If you've recently undergone carpal tunnel surgery, congratulations on taking the first step towards relieving the discomfort and limitations caused by this common condition! (Maybe you will actually be able to sleep through the night now?!) However, the journey to full recovery doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Proper post-operative care and rehabilitation are crucial for restoring strength, mobility, and function to your hand and wrist. In this guide, we'll explore essential steps to take after carpal tunnel surgery, including caring for your wound, promoting finger motion, practicing nerve glides, and engaging in strengthening exercises.
1. Caring for Your Wound/Stitches
Immediately after surgery, your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your wound and stitches. Here are some general guidelines:
Keep the incision area clean and dry.
Follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding showering and bathing.
Protect the incision from direct sunlight to prevent scarring.
Avoid soaking the incision in water until your surgeon gives you the green light.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
After 2-4 weeks, and given the all-clear by your surgeon, start scar massage. Massage your scar using circular motion 2x per day for 1 minute each to minimize scar tissue and improve appearance.
2. Promoting Finger Motion
Maintaining finger motion is essential for preventing stiffness and promoting healing after carpal tunnel surgery. Here are some exercises to encourage finger mobility:
Finger Flexion and Extension: Gently make a fist and straighten your fingers, holding each position for a few seconds. Try to make it as big of a motion as possible.
Finger Abduction and Adduction: Spread your fingers apart as far as comfortable, then bring them back together.
Thumb Touch: Touch each finger to your thumb one at a time, moving slowly and deliberately.
Perform these exercises 5-10 times a day, gradually increasing the range of motion as tolerated.
3. Practicing Nerve Glides
Nerve gliding exercises can help improve the mobility and function of the median nerve, which may have been compressed due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Here's a simple nerve glide exercise to try:
Start with your arm extended in front of you, palm facing up.
Gently bend your wrist downward, then straighten it while simultaneously bending your fingers. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement several times.
Next, hold your arm straight down by your side with your palm forward. Gently reach your arm back, bend your wrist back, and then return to the starting position. Repeat this several times.
As you progress, you can incorporate variations of this exercise to target different areas of the median nerve pathway.
4. Engaging in Strengthening Exercises
Once your surgeon approves, you can begin incorporating strengthening exercises into your rehabilitation routine. Here are some examples:
Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a soft ball or stress ball in your hand, holding the squeeze for a few seconds before releasing.
Wrist Flexion and Extension: Hold a lightweight (such as a dumbbell or a water bottle) and perform wrist curls by flexing and extending your wrist.
Finger Resistance: Use a rubber band or resistance putty to provide resistance while opening and closing your fingers.
Start with light resistance and gradually increase as your strength improves.
Some Other Things to Consider:
Nerves are extremely slow to repair themselves. Although some people feel immediate relief after carpal tunnel surgery, it can take up to a year to feel the maximum benefits.
Your Median nerve starts at your neck and travels all the way down your arm into your hand. if you continue to have pain and limitations it may be worth getting your neck assessed by a specialist as it could be contributing.
Any surgery requires a significant amount of healing from your body. Be sure to eat plenty to nutritious food and drink a lot of water to aid in the process.
The median nerve typically innervates your thumb, index and middle finger. These are the fingers that are most commonly affected with carpal tunnel. If your pinky and ring finger are numb or tingly it could be cubital tunnel.
Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery requires patience, dedication, and consistency. By following these guidelines for wound care, finger motion, nerve glides, and strengthening exercises, you can optimize your rehabilitation and return to your daily activities with improved hand and wrist function. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or a certified hand therapist before starting any new exercises, and don't hesitate to seek help if you experience any complications during your recovery journey. With time and effort, you'll be well on your way to regaining full functionality and enjoying life without the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Comments