Hand Therapy – Exercises following Extensor Tendon Injury of the Finger Zones 1-2 (Mallet Deformities)

What exercises should I do after my mallet injury?

You should only do the exercises your Hand Therapist has advised. Making other movements may cause further damage to your finger.

Weeks 0 to 6/8:

Your splint should be worn at all the times, including while doing the exercises.

Your exercises will be progressed at different weeks depending if you also have a fracture.

Exercise 1

Bend your injured finger down to touch your palm and then straighten it.

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

Week 8/10

Exercise 2

Gently bend your fingers to your palm to make a full fist.

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

Exercise 3

Use your thumb, index and middle finger of your good hand, to support the middle joint of your injured finger.

Then bend the end joint of your injured finger up and down.

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

Contact number

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 522 471

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1^st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital North Tees

Hardwick Road, Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road, Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

References

• Warren, R.A, Norris, SH and Ferguson, D.G, 1988. Mallet finger: a trial of two splints. The Journal of Hand Surgery: British & European volume, 13(2), pp.151153.

• Valdes K’Naughton N, Algar L.2005. Journal of Hand Therapy.2015. Conservative treatment of mallet finger: A systematic review. Jul- Sep; 28(3):237-45.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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Telephone: 01642 624719
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