Metacarpal Fracture Exercises

Typically no movement until 3-4 weeks post reduction (after the bone is set)

3-4 Weeks Post Reduction

  • If edema and swelling is an issue, get a compression glove to help reduce the inflammation.
  • Focus on forming a fist, isolated MCP active flexion and extension.
  • NO passive stretches to MCP yet!  Passive stretches can be performed on the PIP and DIP.
  • COPY THIS ACCESS CODE FOR YOUR STRETCHES: DXDGJDML
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

5-6 Weeks Post reduction

7-8 Weeks Post Reduction

After you've reached the 9 week mark, you should be able to incorporate your hand in more daily activities!  Slowly progress your strength with daily activities as well as with your hand exercises. Keep up with your doctor to make sure there are no further restrictions in regards to weight load.

2-3 Weeks Post Op

Week 4

  • Pins or K-wires are typically removed if doctor determines that they are clinically healed. Continue with exercises and check with your doctor to make sure you're ready for the next set of stretches.

Week 5-6

Week 7-8

2-3 Days Post Op

  • Check with your doctor about any wound care or suture care between the surgical date and when they are removed.  Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor might want you to clean the surgical site daily.
  • Do NOT put Neosporin on your surgical site.. it doesn't help with surgical sites, it actually slows down the healing process for lacerations/incisions/open wounds.
  • Copy the access code and follow the link to access your exercises.
  • Access code: VFG8MLQH
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

10-14 Days Post Op

  • If sutures were utilized, these are typically removed at this time.

4-6 Weeks Post Op

  • At this time it is typically safe to begin GENTLE strengthening if determined to be appropriate by the doctor.
  • Depending on your injury, your doctor might want to wait a full 8 weeks before implementing strengthening.
  • Clear these exercises with your doctor before proceeding!
  • Access Code: VPYHAZ32
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

7-8 Weeks Post op

  • If approved by your doctor, begin utilizing hand in every day tasks.
  • Follow the weight restrictions provided by your doctor.  If you dont know, call them and clarify!

Proximal Phalanx Fracture Exercises

  • Terminology
    • AROM- Active Range of Motion, where the digit moves under it's own power with no assistance from the other hand.
    • PROM - Passive Range of Motion, where the digit moves with ONLY the assistance of the other hand.  The appendage being stretched does none of the work, the work comes from the opposite hand.
    • AAROM - Active Assist Range of Motion is when the opposite hand does half of the work helping the effected digit into the desired amount of flexion or extension.
    • Composite flexion - Making a fist

Typically no movement until 3-4 weeks post reduction (after the bone is set)

3-4 Weeks Post Reduction

  • If edema and swelling is an issue, get a compression glove to help reduce the inflammation.
  • Focus on forming a fist, AROM of all joints.
  • NO passive stretches yet!
  • COPY THIS ACCESS CODE FOR YOUR STRETCHES: GHJB2BFW
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

5-6 Weeks Post reduction

7-8 Weeks Post Reduction

After you've reached the 10 week mark, you should be able to incorporate your hand in more daily activities!  Slowly progress your strength with daily activities as well as with your hand exercises. Keep up with your doctor to make sure there are no further restrictions in regards to weight load.

Typically no movement until 3-4 weeks post reduction (after the bone is set)

  • Terminology
    • AROM- Active Range of Motion, where the digit moves under it's own power with no assistance from the other hand.
    • PROM - Passive Range of Motion, where the digit moves with ONLY the assistance of the other hand.  The appendage being stretched does none of the work, the work comes from the opposite hand.
    • AAROM - Active Assist Range of Motion is when the opposite hand does half of the work helping the effected digit into the desired amount of flexion or extension.
    • Composite flexion - Making a fist

3-4 Weeks Post Reduction

  • If edema and swelling is an issue, get a compression glove to help reduce the inflammation.
  • Focus on forming a fist, AROM of all joints.
  • NO passive stretches yet!
  • COPY THIS ACCESS CODE FOR YOUR STRETCHES: CBQZPR7E
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

5-6 Weeks Post reduction

  • Around this time, once the doctor decides that the fracture is clinically healed, the Pins are removed.
  • Once the Pins are removed, you can begin Active Assisted Range of Motion exercises.  This is when the opposite hand applies GENTLE pressure to help the effected hand through movements.

