Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Four weeks after your surgery your tendon is still very weak and has a high risk of rupture, especially if too much strain is placed on the surgical repair. You will be able to perform short periods of very light activity but the hand must be rested and protected in the splint between times and overnight.
It will take at least 8 weeks before your tendon is strong enough to perform certain activities and at least 12 weeks before you can return to heavy activities.
Splint Wear
You may now remove the splint for light activities but the splint must be worn overnight and for protection when hand may be at risk (for example public transport, school playground or at work).
Activities
Please note this is only a guide. Please discuss specific activities with your therapist ad every injury and person if individual.
4-8 Weeks LIGHT activities
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8-10 Weeks MEDIUM activities:
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10-12 Weeks HEAVY activities:
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At 12 weeks you can return to NORMAL activities:
Gradually progress your activities to improve your strength and return to full function. E.g. Contact sports, weight lifting
Precautions
Do not use your hand for anything other than very light activities.
Do not push your fingers or wrist into a bent position.
Do not lift anything heavy with your hand.
Do not drive or operate machinery. You are not allowed to drive until 8 weeks after your surgery.
Do not participate in any sporting activities.
Exercises
Complete all exercises 5 times every 2 hours.
Straighten all your fingers.
Bend at your knuckles keeping the finger joints straight.
Bend finger joints into a hook shape.
Bend all fingers into a fist.
Bend your wrist forward (with relaxed fingers).
Bend your wrist backwards (with relaxed fingers).
Problems you may encounter
Please contact the therapy department should you suffer any of the following problems:
- If you are unable to lift your finger/s, this may mean your tendon has ruptured.
- Increase in Swelling/Stiffness/Pain.
- Skin irritation/soreness or splint rubbing.
- If your hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold or tingle – check straps are not too tight.
- If the splint feels loose when swelling reduces.
Contact details
Hand therapy departments: (Lines open 8.30-15.30, Monday – Friday). In an emergency, seek medical advice from a GP or local accident or minor injuries unit.
0300 6133396 for Frimley
0300 6140540 then Option 2 Wexham or Option 3 for Heatherwood
Plastic Dressing Clinic - 0300 6153031
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/019
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.