| Your experience with Therapy/Exercise after NA |
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08/07/2006 23:09
Luba M.not registered
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08/07/2006 23:09
Luba M.not registered
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Your experience with Therapy/Exercise after NA
I had a successful NA procedure on July 24th, two weeks ago on the PIP joint/right pinkie, which had a 45 degree contracture.... Dr. Denkler did an outstanding job and for the first time in a year, I can put my hand flat on the table..... The finger is swollen, especially on the knuckle over the PIP joint...and it still has a 10-15 degree bent which I know will improve when the swelling goes down, since I can move the finger and make it totally straight when I exercise it, although it is painful when I do that.
I have started therapy with an OT (Occupational Therapist) who taught me very good exercises and made a custom made night brace that keeps my pinkie straight when I sleep...it really seems to help.
I would like to know if any of you have had good results with therapy/exercises....also, if you experienced swelling and how long did it last...I realize that every case is different depending on which joints were released with NA and to what extent and how long the fingers were bent. I know that the PIP joint is the hardest to work with.
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08/07/2006 23:45
Randy H. not registered
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08/07/2006 23:45
Randy H. not registered
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therapy/exercise
Luba,
You, like I, waited too long on a PIP. You can get away with 45 degrees with an MCP, but the PIP has a memory like an angry Women, and in this case a not too forgiving one :-)
Frankly, when all is said and done, many NA released PIPs of 45 degrees will regress to about 10-15 degrees. You can exercise them to zero degrees, but they get a little upset and sore at you. Then, when you leave them alone, they just go back to 10-15 degrees anyway. That amount is perfectly functional. But, do all your exercises and prove me wrong in your case :-)
The splint will help you get the best final results. Crank it, but don't let it make you loose sleep. Also, mine was stiff in the morning after the splint. Use a basin of warn water to loosen it up. All the soreness will go away in a month or so.
It's been 2 1/2 years since my NA (PIP) and I have no recurrence. However, I will not *hesitate* to travel North to Dr. Denkler to snap any future PIP that reaches the *minimum* leverage of about 15-20 degrees
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08/07/2006 23:45
Lubanot registered
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08/07/2006 23:45
Lubanot registered
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therapy/exercise
Thanks, Randy....2-1/2 yrs. is really encouraging, hope mine lasts that long...you are right, next time I will not wait till 45 degrees, especially now that I know how easy it was to do the NA. I too would go back to Dr. Denkler without thinking twice.
I use a Homedics hot wax machine twice a day and the heat really helps when the finger is stiff and before exercising.
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08/08/2006 23:28
diane 
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08/08/2006 23:28
diane
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pip
Luba
The swelling might take a month or so to go down but it will. I had (and am still having) good luck with the molded night brace and plan to use it for a long time. I really believe it helps to keep the affected joint straight at night when your finger might otherwise be curled and bad stuff could grow back. Like Randy, I had NA after two traditional surgeries and the pip bend started to come back after a bout a year.
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