Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to correct problems in the wrist. It is performed by inserting an illuminated probe into the wrist through very small incisions. Once the probe is inserted, the surgeon has numerous tools to help remove damaged tissue and repair any damage he discovers. Following wrist surgery, it is important to follow the rehabilitative protocols as instructed by your physician. Please consult your physician before doing any of these exercises.
Ball Squeeze
This exercise can be performed with any soft, pliable material like Silly Putty, a small rubber ball or a squeezable stress toy. Doctors at the Dougherty Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic recommend on their website that you grip and release the ball or putty for 20 seconds and repeat the exercise three times. Surgeons at arthroscopic surgery clinic Orthosports recommend that you make sure all your fingers are imprinted on the putty. This will ensure that your entire hand is performing the exercise. Perform this exercise in sets of 10, three times a day, the surgeons suggest.
Wrist Flexion and Extension
Rest your forearm on a bench, counter or table. Slowly extend your wrist by bending the joint as if you were trying to touch the top of your knuckles to your outer forearm. Follow this by flexing the wrist in the opposite direction as if you were trying to touch your fingernails to your inner wrist. Surgeons at Orthosports recommend a slow, steady and gentle stretch rather than trying to force your wrist to go farther than it is able. Flex and extend your wrist only as far as pain permits, they recommend.
Rubber Band Exercises
Use a small rubber band that you are able to get your fingers inside. With the rubber band flat on a table, put your fingers inside the band and stretch the rubber band by extending your fingers. Doctors at Dougherty Orthopedics & Sports Medicine recommend three sets of 10 exercises. One variation of this exercise involves placing the rubber band around your thumb and little finger and stretching the rubber band by extending the two fingers. The surgeons recommend three sets of 10 exercises.
Forearm Rotation
This exercise can be performed from either a standing or sitting position. Press your elbow into your side in order to stabilize the elbow joint. With your hand open, externally rotate your forearm until your palm is facing the ceiling. Rotate in the other direction until your palm is facing the floor. This exercise should be repeated 10 times, three times a day, according to the surgeons.
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