Hand Therapy – Exercises following Flexor Tendon Finger Repair

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.

Make other hand movements may cause your repair to break.

Week 1: You should carry out the following exercises.

Exercise in your splint but remove the finger and palm straps.

Exercise 1

Use your other hand to bend each finger down to the palm, in turn, 10 times.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds.       Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 2

Straighten all your fingers out at the same time so the back of your fingers touch the splint.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds.       Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 3

Place three fingers of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand. Bend the fingers of the operated hand, over these three fingers.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds.     Complete: Every hour.

Week 2: You should continue with the exercise from week 1 and progress, and progress the following exercise.

Progress Exercise 3

Place two fingers of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand. Bend the fingers of the operated hand, over these two fingers.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Week 3: You should continue with the exercises from week 1, and progress the following exercise.

Progress Exercise 3

Place one finger of your other hand into the palm of your operated hand. Bend the fingers of the operated hand, over the one finger.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Week 4 onwards:

Please note: 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 each finger down to the palm.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 2

Place the back of your hand on a table. Straighten all your fingers out so that they touch the table (no pain, or strain. Do not use other hand to help straighten fingers.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 3

Place the back of your hand on a table. Whilst keeping your knuckles flat on the table, bend your fingers to make a hook fist.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 4

Place the back of your hand on a table. Bend your fingers down into your palm to make a full fist, as pain allows.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 5

Place the back of your hand on a table. Bend your wrist, keeping your forearm in contact with the table and then return your hand and fingers back to the table.

Repetition: x 5.  Hold: 5 seconds. Complete: Every hour.

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. – 4:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy First floor, North Wing University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department Ground Floor University Hospital of Hartlepool

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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