Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Needs
The key to a successful recovery.
The surgery is over. Your comeback starts now!
A successful surgical repair sets the stage for your recovery, but dedicated rehabilitation is where you truly reclaim your strength, your dexterity, and your life. We are committed to guiding you through this critical phase with a personalized plan designed to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Surgery repairs the structures. Rehabilitation rebuilds your life.
It's helpful to think of your surgery as the expert repair of the intricate structures within your hand or wrist.
The foundation is now fixed and stable. The post-surgical rehabilitation phase is the equally important process of rebuilding on that foundation. It is the active, collaborative journey where you, guided by your expert team, retrain your muscles, restore your motion, and get back to the activities that define you.
The 3 pillars of a successful rehabilitation.
Restoring range of motion.
After surgery, your body's natural healing process creates scar tissue. While essential for healing, this scar tissue can cause stiffness. The first goal of therapy is to guide you through safe, gentle movements to prevent stiffness and ensure your joints and tendons glide smoothly.
Rebuilding strength & endurance.
Once the initial healing is secure, the focus shifts to rebuilding power. Your hand therapist will guide you through a progressive strengthening program to restore the strength and endurance you need for everything from a firm handshake to your most demanding work or sport.
Retraining for daily tasks.
The final goal is a return to your life. The last phase of therapy focuses on functional retraining—re-learning the fine motor skills and specific movement patterns required for your unique work and daily activities, ensuring you can return with confidence.
A partnership for your success.
Achieving an excellent outcome is a team effort, and you are the star player. Your recovery team consists of:
The Surgeon
(Dr. French).
Who performs the expert surgical repair and establishes the safe, overall protocol and timeline for your recovery.
The Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
A specialized therapist who acts as your day-to-day coach, providing hands-on treatment and guiding you through your personalized exercise program.
The Patient (You).
The most important member of the team. Your commitment and active participation are the keys to unlocking the full potential of your surgery.
Your commitment is the most important factor.
Dr. French provides the world-class surgical solution, and your hand therapist provides the expert guidance, but your dedication is the fuel that powers your recovery.
Your commitment to following your personalized therapy program—both in the clinic and at home—is the single most important factor in achieving an excellent final outcome and getting back to the life you love.
A phased approach to rebuilding.
Every recovery is unique, but most follow a general progression. Your personalized plan will be tailored to you, but typically involves the following phases.
This phase focuses on protecting the surgical repair, managing swelling, and performing gentle, controlled motion exercises.
As healing progresses, the focus shifts to actively improving your range of motion and beginning a gradual strengthening program.
This last push involves more advanced strengthening and functional exercises that simulate the specific demands of your job, sport, or hobbies, preparing you for a safe return to all your activities.
Don't let hand or wrist dysfunction dictate your life any longer.
If you're ready to move towards a future of restored function and relief, take the empowering first step today.
© 2026 Drs. R & K French Inc. All rights reserved.
