Information for patients
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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 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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 2
Straighten your thumb out so the back of your thumb touches the splint.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 3
Place three fingers on 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 your operated thumb over these three fingers.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 4
Use the tip of your thumb to touch the tip of each finger in turn.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 5
Use the first two 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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 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 that they are in contact with the base of your thumb. Bend the tip of the operated thumb over these two fingers.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 2
Place your hand palm down on a table. Lift your thumb off the table.
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.
Exercise 4
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: x5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
Exercise 5
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 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: 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 regarding your exercises
- if your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.
Hand Therapy Team
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pmYou 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
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: 14/09/2023
