Carpal Tunnel Release Post-Op Protocol

If you’ve recently undergone carpal tunnel surgery  our recovery protocol is designed to help minimise pain and improve movement within your wrist. Our surgeons and team are dedicated to helping you get back to feeling yourself and everyday life. However, to be at your best you must follow our rehabilitation protocol for an effective recovery.

If there is information you’re looking for or need help understanding this protocol, contact us today. Otherwise, please review our post-operation information for frequently asked questions.

Acute phase (0-2 weeks)

Goals

• Reduce pain

Rehabilitation

• Use hands and wrists freely, but no lifting and no driving
• Expect increased numbness in the hand
• Mild Pain
• Expect swollen fingers

Intermediate phase (2-6 weeks)

Goals

• Control pain
• Regain range of movement

Rehabilitation

• Mobilise wrist and hand as tolerated
• Desensitisation program
• Median nerve gliding exercises

Late phase (>6 weeks)

Goals

• Restore hand function
• Regain strength, proprioception and function

Rehabilitation

• Regain full function with range of movement and loading
• Resistance and hand gripping exercises

Guidelines for return to functional activities

Read our Recovery Blogs, Written by Surgeons.