6-7 Weeks Post Reduction

8 Weeks Post Op

After you've reached the 10 week mark, you should be able to incorporate your hand in more daily activities!  Slowly progress your strength with daily activities as well as with your hand exercises. Keep up with your doctor to make sure there are no further restrictions in regards to weight load.

  • Terminology
    • AROM- Active Range of Motion, where the digit moves under it's own power with no assistance from the other hand.
    • PROM - Passive Range of Motion, where the digit moves with ONLY the assistance of the other hand.  The appendage being stretched does none of the work, the work comes from the opposite hand.
    • AAROM - Active Assist Range of Motion is when the opposite hand does half of the work helping the effected digit into the desired amount of flexion or extension.
    • Composite flexion - Making a fist

1-3 Days Post Op

  • Active and Passive Range of motion for all joints.  Check with your doctor regarding the PROM stretches.  Although it is recommended, your doctor might now want you to perform PROM until a later date depending on the severity of your fracture!
  • COPY THIS ACCESS CODE FOR YOUR STRETCHES: 424E9FTN
  • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED

5-6 Weeks Post reduction

  • Around this time, once the doctor decides that the fracture is clinically healed, the Pins are removed.
  • Once the Pins are removed, you can begin Active Assisted Range of Motion exercises.  This is when the opposite hand applies GENTLE pressure to help the effected hand through movements.

10-14 Days Post Op

  • Sutures are typically removed at this time.
  • Let your doctor know about your exercises and ask when is an appropriate time for you to start strengthening.
  • Strengthening for the ORIF is usually between 4-6 Weeks post op unless otherwise directed by your doctor.  Sometimes they prefer to wait until 8 Weeks.

4-6Weeks Post Op

After you've reached the 10 week mark, you should be able to incorporate your hand in more daily activities!  Slowly progress your strength with daily activities as well as with your hand exercises. Keep up with your doctor to make sure there are no further restrictions in regards to weight load.

Distal Phalanx Exercises

  • Terminology
    • AROM- Active Range of Motion, where the digit moves under it's own power with no assistance from the other hand.
    • PROM - Passive Range of Motion, where the digit moves with ONLY the assistance of the other hand.  The appendage being stretched does none of the work, the work comes from the opposite hand.
    • AAROM - Active Assist Range of Motion is when the opposite hand does half of the work helping the effected digit into the desired amount of flexion or extension.
    • Composite flexion - Making a fist
  • Week 1 Post Reduction
  • 10-14 Days Post Reduction
    • If approved by Dr.  Begin gentle AROM exercises for the entire digit including the DIP.
    • Continue wearing splint between exercise sessions and at night.
    • If you have a Pin, you wont be able to move the DIP, so stick with Week 1 exercises for now.
    • Access Code: KTL8FA4N
    • CLICK HERE TO PASTE YOUR ACCESS CODE AND GET STARTED
  • Week 3 Post Reduction 
    • If there is a Pin, this is typically removed at this time.
    • Perform gentle AROM exercises for 1-2 weeks before beginning Gentle PROM exercises.
    • Make sure you get PROM exercises approved by your doctor, some prefer to wait a little longer before PROM begins.
  • 4-6 Weeks Post Reduction
  • Terminology
    • AROM- Active Range of Motion, where the digit moves under it's own power with no assistance from the other hand.
    • PROM - Passive Range of Motion, where the digit moves with ONLY the assistance of the other hand.  The appendage being stretched does none of the work, the work comes from the opposite hand.
    • AAROM - Active Assist Range of Motion is when the opposite hand does half of the work helping the effected digit into the desired amount of flexion or extension.
    • Composite flexion - Making a fist
  • 1-5 Weeks Post Reduction 
  • 6 Weeks Post Reduction
  • 7 Weeks Post Reduction
  • 8 Weeks Post Reduction
    • Reduce splint wear gradually, and continue with normal use of the hand.
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