, M., Copsey, A.J. and Elliot, D., 2009. Flexor pollicis longus primary repair: further experience with the tang technique and controlled active mobilization. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 34(6), pp.758-761.
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1209
Date for Review: 12th February 2027
