After suffering from carpal tunnel release surgery, it is essential to follow certain postoperative exercises to boost hand strength, flexibility, and comfort. This guide will help you understand which exercises to do and how to do them properly.
Why Are Exercises Important After Carpal Tunnel Release?
After carpal tunnel release surgery, the median nerve is relieved from pressure, and the carpel tunnel becomes wider. Despite this improvement, recovery can take time, and physical therapy is crucial to restore function and prevent scar tissue formation. Exercises help in this process by improving range of motion, muscle weakness, and numbness.
Top Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Recovery
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Wrist Flexion and Stretch: This exercise helps in breaking up scar tissue and improving wrist flexibility. It involves extending the arm forward, bending it back towards the floor, and holding the position for 10-30 seconds.
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Wrist Bends: This exercise increases flexibility and helps in breaking up scar tissue. Simply press the wrist forward and backward, keeping the fingers together and straight.
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Finger Tipping Touches: This exercise improves coordination and dexterity. Hold the hand palm-side up, separate the fingers, and touch each finger tip with the thumb, repeating in opposite directions.
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Tendon Gliding: This exercise helps in regaining range of motion in the hands and fingers. Begin by touching the thumb to the other fingers, then bend all fingers except the thumb before bending them at the top knuckle and repeating the process.
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Prayer Stretch: This exercise helps in stretching the carpal隧道 and improving flexibility. Place the hands together under the chin in a prayer position and push the hands down to the waist while feeling a moderate stretch.
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Hand Grip Exercises: Squeeze a ball or soft rubber ball to strengthen the hand muscles. Hold the grip for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
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Wrist Curls: This exercise helps in strengthens the wrist muscles. Stand or sit, lift the forearm, and curl the wrist upwards, then release and let the weight fall back down.
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Basic Wrist Stretches: Sit down at a table, let the wrist hang over the side, and straighten the hand in a neutral position. Bend the hand towards you and away from you, holding each position for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times.
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Shake It Out: This simple exercise is useful at night to relieve pain and numbness. Shake the hands out to get some relief if waking up with pain or numbness.
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Fist to Stop Sign: Make a fist, slide the fingers up, and repeat the motion five to 10 times.
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Thumb Touches: Touch each finger tip to the tip of the thumb, forming an O-shape, and repeat a few times.
##, following these exercises after carpal tunnel release surgery will help in boosting hand strength, flexibility, and comfort. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen to ensure the correct form and avoid injury. Remember to start with gentle exercises and gradually increase the intensity as comfortable. With consistent practice, most patients can expect to recover fully and return to their normal routine within a few months.
