Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What to expect at four weeks post op?
After four weeks your cast can be removed. Your hand therapist will provide you with a thermoplastic rigid splint or a soft neoprene splint depending on your discomfort. You may experience discomfort to the surgical site, reduced movement of the thumb and swelling. Your hand therapist will assess these areas and advise you on methods to help.
Swelling
You may still experience swelling to the surgical site and hand. Continue to elevate the hand to reduce the swelling. Gentle massage of the hand from fingers to forearm can also help reduce the swelling, as well as exercise.
Scar
The scar requires massage to reduce any adhesions, massage can also reduce scar sensitivity and improve the appearance.
How to massage: Frequently throughout the day apply a small amount of cream, such as E45, and firmly massage over the scar, making sure the scar and the surrounding skin moves; massage for about 5 minutes.
Exercises
Take your splint off four times a day and do the following exercises:
- Bend forwards and backwards from the wrist x10
- Bend side to side from the wrist x10
- Bend fingers into your palm, hold for count of four, relax, then stretch your fingers out fully x10
- Hold beneath the end joint of your thumb. Bend and straighten the end joint as fully as possible x10
- Hold around the base of your thumb. Bend and straighten the second joint of your thumb x10
- Hand flat on table, stretch thumb away from your index finger as far as you can, then relax x10
- Hand resting on table, little finger downwards. Stretch your thumb away from your fingers, parallel to the table, relax x10
- Touch your thumb to each fingertip in turn, after touching the little fingertip, try and slide your thumb down your little finger x5
6 weeks after surgery:
You may start reducing the wear of the splint during the day but continue to wear it at night until about 10 – 12 weeks from your operation.
You can start using your hand for light function but avoid tight pinch and heavier activities until 10-12 weeks from your operation.
Continue to massage your scar. Scar tissue continues to be produced for many months after surgery.
You may consider returning to driving when you can safely grip the steering wheel with both hands.
What can I expect during my recovery?
It can take a surprising long time for the surgical area to settle and for movement and power to return, sometimes up to one year. Please discuss any specific problems or queries with your hand therapist.
Contact details
Hand therapy departments:
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/052
Approval date:
10 July 2025
Review date:
1 July 2028
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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.