Repairing injuries to the flexor tendon can require surgery and therapy to restore full function. Some of the therapy requires hand exercises. The goal of these exercises is to return as much mobility as possible to your hand or fingers following a tendon injury. The extent of your injury, as well as the treatment option chosen, affects which exercises are right for you. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Flexor Tendon
Grasping and holding objects is made possible by the flexor tendons. These tendons, grouped with the muscles in your lower arm, run through your wrist, hand and fingers. The flexor tendons attach your muscles to your bones and influence movement when your muscle retracts. An injury to this area can make it difficult or impossible to bend one or more of your fingers.
Rubber Band Traction
A common form of tendon therapy is rubber band traction with resistance exercise. With the Kleinert method, a medical professional attaches a rubber band from your fingernail to your wrist while your wrist is flexed within a splint. The rubber band keeps your finger flexed, allowing resistance when the finger is straight. This method helps exercise and strengthen the tendon.
Exercises
Attach a rubber band to the tips of your fingers and to the wrist or forearm. Gently pull against the rubber band and allow the rubber band to pull your fingers back.
Bend your fingers and press the top part of your fingers against the palm of your opposite hand. Do this only if your physician advises you to do so. Your situation may be different than others and different exercises may be suggested.
Time Frame
If exercises are attempted to quickly after surgery, the tendon may tear or be pulled away from the repair. When your physician deems it safe, you may begin the rubber band exercises. If the Kleinert method is used, you can extend your fingers against the rubber band. However, you should not manually flex the finger back into position. Let the rubber band pull you finger back down for at least four weeks following surgery.
Considerations
Mobilization exercises are better at rehabilitating the flexor tendon than immobilization methods. According to the book, "Repair and Regeneration of Ligaments, Tendons, and Joint Capsule" by William R. Walsh, tendons develop fewer adhesions and build more strength when put into motion. Proper exercise allows better functionality once therapy is complete. Your doctor will decide which method is right for you.
References
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Flexor Tendon Injuries
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Tendon Repair, Hand
- "Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation" (Hand, Wrist, and Digit Injuries); David J. Magee, James E. Zachazewski and William S. Quillen; 2009
- "Repair and Regeneration of Ligaments, Tendons, and Joint Capsule" (Tendons of the Hand); William R. Walsh; 2006
