Carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common strain injuries, occurs in the wrist as a result of compressing the median nerve. Though avoiding certain activities that cause strain can help the pain, surgery is often the end result for those who experience symptoms lasting over six months, according to MayoClinic.com. While surgery may improve symptoms, rehabilitating, strengthening and stretching the wrist are essential to recover from the injury and the surgery. Before beginning a rehabilitation program, contact your surgeon or physical therapist.
Finger Exercises
To reduce swelling and avoid adhesions, start finger exercises the day after your surgery. Finger abduction and adduction movements stretch the hand without hindering the wrist. Make a regular fist with your injured hand, with your thumb on top of your fingers. Open your hand wide and spread out your fingers, then return to a fist. Try a straight fist with your fingertips touching the bottom of your fist, then open hand one finger at a time. Perform 10 to 12 repetitions of each exercise as often as needed throughout the day. Keep your wrist in a neutral position during these exercises to avoid premature movement of the joint.
Wrist Exercises
After about four weeks, your rehabilitation may progress to strengthening activities such as wrist curls. Using a chair equipped with armrests, place your injured arm on the armrest with your hand off the edge. With palm down and wrist relaxed, gently bend your wrist back toward the forearm as far as you can. Slowly return to start position. Use a light dumbbell or canned goods as resistance. After 10 to 12 repetitions, rotate your wrist so that your palm is facing up and repeat the exercise, curling your palm up toward your forearm. Perform 10 to 12 repetitions of each exercise. The Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia recommends doing these exercises three times a day.
Stretches
When stretching after carpal tunnel surgery, it is important to stretch both the wrist and the forearm. Perform a forearm extensor to stretch the back of the wrist and forearm. Place your arm out in front of you with your hand relaxed, palm down. With your other hand, gently push your injured hand toward the underside of your forearm to stretch the part of the wrist near the back of your hand. Once your wrist has gained mobility and flexibility, try the stretch while making a fist. To perform a forearm flexor, extend your injured hand out in front of you, palm up. Keep your hand open and apply pressure to your fingers with your other hand, gently bending your fingertips toward the ground. Reverse the stretch by turning your hand over so that your palm is facing down. Using your other hand, bend your fingertips toward the back of your forearm. Hold each stretch for 15 to 20 seconds. Stop the stretch if pain or extreme discomfort occurs.
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