Recovery & Daily Function

Follow your clinician’s instructions for dressings, movement, hand therapy and activity restrictions. Ask when it is safe to resume work, exercise and daily activities.

Elevation, gentle movement, and recommended compression may help control swelling, which are essential aspects of wound care education. It's important to follow the specific advice provided by your healthcare team, particularly if you're undergoing hand therapy.

Begin only the hand therapy exercises recommended for your procedure. Regular gentle movement can aid in wound care by helping to reduce stiffness, but do not force the fingers or push through sharp pain.

A hand therapist may guide exercises, swelling control, wound care education, scar care, and the gradual return of hand function. Some people may also be prescribed a splint as part of their hand therapy.

Resume driving, cooking, work, hobbies, and exercise gradually, keeping in mind your hand therapy and wound care education. The timing for these activities depends on your treatment, healing progress, and the guidance of your healthcare team.

Contact your healthcare team if you experience increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, severe swelling, worsening pain, numbness, or changes in circulation. It's also essential to engage in wound care education and hand therapy as part of your recovery process.