Post-operative Hand Therapy

Here are some general guidelines to maximize post-operative hand therapy care and outcomes. Remember that these may not all apply to you, ask your doctor or hand therapist for further information.

ELEVATION

Keep the hand elevated when resting or sleeping to help with distribution of swelling. When Sleeping, you can rest it on a pillow keeping it above your heart.

APPLY ICE

We recommend an icing routine for the first 2 weeks for 15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day after your surgery as this is the time when the inflammation process is most active.

COMPRESSION

Compression garments apply a gentle, uniform pressure that support uniform circulation.

MOVE UNINVOLVED JOINTS

Stretch joints that aren’t casted. For example, stretch and move the neck, shoulder, elbow, and fingers if your wrist is involved.

SCAR MASSAGE

You can generally start to massage your scars 2 weeks after surgery. Do not perform scar mobilization if you have sutures present.

This process won't last forever. Some minor discomfort and functional limitation is normal at this stage. Remember, this too shall pass!