Hand Therapy – Exercises following Trapeziectomy

What exercises should I do after my surgery?

You should only do the exercises your Hand Therapist has advised.  These will be improved when you are ready. 

Week 4 – 6 after surgery:

You should remove your splint before doing these exercises.

Perform all exercises 5 times a day

Exercise 1

Place hand palm down on a table. Move your thumb away from your fingers (hold for 10 seconds) and then move your thumb back to fingers (hold for 10 seconds).

Exercise 2

Holding a small softball, move it around in your palm using your fingers and thumb, repeat this 10 times.

Week 6 – 8 after surgery

Exercise 1

Place palm of hand flat on table. Move thumb away from fingers and lift thumb upwards off the table (hold 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.

Exercise 2

Screw a loose bottle top on and off 10 times in each direction.

Exercise 3

Place the tip of your thumb at the base of your index finger then slide the tip of your thumb up the index finger to form an “O” shape, and then slide back down. Repeat 10 times.

Exercise 4

Bend your wrist forwards and backwards over the edge of a table. Repeat this 10 times.

Week 8 onwards after surgery

Exercise 1

Place the tip of your thumb at the base of your index finger then slide the tip of your thumb up the index finger to form an “O” shape. Then slide the tip of your thumb over your fingertips to the little finger. Slide down to the base of your little finger as able and then back across palm to starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Contact Numbers

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 to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy First floor, North Wing University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department Ground Floor University Hospital of Hartlepool

References

• Horlock, N. and Belcher, H.J.C.R., 2002. Early versus late mobilisation after simple excision of the trapezium. Bone & Joint Journal, 84(8), pp.1111-1115.

• Martou, G., Veltri, K. and Thoma, A., 2004. Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb: a systematic review. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 114(2), pp.421-432.

• Cannon, N., Beal, B. and Walters, K., 2001. Diagnosis and treatment manual for physicians and therapists. Hand Rehabilitation Centre of Indiana, pp.67-69.

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

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet 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]