Hand Therapy – Exercises following Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint (MCPJ) Replacement

What exercises should I do following my MCPJ replacement?

Only complete the exercises advised by your Hand Therapist. These will be progressed when you are ready.

Week 0 to 4

*Wear splints at all times during the day and night.*

Do the exercises with your splint on but remove the two hand straps.

Exercise 1

Use your other hand to lift each finger from the splint.

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

Exercise 2

Lift all of your fingers together up from your splint.

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

Exercise 3

Lift your knuckles to claw your fingertips along the splint, into a hook position.

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

Week 4 to 6

You can now remove the splint during the day however, it should still be worn during the night or when in busy places.

Begin light activities. No strong gripping or heavy lifting.

Exercise 1

With your hand flat on the table, use your other hand to lift all of your fingers up.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 2 hours.

Exercise 2

With your hand flat on a table, lift all your fingers off the table, then relax them back down.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 2 hours

Exercise 3

Without moving your wrist, lift your knuckles to claw your fingertips along the table, into a hook position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 5 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Exercise 4

Bend your knuckles up and down, keeping your fingers straight.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 2 hours

Exercise 5

Bend your wrist forwards and backwards over the edge of a table.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 5 seconds Complete: Every hour

Reference

• Burr, N., Pratt, A.L. and Smith, P.J., 2002. An alternative splinting and rehabilitation protocol for metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of hand therapy, 15(1), pp.41-47.

Contact Details

Please contact Hand Therapy if:

• You have any concerns or questions.

• If your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable.

Contact details are:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapy

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Monday to Friday 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

OR

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
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