Physical Therapy After Finger Reattachment Surgery

If you have experienced finger amputation, you are well aware that the emotional and social trauma of the situation often matches – if not exceeds – the physical trauma. And even after finger replantation surgery, keeping up with finger reattachment physical therapy can seem daunting.

In this article, board certified Macomb County hand surgeon Dr. Rehman explains how finger reattachment physical therapy can help finger replantation patients’ lives return to normal.

Finger Reattachment Physical Therapy Study

A clinical study was recently conducted to observe the effects of finger reattachment physical therapy. During the study, 135 patients -all of whom had undergone finger replantation – were observed. While the success of each respective reattachment varied from subject to subject, all participants underwent finger reattachment physical therapy.

Finger reattachment physical therapy included exercise programs, strengthening exercises, and massaging aimed to soften scar tissue. Subjects were also given light functional activities to perform, such as writing or holding small objects. To increase tendon strength, muscle stimulators were also included in the regimen of finger reattachment physical therapy.

Upon observing each finger reattachment physical therapy patient’s level of satisfaction, doctors observed that the patient’s primary concern regarding their hand’s functionality was their occupation. Patients grouped together by occupational groups – including farm workers and other laborers – reported contentment with the results of their finger reattachment physical therapy. Participants whose occupation requires the use of fine motor skills – such as musicians and jewelers – expressed less satisfaction.

Nonetheless, all patients collectively reported a greater level of overall satisfaction than surveyors expected. Following their finger reattachment physical therapy, all patients reported some level of happiness with the results of their reattachment surgery.

Physical Therapy After Finger Reattachment

At Macomb County Hand Surgery, Dr. Rehman strongly recommends patients begin finger reattachment physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery is complete.

Finger reattachment physical therapy can take many forms. At Macomb County Hand Surgery, Dr. Rehman prescribes different types of finger reattachment physical therapy depending on the specific needs of the patient.

To control a condition called edema (swelling and fluid retention), patients may benefit from massaging their scar tissue before beginning their finger reattachment physical therapy. The process will then typically include exercise programs to target active and passive joint motions, as well as strengthening exercises.

Board certified Macomb County hand surgeon Dr. Rehman also regularly includes light functional activities, such as using a pencil or holding small items, as part of her patients’ finger reattachment physical therapy.

Finger Reattachment (Replantation) Physical Therapy – Macomb County

Finger replantation can obviously take a significant toll on those whom it impacts. At Macomb County Hand Surgery, board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman and our team of specialized physical therapists will do whatever we can to provide a smooth recovery to all of her finger reattachment physical therapy patients.

For more information on finger reattachment physical therapy, contact Macomb County Hand Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Finger Reattachment (Replantation) Physical Therapy: 586.532.0803