To speed your recovery, it is important to be familiar with the exercises you will do after surgery. We recommend that you perform each exercise 3-5 times per day for 10-20 repetitions, if able to do so pain-free. If you are in too much pain, simply familiarize yourself with the exercises.
Wrist Flexion/Extension Exercise
While in your sling, slowly bend your wrist back and forth as far as you are able. Use your other hand to assist and apply a gentle stretch. Hold for 5 seconds at each position.
Ball/Towel Squeeze Exercise
Squeeze a ball or rolled up towel and hold for 3 seconds.
Elbow Extension Exercise(You may not take your sling off for 24 hours after surgery. Do not perform this exercise until then.)
Carefully take arm out of sling, keep arm at your side. With the help of your non-surgical hand, gently bend and straighten your elbow through a comfortable range. Hold for 5 seconds at each position.
Standing Arm Hang Passive Flexion Stretch
Slowly bend forward at the waist to allow your arm to hang towards the floor. (This is also the position that should be used to put on a shirt as well as wash your underarm or apply deodorant.)