Pre-Surgery Preparation
Prior to TFCC repair surgery for a TFCC tear Dr Gupta recommends the following;
- See Dr Gupta for a complete diagnosis of your condition
- Game Ready ice and compression therapy pre-surgery fitting and instructions explained
- Your Post Op Rehab Protocol explained
Post Operative Rehab
You will achieve the best rehab outcome if you follow up surgery with a matching course of rehabilitation. The below outlines recommendations of your rehab over the first 3 months following your procedure;
Self Guided Activities
Whilst Dr Gupta, your GP and your physio will help guide and motive you through your recovery, the more you can help on your own, the better the result for all. A checklist below will help remind you what to do along the way;
- If you have surgery, make sure you keep your wound dry
- Wear a dressing for 1 week and as required there after
- Confirm your 2 week post op appointment with Dr Gupta (if you needed an operation)
- Use your pain medication as prescribed by your GP doctor
- Use your rented Game Ready ice treatment as recommended from 0-4 weeks
- Visit your physiotherapist 2-3 times a week and repeat your physio session by yourself daily from 4-8 weeks
- Decrease your physiotherapy visits to 1-2 times a week and repeat exercises daily from 8 weeks to full recovery
- Confirm your 2 month post op follow up appointment with Dr Gupta
Physiotherapy
1-6 Weeks
Priority no.1 is to protect the area of surgical repair to allow for healing. Minimise active movement, maintain passive movement, maintain contra lateral strength and strength of muscles close to condtion.
- Keep your dressing dry and freshen daily after the first 7 days
- avoid wrist movements for the first 6 weeks
Passive Movement Exercises
Strength Exercises
- Grip strength exercises, 3x15 with 10 second holds
- Specific Elbow Flexion/ Extension 3x15 reps using theraband in ROM as tolerated
- Shoulder flexion, extension, internal, external rotation exercises
- Non-affected side as per above
Recovery and pain
- Scar and swelling massage
- Ice and compression therapy like Game Ready
- Interferrential if preferred
6 Weeks to Full Recovery
Priority no.1 is completing max wrist ROM and improving strength during this phase.
- Wrist straightening exercises are now allowed at home
Passive Movement Exercises
- Wrist flexion extension into EROM
- Wrist supination pronation into EROM
Strength Exercises
- Wrist curl 3x15 reps using theraband resistance as tolerated
- Grip strength exercises, 3x15 with 10 second holds
- Wrist supination/ pronation with a weighted device at distal tip
- Leaning on wrist as tolerated
- Non-affected wrist exercises as per above
Recovery and Pain
- Scar and swelling massage
- Ice and compression therapy like Game Ready
- Interferrential if preferred
If you've got a wrist condition and don't know what to do, contact Dr Gupta on 02 9687 8344 or make an online booking here.