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HomeReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationPhysical therapy Rehabilitation options Can rehabilitation be done at home?Usual response Risks Duration of rehabilitation Returning to ordinary daily activities Long-term patient limitations Costs Conclusion

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Home « Clinical Services « Hand & Wrist

Hand Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, October 14, 2004

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Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Most patients will require therapy at least once or twice a week for a period of four to six weeks. Therapy begins one to two weeks after the surgery once the swelling has subsided and there is sufficient healing to allow early motion.

Rehabilitation options

The rehabilitation program should be under the care of a therapist who is skilled in hand therapy. Most therapists have a special certification in hand therapy. Typically we maintain a list of skilled therapists throughout the five-state region to manage the needs of patients regardless of where they live. The therapy needs to be done close to their home where it is convenient.

Although it is important to continue the exercise program at home, we recommend that the patients have a program supervised by a skilled therapist with their visit adjusted according to their needs.

The program varies somewhat depending on what types of surgery where performed as different combinations result in the patient's individual program. We recommend that the patients have access to therapy for at least four to six weeks from their surgery.

Returning to ordinary daily activities

We encourage patients to use their hands, although this is sometimes has to be done while the patient is wearing a splint to do some of their simplest activities such as dressing and eating. Most patients are free from splints and casts within six weeks from time of surgery and can perform most of their daily functions. It generally requires two to three months from time of surgery before patients regain the type of strength that they need to perform all of their pre-surgery activities.

Long-term patient limitations

In general, we try to minimize the restrictions on the patients. In many cases, the patient's surgery has been tapered to their expected activity level. For example, joint replacement surgeries cannot withstand heavy lifting and we do not recommend these in patients who can otherwise pursue heavy physical activities. Overall, the goal of the surgery is to enhance the patient's life style and increase the number of activities that they can perform. Patients can generally use their own judgement as to which activities they feel comfortable pursuing.

Surgery for arthritis of the hand at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.

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