Hand surgery recovery: The vital role of hand therapy in maximising outcomes
- May 14
- 2 min read
At Midland Hand Clinic, successful treatment for any hand, wrist, or elbow condition—whether it’s fixing a fracture, releasing a compressed nerve, or performing complex joint surgery extends well beyond the operating theatre. The most crucial factor in achieving long term functional success is specialised post operative rehabilitation.
Consultant Hand Surgeon Mr Shyamalan and Hand Therapist Susannah Lundie collaborate closely, integrating the surgical plan with a tailored recovery program to ensure every patient achieves the maximum possible movement, strength, and comfort.
Why is hand therapy essential after hand surgery?
The hand is a complex structure, and following any surgical intervention, the body naturally responds with swelling and scar tissue formation. If left unguided, this can lead to stiffness, restricted movement.
“My role is to serve as the recovery navigator,” says Susannah Lundie, Hand Therapist. “The quality of the surgical outcome achieved by Mr Shyamalan is protected and enhanced through therapy. We manage swelling and stiffness from day one, ensuring that the repaired structures heal while the patient safely regains their independence”.
Controlling swelling and inflammation
Swelling is a normal response to surgery, but excessive or prolonged swelling can seriously restrict motion and slow recovery. Swelling control is the immediate focus of post operative hand therapy for virtually every surgical case.
Susannah's swelling management tip:
"The simplest tool is often the most effective for reducing post operative swelling," notes Susannah.
Elevation: Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible, especially during the first few days.
Gentle movement: Start gentle controlled range of motion exercises for the uninvolved joints (like your shoulder or non-operated fingers) to pump fluid away from the surgical site.
Scar management and regaining mobility
Every surgery results in a scar, and managing the resulting scar tissue is vital to prevent stiffness and pain. Therapy also focuses on gently restoring the full range of motion lost due to injury or post-surgical protection.
Susannah's mobility and scar tip:
Moisturise & massage: Once you have been advised that the incision is healed, apply a thick, non perfumed hand cream multiple times a day. Use firm pressure with your opposite thumb to massage the scar in small, circular motions. This helps to soften and flatten the tissue.
Tendon gliding: Practice gentle tendon gliding exercises (making soft fists, hook fists, and straight fists) to ensure tendons move smoothly beneath the skin and scar tissue.
The team approach: Mr Shyamalan and Susannah Lundie.
The integrated care model at Midland Hand Clinic is centered on effective communication. Susannah, along with other specialist hand therapists and Mr Shyamalan share updates and coordinate the timing of rehabilitation milestones, such as when to remove a splint or increase resistance training.
“This level of collaboration eliminates guesswork and ensures that every therapy protocol is specifically tailored to the procedure I performed,” says Mr Shyamalan. “It is invaluable to our patients' long term success and functional recovery”.
Start your journey to recovery
If you are facing hand, wrist, or elbow surgery, ensure your recovery is guided by the best. Book a consultation with one of the best hand surgeons in the West Midlands Consultant Hand, Elbow and Shoulder Surgeon, Mr Shyamalan, at Midland Hand Clinic.
We are here to guide you through every stage of your recovery, from diagnosis to full function.
