Carpal Tunnel Hand Exercise

Hand Exercises After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Hand Exercise

Hand Exercises After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be real pain in the wrist – quite literally. It’s a condition that affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand. If you’ve recently had carpal tunnel surgery, you’re on the road to relief and recovery. But what comes next? Hand surgery always comes together with Hand Therapy

In this blog, we’ll explore the hand exercises after carpal tunnel surgery. These exercises are not just a routine; they’re your way to recover hand strength, helping you regain confidence and comfort in your daily activities.

Exercise 1- Wrist Bends

Wrist bends are a tremendous carpal tunnel hand exercise that can help improve hand mobility. This exercise is excellent for helping to increase the blood flow to your hands, which can help to speed up the healing process.

  1. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. 
  2. Slowly bend your wrist up and down.
  3. Hold each position for 5 seconds. 
  4. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

Exercise 2- Finger Bends

Finger bends are one of the most essential carpal tunnel hand exercises you can do to help heal your hand after surgery. This exercise also aids in the stretching and strengthening of the hand’s muscles and tendons.

  1. Hold your hand out in front of you with your fingers extended.
  2. Slowly bend each finger individually, holding each position for 5 seconds. 
  3. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times per day. 

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Exercise 3- Fingertip Touching

If you’re having trouble with hand coordination in everyday tasks such as picking up coins, handling paper, or any other tasks requiring dexterity, try adding this carpal tunnel hand exercise to your routine.

  1. Hold your hand with palm-side up, keeping your fingers slightly apart.
  2. Touch your thumb to each fingertip individually, starting from your index finger and ending with your pinky.
  3. Repeat the process in the opposite direction, touching each fingertip individually from your pinky to your index finger.
  4. Repeat this 3-5 times in each direction.

Exercise 4- Wrist Flexion & Stretch

After carpal tunnel surgery, you can experience a build-up of scar tissue that can affect how your hands and wrists function. Wrist flexion and some stretch exercises after carpal tunnel surgery can help break down the scar tissue, ultimately helping to restore proper wrist function and alleviate discomfort.

  1. Extend your arm straight out in front of you, flexing your wrist at a 90-degree angle.
  2. With your opposite hand, gently pull your fingers back to stretch your wrist.
  3. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 5 times.

Exercise 5- Tendon Gliding

Practicing this carpal tunnel hand exercise can help you regain range of motion and use of your hands and fingers following surgery.

  1. Hold your hand upright, with all fingers erect and held together.
  2. Bend your 4 fingers forward at your first knuckle to a 90-degree angle while keeping your fingers close together and straight.
  3. Bend your fingers at your second knuckle while keeping the last knuckle straight.
  4. Bend your fingers at the last knuckle, forming a closed fist.
  5. Straighten your first knuckle while keeping the other two knuckles bent.
  6. Return your hand back to its original position.
  7. Repeat this sequence 5 to 10 times.

Exercise 6- Pronation/ Supination

Pronation and supination exercises help improve forearm rotation and flexibility. These movements can be particularly beneficial after carpal tunnel surgery to maintain proper wrist and hand function.

  1. Hold your arm out with your palm facing up. 
  2. Slowly turn your hand so your palm faces down, then back to up. 
  3. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Exercise 7- Finger Abduction

Finger abduction is one of the hand exercises after carpal tunnel syndrome to promote finger dexterity and help alleviate stiffness or discomfort in the hand. They can be especially useful in recovering hand strength and coordination.

  1. Hold your hand out in front of you with your fingers together. 
  2. Slowly spread your fingers apart.
  3. Hold this position for a few seconds.
  4. Release the fingers to the starting position.
  5. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

If you experience a sudden increase in pain or swelling after practising these carpal tunnel hand exercises, it’s essential to discontinue them right away. Instead, schedule an appointment with your hand surgeon to address and resolve these concerns promptly.

With Prof Dr Robert Hierner, You Are In The Safest Hands!

If you’ve not yet undergone carpal tunnel surgery but suspect it may be necessary, or if you have questions about your specific condition, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with Prof Dr Robert Hierner.

With over 30 years of extensive experience in all forms of reconstructive surgeries, he is a renowned hand specialist in Dubai. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a solid track record of successfully managing numerous cases of carpal tunnel syndrome Dubai.