Hello,

I would like to ask if anyone knows of a web site that lists exercises for after surgery.

I had surgery 10 days ago and have started physical therapy, just had my first session today.

I'm afraid they are just going to hand me a piece of paper with exercises and have me do them everytime I visit -- something I can teach myself and save alot of time and money doing. Please understand I have nothing against PT, just want to save time more than anything.

Thank you!

Hi zedcat,

That's an impressive scar you have in your photo. Good luck with your recovery!

From what I've read on the Web, "ulnar nerve gliding exercises" are common therapy before and after cubital tunnel surgery. Here are some resources:

* Ulnar Nerve Glide
* Book: The Hand: Fundamentals of Therapy
* Nerve Gliding Exercises
* Handwritten Exercises

Timm, Thank you for the resources.

In case handy (pun intended) to others let me share that...

My PT therapist recommended the same exercise today as last time which is... In standing position, with arm at side, bend arm up as far as can go and hold for 5 seconds. And, in standing position, with arm at side, bend arm DOWN as far as can go and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat and use other hand to push arm up higher and stick (cardboard wrapping paper tube) push arm down.

This is at Hospital for Special Surgery (where I had the surgery) and I think they are quite competent.

After today's session I can bend my arm up 10 more degrees (120 to 130), and down further from 5 to 3 degrees.

The hand written note (link) was suggested by them. They are not so concerned about the nerve gliding anymore since it is now on the front of my arm -- my pre-surgery PT (which worked for a couple months) emphasized gliding the nerve.

I will be continuing PT based on today's results. These professionals are useful; just wish I didn't have to make the commute...

If any of you are scared by my incision photo and would therefore contemplate NOT having surgery, don't shy! I endorse surgery based on my experience, but do try PT first. My scar will heal significantly and it is far less a concern than an atrophied hand that becomes less and less useful -- which can happen w/o treatment.

Zedcat,

As my PT told me, the reason the "gliding" exercises are still done after surgery is two-fold. One is to exercise movement of the Ulnar to help it recover from being handled and moved. The other reason is to re-teach the Ulnar in its new home, and too, to reduce scar tissue build up around its new home.

Your scar is way longer than I have seen on anyone. Mine is just 3.1 inches long, and the one in my hand just over 2.5 inches. Wow! I do agree however that a "scar" verses hand usage or loss, I'll take the scar any day!! I too would undergo this type of surgery again if I were to say, have this happen in my other arm.

I will say this for post op PT, it is worth it! Day by day I see improvement. I am one day short of week four after surgery, and though I had my ring finger back pretty quickly, my pinky has been the hold out. It is more controllable now which is good. Today I noticed that I can once again feel from the knuckle to the first joint in my pinky. Even if all stayed as it is right now, it is soooooo much better than before surgery. The surgeon's did their job, now it is my turn; PT, positive attitude etc. "Life is getting better daily."

Yeah, I'm not too psyched about the incision but oh well...

I can see what you say about the nerve finding a new home. I'll press the PT people to ask about the importance of gliding, it make sense to me.

Best, CH

CH,

I had PT again today, and revisited the exercise "gliding" style and whys. She pretty much stated as I posted above. Preventing scar tissue, and working the nerve in its new place (home).

The only discomfort I have (and today is the end of week 4 since surgery) is when I fully straighten my arm it feels a bit stiff on the inner elbow basically abeam the location my nerve was moved to; still a little swelling in that location as well. The incision is a funny critter though. Touching it doesn't much bother me, but when clothing hits it, it feels tender. If I wear long sleeve clothing, I wear a thin neoprene sleeve over it - problem solved there!

The hand and finger surgery they did is going to take longer to recover. With my transposition he retested the nerve after he moved it (more so my hand), and it was still trapped, hence Guyon's canal and also two fingers. Baby steps. Oh, is your PT person having you massage your incision? I think mine aren't too painful do to working them - breaks down scar tissue that forms during healing. Chat again, take care.

I forgot to mention a site I found today that has small video clips of most of the exercises. They're short and clear. Here you go: www.sportsmedpt.com I hope it helps.