Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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To help you recover from injury or surgery your hand therapist will advise which activities you can and cannot do. As you recover and your injury heals, you will be able to gradually increase the amount of activities you can do.
Examples of daily activities and their classification (light, medium or heavy) are listed below and you will be advised by your hand therapist on the level of daily activities that you can perform following your injury or surgery. You should always follow your hand therapist’s advice and if you need further information or advice, please do not hesitate to ask.
LIGHT ACTIVITIES: (4-8 Weeks) If completed for short periods
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Using the telephone |
Reading a newspaper or a book |
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Putting on light clothes |
Playing cards |
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Handling money |
Typing |
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Using a remote control |
Using a knife/fork/spoon, but not cutting meat |
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Fastening zips and buttons |
Picking up a small glass of water |
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Personal care such as washing |
Shaving |
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Tying shoe laces |
Combing your hair |
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Using a light switch |
Writing |
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Dusting |
Using scissors |
MEDIUM ACTIVITIES (8-10 Weeks)
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Sweeping up |
Cutting soft foods |
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Unscrewing loose jars and lids |
Using a towel |
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Hanging out washing |
Opening/closing door handles |
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Holding a pint of liquid |
Using a key to open door |
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Light gardening |
Blow drying hair |
HEAVY ACTIVITIES (10-12 Weeks)
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Lifting medium sized saucepans |
Opening ring pull on can of drink |
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Unscrew new jars and lids |
Lift half full kettle |
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Using a knife to cut up meat |
Pushing open a door |
NORMAL USE (12 weeks)
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Driving |
Lifting children |
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Sports (gym, football, netball) |
Carrying shopping |
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Heavy gardening (digging, shovelling) |
DIY |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/030
Approval date:
19 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.