Top 3 Exercises to Perform AFTER Carpal Tunnel Surgery (Release)

Famous Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck describe the 3 exercises one should do after they have had Carpal Tunnel Surgery. They will improve the outcome of your surgery.
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[@ellensprad1]

I am so glad that I found your videos last year. You gentlemen have helped me get back on track with my orthopedic issues. I had endoscopic CTR 3 weeks ago and checked here with you for what to do on my own to get back to full speed. Many decades ago I had a t-shirt(from the p.t. dept. I worked in) "If it's physical, it's therapy". Feel free to use it if you like, its been more than 3 decades ago. Pretty sure the copyright no longer exists, that corporation is long gone. :)

[@natashacheesman1877]

Thank you so much for these wonderful exercises, I have just undergone surgery for carpal tunnel release and seeing how easy these exercises are I will get onto them straight away. Your the best!! from Australia

[@twiggy1216]

You both are flipping adorable and crack me up! Very helpful after my CT surgery!!

[@carolestrong7095]

I had mine done oct 31/19, stitches came out on nov 12/19 and I was told to go home and begin open/close hand exercises, that was it. I had no idea what he meant, nothing on paper neither. Now it is nov 23 and I am so glad to have found your video. I will try these demonstrated exercises because i still have pain, extreme tightness and hardly any way to use my hand yet. Thank you both so much for making this video. :)

[@rosieo469367]

I'm so glad I found you two. 2 weeks post op, surgeon told me nothing. Im still having carpel tunnel pain but will try your exercises. Thank you

[@cindytedeschi8610]

Thank you so much for these stretches, I wasn't given any information about rehabilitation after my carpal tunnel surgery. Raglan, New Zealand. You guys are awesome.

[@jeanniefairchild7267]

thank you for the video..I am 3 weeks out post carpal release surgery and I didn't know some of the things you have shown so keep up the good work with these videos

[@ninabolinder6112]

I followed your physio instructions following CTS and have progressed really well at home . If you start from day one you are well on your way to strength and recovery. Thanks guys!

[@hdmoody7283]

Thank You both for your video and education on this matter. I had surgery and haven't been able to make it to my therapy sessions, so this has been a blessing that I was able to acquire the knowledge and practices to aid in my recovery due to your video. So sincerely thank You both very much.

[@njwillproductions]

Thank you! Great advice, and offered in such a friendly and easily understandable way.

[@samsari2406]

Thank you guys for sharing the video was very helpful I've just had carpal tunnel surgery 3 weeks ago and I'm going to use these exercises starting right now thank you so much

[@CHEFSUMDAY]

Can't thank you enough for the tips you guys are great Love the teamwork makes the video work better

[@erinmccarthy8643]

Thank you Bob and Brad❣️ these exercises helped me. I kept with the exercises until I didn’t need them anymore. Good to do before and after a days of work. The next morning Have no pain. I am 34 years of age and I had Bilateral Carpel Tunnel Release. I wasn’t able to start the exercises till I was able to make a fist and add able to squeeze.

[@Mzjintx]

You guys are one of the most precious resources on the internet! I’ve learned so much from your videos. While many people prefer to indulge in rabble rousing screen time, I prefer to tackle my physiological demons with solid advice from you (and Motivational Doc Alan Mandell) Thanks for all your contributions!!❤️❤️

[@virginiaarrieta5247]

I had surgery five days ago and didn't know I could do this physical therapy at home. I had no post surgery instructions at all. My right hand and wrist are tight. As soon as my insurance authorize treatment, I will go to a physical therapist. Thanks for the information.

[@caroldunn4799]

Thanks for being there! Much appreciated!

[@alfredogiraud74]

Thank you so much. You guys make therapy fun!

[@lynny9182]

Thanks so much. Just had surgery 4 days ago and my surgeon wants me to have PT right away. Unfortunately, the physical therapy office under my insurance cannot even see me for a consultation for 5 days so I began your exercises yesterday. A little sore today but I feel so much better; I'm on the mend! Maybe I'll cancel my appointment and do it on my own! Thanks guys!

[@blueskyoklahoma]

About to have surgery and so glad to have your recommendations. Thanks!

[@sherriefults6145]

Thank you so much for posting these exercises. I am 4 days post-op dual hand surgery. Felt really good yesterday, but today, I did some dishes. I didn't get my incisions wet, don't worry, but it about killed me. I felt like I had been in a battle. Anyway. no post-op exercises, just to rub around the incisions to break up scar tissue. I would really like my strength back as quickly as possible so I can go to work! Thanks again! 😊

[@christine8262]

Three weeks after surgery and they want 150 to start PT. Glad I found this. I had been doing a few since the end of the first week of the ones you showed but the last two exercises will get me back to work in a week I pray. CA disability only pays half. Thanks guys.

