Range of Motion Exercises
The importance of active range of motion exercises is emphasized and
demonstrated for the patient. This includes full composite active
extension, which should allow the palm to be placed flat on a tabletop with
all fingers touching the table along their length, and full composite
flexion in which the fingertips touch the distal palmar crease. It is
explained that stiffness is the most common problem following surgery, and
that at least four repetitions of these exercises should be done at least
every two hours over the course of the day. It is explained that the
fingers may be limbered up with exercise, but that the normal swelling
following surgery results in stiffness returning within minutes after
exercises have been stopped. This tendency will improve gradually over a
period of months.
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