• Elevation: Keep your hand elevated above heart level as much as possible. Use pillows to prop up your arm while sitting or sleeping. This reduces swelling and pain.
• Ice: Apply ice packs for 20 minutes every 2–3 hours while awake. Place a cloth between the ice and your dressing to protect the skin.
• Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Don't wait until pain becomes severe. Take medication with food to prevent nausea.
• Keep Dressing Dry: Do not remove or get the dressing wet. Use a plastic bag secured with tape while bathing.
• Finger Movement: Unless specifically instructed otherwise, gently wiggle your fingers every hour to promote circulation.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities. Get plenty of sleep to aid healing.

• Continue elevation and ice therapy
• Keep surgical dressing clean and dry
• Begin gentle range of motion exercises if cleared by your surgeon
• Avoid heavy lifting (nothing over 1–2 pounds)
• No driving until cleared by surgeon (typically after pain medications stopped)
• Watch for signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
• Attend your first follow-up appointment as scheduled

• Keep incision dry until sutures removed and cleared by surgeon
• After suture removal, gently wash with soap and water
• Pat dry thoroughly
• Begin scar massage after 2 weeks post-suture removal
• Use vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or unscented lotion
• Massage in circular motions for 5 minutes, 3–4 times daily
• Protect from sun exposure for 1 year (use SPF 30+ sunscreen)

• Take pain medications as prescribed — don't wait until pain is severe
• Take with food to prevent nausea
• Avoid alcohol while taking pain medications
• Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medications
• Transition to over-the-counter pain relievers as pain improves
• Take antibiotics (if prescribed) for the full course

• Driving: Not allowed until off narcotic pain medications and surgeon clearance
• Showering: Keep dressing dry until cleared. Use plastic bag method
• Work: Return timing varies by surgery and job type — discuss with surgeon
• Exercise: No gym, sports, or strenuous activities until cleared
• Lifting: Restrictions vary by surgery — follow specific instructions
• Swimming: No swimming or soaking until fully healed (typically 4–6 weeks)

Hand therapy is crucial for optimal recovery. DO NOT skip therapy appointments.

• Start therapy when instructed by your surgeon
• Attend all scheduled appointments
• Perform home exercises as prescribed
• Communicate any concerns with your therapist
• Therapy duration varies: 4–12 weeks typically
• Your surgeon will provide referrals to certified hand therapists

Immediate Post-Op (Days 0–3)

• Elevate hand above heart level constantly for first 3 days
• Wiggle fingers frequently to prevent stiffness
• Bulky dressing stays on until first follow-up (typically 3–5 days)
• Most patients have immediate relief of nighttime numbness

Week 1–2

• Sutures removed at 10–14 days
• Begin light use of hand for daily activities
• Avoid heavy gripping or forceful use
• Scar massage after suture removal

Weeks 3–6

• Gradually increase hand use
• Most patients return to normal activities by 4–6 weeks
• Pillar pain may persist for 2–3 months
• Grip strength fully returns by 3 months

Return to Work

• Desk work: 1–2 weeks
• Light manual labor: 3–4 weeks
• Heavy manual labor: 6–8 weeks

Immediate Post-Op (Days 0–3)

• Small dressing on palm
• Begin finger bending exercises immediately to prevent stiffness
• Elevate hand when not exercising

Week 1–2

• Sutures removed at 10–14 days
• Most patients have immediate resolution of triggering
• Palm may be tender for 2–3 weeks
• Resume light activities

Weeks 3–4

• Return to all normal activities
• Scar massage to soften incision
• Full recovery typically by 4–6 weeks

Return to Work

• Desk work: 1 week
• Manual labor: 3–4 weeks

Immediate Post-Op (Days 0–7)

• Splint or cast applied in surgery
• Keep cast/splint dry at all times
• Elevate hand above heart for first week
• Move fingers and elbow regularly

Weeks 2–8

• Cast changed to lighter splint around 2–4 weeks
• X-rays taken to monitor healing (6–8 weeks)
• No weight bearing on wrist until cleared
• Physical therapy may begin once cast removed

Weeks 8–12

• Gradual strengthening exercises
• Progressive return to activities
• Full healing takes 3–4 months

Return to Activities

• Light activities: 8–10 weeks
• Heavy labor: 3–4 months
• Contact sports: 4–6 months

Critical First 6 Weeks

• DO NOT move the repaired finger actively (on your own)
• Splint must stay on at all times except during therapy
• Hand therapy is MANDATORY — attendance is crucial
• Protective splinting continues for 6 weeks minimum

Weeks 1–6 (Protection Phase)

• Therapist will perform gentle passive motion exercises
• You will learn specific exercises to do at home
• Strict adherence to therapy protocol prevents re-rupture
• Keep hand elevated to reduce swelling

Weeks 6–8 (Early Active Motion)

• Begin gentle active motion under therapist supervision
• Gradually wean from splint
• Light functional activities introduced

Weeks 8–12 (Strengthening)

• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Return to normal daily activities
• Avoid heavy gripping until 12 weeks

Full Recovery

• Complete healing: 3–6 months
• Return to heavy work: 3–4 months

Immediate Post-Op

• Soft dressing or splint applied
• Nerve recovery is SLOW — takes months
• Early improvement may be due to reduced compression, not nerve healing

Week 1–2

• Sutures removed at 10–14 days
• Begin gentle range of motion
• Avoid stretching the nerve repair

Weeks 3–12

• Gradual return to activities
• Nerve gliding exercises as instructed
• Protect nerve during healing (avoid extreme positions)

Long-term Recovery

• Nerves heal at 1mm per day (1 inch per month)
• Numbness improves over 6–18 months
• Motor function returns last
• Maximum recovery may take 12–24 months

Days 0–3

• Soft bulky dressing applied
• Small incisions (portals) will have sutures or steri-strips
• Elevate and ice frequently
• Begin finger motion immediately

Week 1–2

• Dressing changed to band-aids at first visit
• Sutures removed at 10–14 days
• Begin wrist range of motion exercises
• Light use of hand for daily activities

Weeks 2–6

• Progressive strengthening
• Most patients back to normal by 4–6 weeks
• Some procedures require longer protection

Hospital Stay

• Usually 1–2 days in hospital
• Arm in sling or splint
• Pain management with IV medications initially

First Month

• Arm protected in sling
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Gentle passive motion exercises
• No active motion of repaired areas

Months 2–6

• Begin physical therapy
• Gradual progression of exercises
• Nerve regeneration is slow — be patient

Long-term

• Nerve recovery takes 12–24 months minimum
• Ongoing therapy crucial for best outcomes
• Additional procedures may be needed
• Regular follow-ups to monitor progress