Information for patients
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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 thumb and hand straps
Exercise 1
Use the fingers of your other hand to lift your thumb up out of your splint.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-2.jpg)
Exercise 2
Lift your thumb out of the splint.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2-1.jpg)
Exercise 3
Gently bend the tip of your thumb, keeping the thumb tip in contact with the splint
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3-1.jpg)
Week 4 Onwards:
Exercise out of your splint
Exercise 1
Place the back of your hand on a table. 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: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/6.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7.jpg)
Exercise 2
Rest your elbow on a table. With your fingers relaxed bend and straighten your wrist.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/8.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/9.jpg)
Exercise 3
Place your palm down on a table. Slide your thumb out to the side and back again.
Repetition: x 5.
Hold: 5 seconds.
Complete: Every 1 – 2 hours.
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10.jpg)
![hand exercise](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/11.jpg)
Contact Details:
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
1st Floor, North Wing
University Hospital of North Tees
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department
Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool
References
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Hand Therapy Treatment Guidelines
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Guidelines for Therapy Intervention Post Repair Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) WHAT-OCT-009Hand Therapy 2013 18(1) 3-10, “ A systematic review of rehabilitation protocols following surgical repair of the extensor pollicis longus”
T.J. Wood, M. Sameem, F. Farrokhyar and N. Strumas.Journal Of Hand Therapy 2009, 22:44-48, “Gliding Distance of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon with Respect to Wrist Positioning: Observation in the Hands of Healthy Volunteers Using High-Resolution Ultrasonography”
M. Chen, S. Tsubota, M. Aoki, A. Echigo, M. Han. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 89, December 2008, 2366-2372, “The Effect of Mobilization on Repaired Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand: A Systematic Review”, E. Talsma, M. de Haart, A. Beelen, F. Noll
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
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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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1207
Date for review: 14/09/2023