The Importance of Physical Therapy after Hand & Wrist Surgery

Undergoing hand and wrist surgery can be a significant step towards healing and regaining the functionality of your limbs. The treatment requires a collaboration between a team of medical professionals, which may include your surgeon, nurse, and physical therapist. Each specialist plays a vital role in ensuring a successful outcome, and as a patient, committing to their care will prove critical to your recovery. In this article, we will focus on the role of physical therapy and how it can help to maximize your recovery outcomes after hand and wrist surgery.

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1. Reducing Pain and Swelling:
After hand and wrist surgery, your limb will inevitably swell up and cause pain. However, the physical therapist will show you ways to manage this discomfort, either by using ice, compression, or elevation. Reducing inflammation is key to a speedy recovery, and your therapist will help you avoid developing chronic pain or swelling.

2. Strength Training:
Physical therapy after surgery aims to improve the functionality of your hand and wrist joints. One of the ways physical therapy accomplishes this is through strength training. Exercises designed to increase the strength of the hand and wrist muscles will be prescribed as a part of your therapy regimen. This will help regain your muscle ability and dexterity and help you get back to your regular daily activities.

3. Regaining Fine Motor Skills:
Hand and wrist surgery often impairs the functionality of your fine motor skills. Physical therapy can help to rectify this by assisting in regaining your finger and hand dexterity. Exercises designed to improve your proprioception, fine hand coordination, and manual dexterity will be included in your therapy routine.

4. Restoring Range of Motion:
After surgery, the goal is to restore the full range of motion of the hand and wrist joints. Your physical therapist will recommend stretching techniques that will slowly restore the flexibility of your joints, ensuring a smooth recovery period.

5. Preventing Future Injuries:
Following physical therapy after hand and wrist surgery, patients are often at a higher risk of sustaining similar injuries in the future. However, physical therapy can help address and prevent future problems by evaluating your condition and recommending the appropriate exercises to prevent recurrent injuries.

Physical therapy is a crucial step for a smooth and successful hand and wrist surgery recovery. By selecting a professional team of medical experts and committing to your physical therapy plan, you can be sure of a full recovery. At POSMC, we have a team of certified physical therapists with vast experience in hand and wrist surgery recovery. Contact us today and book an appointment to begin your recovery journey.