Wrist, Elbow & Hand Surgery

Hand therapy is a crucial part of recovery following surgery to the wrist, hand, or elbow. It involves specialised rehabilitation techniques aimed at protecting the surgery, reducing pain, improving movement and ensuring optimal recovery. The intricate anatomy of the upper extremities requires a well-structured and individualised approach to rehabilitation, particularly when surgery is involved.

The Importance of Post-Operative Hand Therapy

Following surgery, whether it’s for fractures, tendon repairs, or ligament reconstruction, patients may experience a range of symptoms, including stiffness, swelling, pain, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness. Without appropriate hand therapy, these issues can persist, leading to chronic discomfort or permanent impairment. Hand therapy plays a critical role in reversing these challenges, helping patients regain functional use of their upper limbs and improving their quality of life.

Hand therapy can commence a few days after surgery, depending on the type of hand surgery you’ve had. Our hand physiotherapist creates individualised treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs, ensuring a tailored recovery process.

Common Conditions Requiring Post-Operative Hand Therapy

Commonly treated conditions after hand surgery includes:

• Fractures: Wrist, hand, and elbow fractures that require surgical fixation with plates, screws, or pins to ensure proper bone healing.
• Tendon Repairs: Tendons in the hand and wrist, such as the flexor and extensor tendons, can be damaged due to trauma. Surgery is often required to repair these tendons and restore hand function.
• Carpal Tunnel Release: A common procedure for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, causing pain and numbness. Another common nerve surgery is cubital tunnel release, where the ulnar nerve is compressed.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Injuries to the ligaments of the wrist, hand, thumb or elbow, like a torn scapholunate ligament or ulnar collateral ligament (Skier’s thumb), may need surgical reconstruction to restore stability.
• Trigger Finger Release: Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the flexor tendon of a finger or thumb becomes inflamed and thickened, causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position. Surgery, called trigger finger release, involves cutting the constricted portion of the tendon sheath to allow smooth movement of the tendon.
• Dupuytren’s Release: Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where the fascia in the palm thickens, causing one or more fingers to bend toward the palm. Surgery (fasciectomy) is performed to remove the thickened tissue, allowing the fingers to straighten.

Each of these procedures requires post-operative hand therapy to ensure a full recovery.

Stages of Post-Operative Hand Therapy

At Hand Therapy Experts, we carefully guide patients through each stage, adjusting treatments as needed to ensure progress. Our hand therapist works closely with specialist hand surgeons to ensure the patient’s care plan aligns with the surgical protocol.

Hand therapy after surgery involves:

• Immobilisation: For many patients, a splint or cast is required to protect the healing tissues. Custom splints can be fabricated by our therapists to provide the necessary support while allowing some movement in unaffected joints.
• Oedema Management: Swelling control is essential to prevent stiffness. Techniques like compression wraps, manual lymphatic drainage, and elevation are often recommended.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Our therapists introduce hand exercises where the patient begins to move their wrist, hand, or elbow, within the guidelines of the specialist hand surgeon.
• Scar Management: Surgical scars can lead to tightness and limited motion. We use techniques such as scar massage, silicone gel sheets and taping to soften scar tissue.
• Strengthening Exercises: Progressive resistance exercises using therapy putty, TheraBands, or weights are introduced to rebuild strength in the muscles and tendons. Functional activities like gripping and pinching are emphasised to restore fine motor skills.
• Neuromuscular Re-education: This involves retraining the muscles and nerves to coordinate properly, which is particularly important after tendon repairs and nerve injuries.
• Work and Sport-Specific Activities: If the patient has specific work or sports-related demands, customised exercises are developed to ensure they can return to their normal activities safely and confidently.

Why Choose Hand Therapy Experts in Sydney’s Lower North Shore?

At Hand Therapy Experts, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, evidence-based treatment plans. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced Therapist: Our hand physiotherapist has extensive experience in treating a wide range of post-surgical conditions. We work closely with local surgeons to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.
• Custom Splinting: We offer custom-fabricated splints to support healing and provide patients with the maximum comfort and functionality during recovery.
• Patient-Centred Care: We prioritise each patient’s individual needs, providing one-on-one therapy sessions that address specific goals and challenges.

Recovering from wrist, hand, or elbow surgery can be a challenging process, but with the right postoperative hand therapy, patients can regain full functionality and return to their daily activities. At Hand Therapy Experts, we are committed to delivering the highest quality care, helping our patients heal and achieve their best possible outcomes.

If you are undergoing hand surgery, contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.