Hi, I had fasciectomy surgery on my right hand (pinkie) 4 weeks ago and it has healed up well. My hand is quite stiff, especially in the area of the small pinkie finger, and I have trouble making a fist or gripping objects tightly. What exercises or methods do people recommend to best speed up recovery and improve usage? Thanks, Laurie
Without a doubt, the best exercise/procedure I used was to make a fist the best you can and then wrap the fist with about a 10" strip of 1"self adhesive elastic bandage. It is reusable for many times. Leave the wrap on the fist for about 10 minutes and then flex the fingers back straight. Do this 4-5 times a day. You should see improvement almost immediately.
I've attached a couple of sheets that were given to me for hand exercises. I hope you will be able to read them; if not e-mail me and I will send them to you direct if you want.
Hi Laurence,Australia Calling. In my experience the imput in the first 6 to 8 weeks after any surgery is very important.The movement obtained is the best you may get. Having had 15 hand surgeries including 4 grafts I have found that if you don't undergo a bit of pain there is no gain.(obviously don't overdo it) Exercise is important plus use a creme like vitamin E which helps with the scar tissue. You may find the scar tissue will unknowling restrict the movement.I would suggest in the a.m. when you rise place your hand in the wash basin filled with warm water and force the hand and fingers on the base of the basin. The curve of the basin helps force the fingers in an upward direction.Take it slow and easy then relax. Use the other hand to help make a closed fist. Do this a few times. Regards.
I agree re: the scar tissue. My physio therapist said I should massage the scar area 5 to 6 x per day (Item 12 on the drawing I attached) for up to six weeks. I combine Vitamin E oil and a lotion called Dermal Therapy with urea in it and then massage like crazy with deep pressure. The therapist said she's seen hands that have curled back just because of the scar tissue tightening.
I had Palmar Fasciectomy on both hands last year (Jul & Sep). In both hands, the little finger was contracted about 45 degrees, but the collagen growth had spread to the ring and middle finger tendons, so the incisions were not only from last joint of little finger to near wrist, but also across the hand to the middle finger tendon. The doctor did a superb job. I did not, however, follow the doctor's and therapist's instructions. In each case, the therapist made a splint, which I was to wear continuously for several weeks, then I was to switch to a small splints for several months. I was to do the rehab exercises 5 times a day, I think. I only wore the splints at night. During the day, I would tighten my fist and stretch the fingers back, almost continuously. I was essentially fully recovered in two weeks following surgery, for each hand. I hand surgery on the 2nd hand 2 months after the 1st. After nearly a year, I have had no complications, no pain, and scarring is so minor, you have to look hard to see it.
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