Hand Therapy – Exercises following Volar Plate Injury

What exercises should I do following my volar plate injury?

You should only do the exercises your Hand Therapist has advised.  These will be progressed when you are ready. 

Weeks 1 – 2

Splint to be worn at night.

Bedford splint to be worn during the day but to be removed for exercises.

No sports, heavy lifting or weight bearing through affected hand.

Exercise 1

Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist. Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist. Return to the starting position. Bend your knuckles, keeping the fingers straight. Then bend your middle knuckles so that your finger tips touch your palm. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 2

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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours

Exercise 3

Use your thumb, index and middle finger of your good hand, to support the knuckle of your injured finger. Then bend your finger up and down at the middle joint.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Week 2 onwards:

You should continue with exercises from weeks 1 – 2, and start doing these additional exercises.

Exercise 1

Bend your fingers to your palm. Apply pressure over your injured finger, using the thumb of your other hand, to help push your fingers down.

Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 60 seconds.
Complete: Every hour.

Exercise 2

Place your injured hand palm down on the table. Use your other hand to apply pressure to the knuckle of your injured finger.

Repetition: x 5. 
Hold: 60 seconds.
Complete: Every hour.

Weeks 4 onwards:

Continue with all exercises

Continue to splint at night for up to 12 weeks.

Return to sports at 6 weeks.

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

You 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

Adi, M., Diaz, J.H., Botero, S.S., Prunières, G., Vernet, P., Facca, S. and Liverneaux, P., 2017. Results of conservative treatment of volar plate sprains of the proximal interphalangeal joint with and without avulsion fracture. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation, 36(1), pp.44-47.

Gaine, W.J., Beardsmore, J. and Fahmy, N., 1998. Early active mobilisation of volar plate avulsion fractures. Injury, 29(8), pp.589-591.

Povlsen, B. and Singh, R., 2010. Outcome of late presentation of injuries of the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, 44(3), pp.167-170.

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]

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]