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"The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well."

–Hippocrates

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About Post-Operative Care and Hand Therapy at Southern Hand & Wrist

The success of your surgery at Southern Hand & Wrist will depend on many factors.  Dr. Jai Sungaran works in conjunction with highly skilled and trained professionals, including several hand therapists whom he trusts implicitly, to provide care of an exacting standard to his patients.  Maintaining this level of care requires true teamwork, and you as the patient will be an integral part of the team.  This will be particularly true as you enter the post-operative care and hand therapy phase of your treatment at our Caringbah practice, serving the Sutherland Shire, South-Eastern Sydney, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Sungaran, he will explain to you what you can expect during all stages of your treatment, including after your surgery.  To schedule your initial consultation, we encourage you to contact Southern Hand & Wrist today.

Your Role in the Post-Operative Recovery Process

Amazing progress has been made throughout the past few decades in the treatment of hand and wrist conditions.  Through both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Sungaran can achieve results that once required major, highly invasive surgeries.  Microsurgical techniques and procedures such as wrist arthroscopy have resulted in shorter recovery times, reduced post-operative pain, and a decreased risk of complications while improving patient outcomes substantially.

Nevertheless, patients must understand that the restoration of strength and function in their hand and wrist after surgery will require hard work and dedication on their parts.  The post-operative recovery phase can be frustrating, and setbacks may occur.  However, the patient’s full participation in his or her own recovery is fundamental to a successful surgical outcome.  Without that participation, even the most meticulously performed surgery using the most advanced techniques and technologies cannot be expected to achieve the best possible results.

As a patient, you will be expected to participate in the post-operative recovery process in three important ways:

  1. By following the post-surgical instructions that Dr. Sungaran provides to you to the absolute letter.
  2. By attending all follow-up appointments with Dr. Sungaran without fail.
  3. By attending scheduled sessions with the hand therapist to whom you are referred by Dr. Sungaran and performing all hand and wrist exercises exactly as advised.

If you fulfil these three obligations as a patient, then you can rely on Dr. Sungaran and his team to perform their obligations to the best of their abilities.  Through this level of collaboration, you will have the best possible chance of restoring function to and relieving pain in your hand and wrist.

Although Dr. Sungaran may provide you with post-operative instructions specific to your case, you can view or download general post-operative instructions here.

The Importance of Hand Therapy after Surgery

Hand therapy should not be thought of as an adjunct to hand and wrist surgery.  Rather, it should be thought of as the second essential step in treating your condition to the fullest extent possible, with surgery being the first.  Without hand therapy, you are receiving only half of the treatment you need, and you should adjust your expectations accordingly.

The purpose of hand therapy is ultimately to restore strength, function, and range of motion to your hand.  While you may never regain 100 percent of the strength, function, and range of motion you had prior to your injury or the development of your condition, hand therapy will help to ensure that you regain as much as possible.  Hand therapy may also help to:

  • Shorten your recovery time
  • Reduce swelling
  • Minimise the development of scar tissue
  • Develop strategies to avoid reinjuring your hand or wrist

Depending on your surgery, your condition, and other factors, your hand therapy sessions may include:

  • Hand exercises
  • Electrical nerve stimulation
  • Heat and massage therapy
  • Traction
  • Splinting
  • Special wrappings

Of course, your hand therapist and Dr. Sungaran will be working closely together to ensure that you receive cohesive post-operative care.  As you undergo hand therapy, you will continue to follow Dr. Sungaran’s instructions diligently.

Please view or download this PDF containing wrist exercises that you can perform after surgery.

Learn More about Post-Operative Care and Hand Therapy

To learn more about the post-operative care and hand therapy available through our Sutherland Shire practice with locations in Caringbah and Sydney Olympic Park, please contact Southern Hand & Wrist today.  We would be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have.

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