Hand Therapy – Exercises following Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) Repair Zones III-VII

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.

Weeks 1 – 4: You should carry out the following exercises. 

Exercise in your splint but remove the thumb and hand straps

Exercise 1

Use the fingers of your other hand to lift your thumb up out of your splint.

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

Exercise 2

Lift your thumb out of the splint.

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

Exercise 3

Gently bend the tip of your thumb, keeping the thumb tip in contact with the splint

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

Week 4 Onwards:

Exercise out of your splint

Exercise 1

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 2

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 3

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.

Contact Details:

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 – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm
You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1^st Floor, North Wing
University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool

References

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Hand Therapy Treatment Guidelines

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Guidelines for Therapy Intervention Post Repair Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) WHAT-OCT-009Hand Therapy 2013 18(1) 3-10, “ A systematic review of rehabilitation protocols following surgical repair of the extensor pollicis longus”

T.J. Wood, M. Sameem, F. Farrokhyar and N. Strumas.Journal Of Hand Therapy 2009, 22:44-48, “Gliding Distance of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon with Respect to Wrist Positioning: Observation in the Hands of Healthy Volunteers Using High-Resolution Ultrasonography”

 M. Chen, S. Tsubota, M. Aoki, A. Echigo, M. Han. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 89, December 2008, 2366-2372, “The Effect of Mobilization on Repaired Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand: A Systematic Review”, E. Talsma, M. de Haart, A. Beelen, F. Noll

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

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Email: [email protected]

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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]