Hand Therapy – Exercises following Closed Central Slip

What is a Central Slip Injury?

The central slip makes up part of the extensor tendons of the fingers. The extensor tendons are responsible for straightening your fingers. The central slip works on straightening the middle joint of your fingers.

An injury to these tendons is a serious injury and will require regular Hand Therapy to regain movement.

What exercises should I do after my injury?

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 injury to worsen.

Weeks 1 to 2: You should carry out the following exercises.

Please note these exercises should be carried out with your splint on.

Exercise 1

Bend the tip of your finger up and down.

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Exercise 2

Keeping your fingers straight, bend and straighten your knuckles.

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Exercise 3

Bend your wrist up and down over the edge of a table.

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Weeks 3 to 4: You should continue with exercises from weeks 1 to 2, and start doing these additional exercises.

Exercise 1

You will be given a new exercise splint to complete this exercise. Gently bend and straighten your finger in the exercise splint. 

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Weeks 5 to 6:  You should continue with exercises from weeks 1 to 4, and start doing this additional exercise.

Exercise 1

Gently bend your fingers to your palm to make a full fist (no strain or pain).

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Week 7 onwards: You should carry out the following exercises. 

Exercise 1

Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist.  Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist.  Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Exercise 2

Bend your knuckles, keeping the fingers straight.  Then bend your middle knuckles so that your fingertips touch your palm.  Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x5      Hold: 5 seconds      Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Contact numbers

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

•           You have any concerns or questions,

•           If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.

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

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool TS24 9AH

References

• Pratt AL, Burr N, Grobbelaar AO. A prospective review of open central slip laceration repair and rehabilitation. J Hand Surg Br. 2002 Dec;27(6):530-4. doi: 10.1054/jhsb.2002.0828. PMID: 12475509.

• Kayalar M, Bal E, Toros T, Süğün T, Keleşoğlu B, Kaplan I. Uçüncü bölge ekstansör tendon izole yaralanmalarinda tedavi sonuçlari [The results of treatment for isolated zone 3 extensor tendon injuries]. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2009 Aug-Oct;43(4):309-16. Turkish. doi: 10.3944/AOTT.2009.309. PMID: 19809227.

• Howell JW, Peck F. Rehabilitation of flexor and extensor tendon injuries in the hand: current updates. Injury. 2013 Mar;44(3):397-402. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.022. Epub 2013 Jan 21. PMID: 23347765.

• Evans RB. Early active short arc motion for the repaired central slip. J Hand Surg Am. 1994 Nov;19(6):991-7. doi: 10.1016/0363-5023(94)90103-1. PMID: 7876502.

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 Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

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

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

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]

Leaflet 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 at:

Email: [email protected]