See Also
Rehabilitation Goals
- Protect the surgical repair
- Control pain and swelling
- Restore range of motion (ROM)
- Regain strength and function
- Prevent complications
Expected Recovery Time
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Wound healing | 10-14 days |
| Begin gentle ROM | 4-6 weeks |
| Light functional use | 8-10 weeks |
| Strengthening exercises | 10-12 weeks |
| Return to most activities | 3-4 months |
| Full recovery | 6-12 months |
Phase 1: Early Post-op (0-2 weeks)
Goals
- Protect surgical site
- Control pain and swelling
- Prevent stiffness in adjacent joints
Instructions
- Keep the hand elevated as much as possible
- Keep dressing/splint clean and dry
- Use ice packs (wrapped in cloth) for 15-20 minutes several times a day
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed
- Do not use the operative hand for any activity
Exercises
- Shoulder, elbow, and non-operative finger range of motion exercises
- Gentle finger flexion and extension (excluding thumb)
- Avoid any thumb motion
Phase 2: Protective Phase (2-6 weeks)
Goals
- Continue protection of repair
- Begin gentle thumb ROM
- Minimize scar adhesion
Instructions
- You may transition to a removable thumb spica splint as directed by your surgeon or therapist
- Continue elevation and ice as needed
- Scar massage once incision is fully healed (after approximately 2 weeks)
- Avoid heavy lifting, gripping, or pinching
Exercises
- Gentle active and passive ROM of the thumb within pain-free range
- Tendon gliding exercises
- Light opposition movements with guidance from your therapist
Phase 3: Early Mobilization (6-10 weeks)
Goals
- Increase thumb ROM
- Begin light functional use
- Protect from overuse
Instructions
- Continue wearing splint for protection during high-risk activities
- Begin light functional activities (e.g. eating, dressing) as tolerated
- Avoid any forceful or repetitive gripping, pinching, or lifting
Exercises
- Continue thumb ROM exercises
- Light isometric thumb strengthening
- Begin functional tasks with supervision
- Thumb stabilization exercises guided by your therapist
Phase 4: Strengthening Phase (10-12 weeks)
Goals
- Improve strength
- Restore thumb function
- Enhance coordination
Instructions
- Gradually wean off splint as directed
- Resume light daily activities
- Avoid heavy lifting or forceful gripping
Exercises
- Progressive thumb and hand strengthening exercises
- Pinch and grip exercises with therapy putty or resistance bands
- Dexterity and coordination drills
- Functional retraining activities
Phase 5: Return to Full Function (3-6 months and beyond)
Goals
- Return to full function
- Resume most normal activities
- Prevent recurrence of symptoms
Instructions
- Resume normal activities as tolerated
- Gradually return to more strenuous activities with guidance
- Monitor for pain, swelling, or fatigue
Exercises
- Continue strengthening and endurance exercises
- Full functional use and task-specific drills
- Ongoing flexibility and ROM exercises
When to Contact Your Surgeon
- Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around incision
- Drainage or signs of infection
- Severe or worsening pain not controlled with medication
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the thumb or hand
- Concerns about wound healing or splint integrity
Disclaimer:
This is a general guideline. Your physiotherapist, hand therapist or Dr Lambers may adjust the protocol based on your specific condition and progress.