Information for patients
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What exercises should I do following my Ulna Collateral Ligament (UCL) repair?
Only complete the exercises advised by your Hand Therapist. These will be progressed when you are ready.
Week 4
Your splint is to be worn at all times.
Exercise 1
Bend your thumb into your palm and then straighten.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Exercise 2
Bend and straighten your wrist.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Exercise 3
Bend your fingers to make a full fist and then straighten.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Week 6
Wear splint at night and in busy places.
Light functional activities only.
Exercise 1
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: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Exercise 2
Bend your wrist forwards and backwards over the edge of a table.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Exercise 3
Place hand palm down on a table. Move your thumb away from your fingers and then move your thumb back to fingers.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 10 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Exercise 4
Exercise 4
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 hour
Exercise 5
Bend your thumb down to touch the base of your little finger and then fully straighten your thumb.
Repetition: x5
Hold: 5 seconds
Complete: Every hour
Week 8
Begin medium type activities.
Discard splint.
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 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
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department
Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road
Hartlepool
TS24 9AH
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 Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:
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
Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience
We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:
Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]
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 at:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1542
Date for Review: 14th August 2027