The hand is both powerful and delicate. It is composed of many bones that allow the hand to hold onto heavy objects as well as perform very fine movements. Tendons from multiple muscles that originate in the forearm, wrist and hand are stabilized by ligaments to create a pulley system that gives each finger power and strength. Injuries to the hand can be chronic or acute. They can be traumatic or degenerative. Hand surgery is used to relieve pain and improve function in the hand. There are many types of hand surgeries but some of the more common surgeries include:

• Carpal tunnel release
• Dupuytren's contracture fasciectomy
• Trigger finger release
• Tendon repair
• Ganglion removal
• Knuckle (MCP joint) replacement
• Trapeziectomy
• Fracture repair

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER HAND SURGERY?

We use our hands for important tasks all day long. Any loss of hand function will be noticeable in performing daily tasks. Proper and full rehabilitation of function after a hand surgery is very important and given the delicate nature of many hand surgeries, expert knowledge on rehabilitation is recommended. A physical therapist experienced in hand rehabilitation or a certified hand therapist (CHT), a physical or occupational therapist specially trained and certified in rehabilitation of the hand and arm, can guide you through the recovery process from surgery. They will help ensure you are not interfering with the healing process but are doing enough of the right activities to promote optimal healing.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with hand rehab related issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy for back pain sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

The exact progression of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had. Some surgeries will require a period of immobilization of the hand, wrist or forearm to allow tissues to heal sufficiently before any stress is applied to them. During this time your therapist may have you work on adjacent areas of the body to prevent atrophy in multiple places. Other surgeries will benefit from a more active recovery approach right away. Right after your surgery your physical therapist may use modalities, manual therapy techniques or gentle passive range of motion to address pain and inflammation and to preserve motion. As you progress through your recovery and the surgical site is allowed to undergo more stress, your program will likely include some of the following types of treatment in order to achieve your maximal level of function:

Strengthening: Restoring strength and endurance to the muscles of the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm is an important part of post-surgical rehabilitation. It will reduce the risk of re-injury and help you return to your prior level of function.

Stretching: Stretching is often needed after a surgery to restore normal joint motion and muscle length but needs to be done carefully to prevent disruption of the healing process.

Neuromuscular Re-education: This type of treatment is used to improve the motor control and coordination of muscles in the hand so that the wrist, hand and fingers function well during both daily tasks and higher impact activities like athletics.

Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilization may be utilized to address restrictions in joint motion and tissue mobility around the hand and forearm.

Sport- or work-specific Tasks: For athletes returning to sport or individuals returning to a labor-intensive job, sport- and work-specific exercises will be incorporated later on in your rehabilitation to prepare the hand for the demands of returning to play and work. This might include things like lifting, pushing, pulling and throwing exercises.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Having any type of surgery can feel daunting but my team of physical therapists and I are here to help make that process as smooth as possible. Call Evolve today to get started on your recovery from hand surgery.