Hand Therapy – Exercises following Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) Repair Zones 1-2

Any exercises should not be done for the first 6 weeks after surgery, as a splint needs to be worn 24/7.

What exercises should I do after my surgery?

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 6 after surgery

Exercise 1

Gently bend your thumb into your palm. No strain or pain.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 2

Place the back of your hand on a table. Use the tip of your thumb to touch the tip of each finger in turn. Once touching the tip of your little finger, slide the tip of your thumb down to the base of your little finger.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 3

Rest your elbow on a table. With your fingers relaxed bend and straighten your wrist.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 4

Place your palm down on a table. Slide your thumb out to the side and back again.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 5

Bring your thumb in line with your index finger and move your thumb up and down.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Contact details

Please contact Hand Therapy 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

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool

References

Howell, J.W. and Peck, F., 2013. Rehabilitation of flexor and extensor tendon injuries in the hand: Current updates. Injury, 44(3), pp.397-402.

Khandwala, A.R., Blair, J., Harris, S.B., Foster, A.J. and Elliot, D., 2004. Immediate repair and early mobilization of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in zones 1 to 4. The Journal of Hand Surgery: British & European Volume, 29(3), pp.250-258.

Wood, T.J., Sameem, M., Farrokhyar, F. and Strumas, N., 2013. A systematic review of rehabilitation protocols following surgical repair of the extensor pollicis longus. Hand Therapy, 18(1), pp.3-10.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Guidelines for Therapy Intervention Post Repair Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) WHAT-OCT-009

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]

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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

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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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]