Hand Therapy – Exercises following Thumb Short Extensor Tendon Repair

(Extensor Pollicis Brevis and Abductor Pollicis Longus, Intact Extensor Pollicis Longus)

What exercises should I do following my thumb short extensor tendon repair?

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

Making other hand movements may cause your repair to break.

Weeks 0 to 4

Your splint is to be worn at all times for 4 weeks, except for when completing your exercises. Do NOT remove for washing/showering.

Exercise 1

Hold the base of your thumb with your uninjured hand, in line with your index finger, and bend and straighten your thumb.

Repetition: x5 Hold: 5 seconds Complete: Every hour

Exercise 2

Place your hand palm down on the table. Using your uninjured hand, move your thumb out to the side. Hold for 5 seconds and then relax.

Repetition: x5 Hold: 5 seconds Complete: Every hour

Weeks 4 to 6

Remove splint for light activities.

Continue to wear a splint at night and in busy places.

Exercise 3

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. No forceful movements.

Repetition: x5 Hold: 5 seconds Complete: Every hour

Week 6 to 8

Discard Splint – This can be disposed along with household wastes.

Progress to moderate activities but no heavy lifting or gripping.

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 Team

Telephone: 01429 522471

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

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1^st 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

References

• Sussex Hand Surgery Rehabilitation: Thumb Short Extensors Repairhttps://sussexhandsurgery.co.uk/rehabilitation/hand-rehabilitation

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

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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]