Hand physiotherapy • Petit-Lancy, Geneva

Surgery of flexor tendons: 4 tips to recover well

After a flexor tendon suture, the lens is double: avoid adhesion and protect reparation. Here are the 4 essential points to apply with your surgeon and physio.

Important: respect strictly the prescribed protocol (e.g., bearing type, allowed amplitude, exercise rate). Do not add exercises without medical validation.

1) Move early... but not any way

Rehabilitation begins towards J3–J5 (according to surgery). Movements guided and gentle help the tendon to slide and limit risk « Hanging ». The series are precise (no more, no less).
Tip: Remember: you have the right to move the hand... but not to use force.
2) Protect your hand

Early excessive stress exposes the rupture Curved tendon. Lsplint (dynamic or static) protect suture while allowing movement Controlled.
Tip: port continuous during the initial phase (often 4–6 weeks), except for supervised exercises.
3) Increase effort gradually

Go too fast = risk of rupture or Blockage. Patience = better recovery. We start with movements free assets without resistance if allowed, in sector protected, avoiding fine amplitude.
Progressive example: with the opposite hand, place 2 fingers in the palm of the hand operated and come touch them with the fingers operated (equivalent « semi-ping tight »), then later complete palm (according to protocol).
4) Optimize healing

The tendons need a good oxygen and nutrients to synthesize collagen (type I). Work scarring often starts to J15 (medical validation) to limit adhesion.
Advice: Hand raised to reduce oedema, cold if necessary, and protein intake sufficient.