Hand Therapy – Exercises following Extensor Tendon Finger Repair

What exercises should I do after my surgery?

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

Making other hand movements may cause your repair to break.

Weeks 1 – 4: You should carry out the following exercises. 

Exercise in your splint but remove the two hand straps.

Exercise 1

Use your other hand to lift each finger from the splint, one at a time.

Repetition: x 5. 

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

Exercise 2

Lift all of your fingers up from your splint at the same time.

Repetition: x 5. 

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

Exercise 3

Lift your knuckles to claw your finger tips along the splint, into a hook position.

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.    

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Week 4 onwards: You can now remove your splint to complete the exercises. 

Exercise 1

Gently bend your fingers to your palm to make a full fist (no pain or strain).

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 2

Lift all your fingers up from the table for 5 seconds, then relax them back down.

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 3

With your elbow resting on the table, keep your fingers relaxed and then bend your wrist forwards and backwards.

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 4

Without moving your wrist, lift your knuckles to claw your finger tips along the table, in to a hook position.

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Exercise 5

Lift your hand off the table, bend your knuckles, keeping your fingers straight.

Repetition: x 5. 

Hold: 5 seconds.

Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.

Contact numbers

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

• you have any concerns or questions
• if your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522471

Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1^st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor University Hospital of Hartlepool

References

Carl, H.D., Forst, R. and Schaller, P., 2007. Results of primary extensor tendon repair in relation to the zone of injury and pre-operative outcome estimation. Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 127(2), pp.115-119.

Howell, J.W. and Peck, F., 2013. Rehabilitation of flexor and extensor tendon injuries in the hand: current updates. Injury, 44(3), pp.397-402.

Russell, R.C., Jones, M. and Grobbelaar, A., 2003. Extensor tendon repair: mobilise or splint?. Chirurgie de la Main, 22(1), pp.19-23.

Sylaidis, P., Youatt, M. and Logan, A., 1997. Early active mobilization for extensor tendon injuries: the Norwich regime. The Journal of Hand Surgery: British & European Volume, 22(5), pp.594-596.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

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Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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Leaflet feedback

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