Do you need physical therapy after trigger finger surgery?

Trigger finger is a condition that involves the flexor tendons in the fingers. When someone experiences a trigger finger, their finger locks up or catches with movement. For example, if someone with a trigger finger were to bend their finger, they might feel like their finger catches for a moment before they can fully bend it. Not only can it cause a locking sensation, but it can also lead to pain and stiffness. Most cases of trigger finger involve the thumb or the ring finger. It’s not well known why exactly someone would develop this condition, but it’s commonly associated with certain medication conditions like arthritis or frequent forceful use of the fingers.

In some cases, trigger finger can lead a person to need surgery. The pain and limited mobility associated with this condition are usually treated with more conservative methods. These include physical therapy or corticosteroids. However, surgery may be recommended when the finger does not respond to conservative treatment. Post-surgery physical therapy can enhance recovery for those who undergo a trigger finger procedure. Learn more about the benefits of physical therapy after a procedure and the techniques most often used during PT.

What are the benefits of using physical therapy after trigger finger surgery?

There are several benefits of using the services of a physical therapist after getting surgery for trigger finger, including:

• Improved finger mobility — One of the symptoms of the trigger finger is limited mobility. Physical therapy can improve the function of your flexor tendon so that you can extend your affected finger with more ease.
   
• More flexibility — After surgery, it’s likely that your finger will become stiff and swollen and may even be less flexible than you anticipated. Physical therapy can help you exercise your finger so that it can become flexible and functional once again.
   
• Improved finger strength — Physical therapy can also potentially improve your finger strength. When your fingers become weak from inactivity, physical therapy can help you strengthen the muscles in your finger. It can also strengthen the muscles to protect your tendons, joints and ligaments.
   
• Reduced finger pain — Physical therapy can help you manage your finger pain in the weeks following surgery. PT specialists can have you perform exercises that reduce swelling, pain and inflammation so that you can move your finger more comfortably.

What are some PT techniques that can be used during post-trigger finger surgery?

Here are a couple of techniques that your physical therapist may have you perform during a PT session after trigger finger surgery:

• Opening and closing movements — This exercise involves repetitively opening and closing your hand to exercise the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in your fingers.
   
• Tendon exercises — Place the affected hand flat on a table or counter with your palm facing down, fingers together. Next, keep your hand flat while lifting it about 6 inches off the flat surface. From here, slowly bend your fingers until your hand forms a fist. Then, slowly straighten your fingers until your hand is flat again. Repeat eight to 10 times to complete one set. Try to do three to five sets per day or repeat as your physical therapist directs.

Alliance PTP wants to help you find caring, convenient and effective PT for your trigger finger after undergoing surgery

Caring. Effective. Convenient. You may not think about these words when you think of physical therapy, but Alliance Physical Therapy Partners is here to change that. 

Our partner network is staffed by caring physical therapists ready to provide effective, personalized care for your trigger finger after going through surgery. And we offer both in-person and virtual PT sessions, so you can choose the most convenient care for you. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our caring, effective, and convenient PT.