[@jeanneroberts2672]

I called to set up my PT, it is one week after carpal tunnel surgery. The soonest they could see me was Dec. 6...2 1/2 weeks from now! Thank you Bob and Brad, I now have my exercises and don't have to drive through town, and most importantly, I started exercises Today!! Thanks so Much!!! Sincerely, Jeanne Marie

[@dawson196400]

Just had both hands done (Day 5 now) and feel like its about time to start on my therapy thank you Bob and Brad

[@greendragonflyz]

This is great. Thanks guys. I have OT but both the therapists I've seen are pretty lacking in the kinds of exercises and information. I love your videos and am benefiting greatly.

[@lindaludvigson5866]

Had the surgery on my dominant hand 2 wks ago tomorrow. Dr. said there were no restrictions other than not putting wrist down when I type. That was a Thursday and I went back to work on Monday. I do a lot of work on computer keyboard. I rolled a towel under my wrist for support. Had to ice that night, but was typing just fine the following day w/o anymore pain. Stitches came out yesterday and I wasn't given any exercises or further instruction other than to wait 48 hrs before putting any cream/lotion on it. I came across your video tonight. I have been able to do those movements in your video and will continue so I can build up strength and (hopefully) lessen any scar tissue. Thanks!

[@allegedartist]

These are great, thank you. I live alone so my surgeon is doing the carpal tunnel surgery on my hands one at a time, with just three days off work after surgery. My dominant hand went first, and while the first day was bewildering, it’s now day three and I can already write and use a knife. I attribute this to your exercises, cleaning/rebandaging every evening, and constant elevation (hand in air with oven mitt on!)...and I’m ready to go back to work tomorrow.

[@Abigailyn69]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

[@indayjhochannel603]

Thank you sir, i can use it, just finished my CTC and it helps me for this pandemic now

[@19watchman48]

Thank you gentlemen, most helpful.

[@jackiefretz5419]

Thankyou! I had the surgery 4 days ago and needed some exercise ideas, this is great and I will be doing them all!

[@semsemmoi9534]

I had th surgery 2 months ago but i steel have the same pine as befor How was your jurny after the surgery ??

[@dennishenize2123]

Thank you. These exercises look very sensible. I’m having CTS release surgery and ulnar nerve release (same side) together next week, and the other side later. I let my problems go too long and have had significant muscle wasting in my hands. According to what I’ve read, I shouldn’t expect those muscles to come back much, but I hope surgery halts the progress

[@gppoem3344]

Always a great video

[@amy3757]

Thank you so much. I have received more help and information from you than I have the Dr who operated on me.

[@maryd217]

As a Massage Therapist preparing to go back to work after bilateral CT surgery, I was given these (and other) exercises for my rehab. I can say they DO work, but be consistent. Progress is slow, but constant. I'm at the 10 and 11 week post-op point. Still a little tender in both hands, but SO ready to get back to work!

[@FreshKeys628]

Mary Fitzgerald s

[@1967Marijo]

Going to have surgery in 3weeks and from my pre op visit I will not have any PT ordered . This exercises you’ve shared will certainly be a life saver in order for me to return to work sooner than later...thank you!

[@lydiagudgel5679]

excellent information. I had corporal last surgery last month and when the coronavirus hit they were longer seeing patients. I have yet to recieve any excerises I can do at home. This gave me the basics and I am truly thankful. I had ulnar surgery in the left elbow also. the same day. I am just making up stretch exercises for it.

[@hilariogonzalez2558]

thank you, bob and brad, I'm going to start today let everyone know results

[@brettliddle4061]

Thanks guys - appreciate the video ---

[@mauitropicalsunsets]

You guys are the best. Love watching you and you sessions.

[@BobandBrad]

Thank you for your support, we hope we are helping.

[@bresmith]

Thanks guys.

[@revchantel1]

Thank you! I'm 4 weeks postop and still have not gotten insurance approval for therapy. This is a tremendous help!!

[@sarahclopine]

I just had the surgery two weeks ago on Tuesday this is amazing

[@tempestnow]

Thanks guys! After CT surgery, my doctor told me to get PT 2x week for 4 weeks. Being a teacher I am unable to take that much time off (none of the therapists in my area are opened late hours). I've been using your exercises and they have helped a lot! Definitely seeing improvement in strength and extension. Hopefully I will get to see a PT this week (its Spring Break!)

[@cuisineallfuntravelnetwork8615]

Did you feel best on your ct surgery now ?

[@sunrayrule]

It's the Click and Clack of Physical Therapy, thanks guys, 24 hours post op and I'm on it thanks to this video. I'm not really sensing a lot of pain but then I did have bilateral Knee surgery so....

[@freddyproductions1349]

Thank you kindly sirs! Just had my right wrist done this past week. 💪

[@TheWeek42]

just had mine done no pain ,no pain killers needed .

[@modernmozart813]

Tanks ,I had done my R.H. three days ago.

[@lorifodor6462]

I had surgery July 2018 and I wasn't told any of this. So glad I found you. I will start these exercises today. Thank you for sharing.

[@rakeshv2919]

May I ask how are you feeling now. Even I had same surgery in Feb 2019 and surgeon hasn't told any of these exercises. I'm experiencing pain still. Advice pls.

[@elizabethrose9364]

I wasn’t either.

[@kimberlysmith3790]

I absolutely love you guys. I had carpal tunnel surgery 2 wks ago. I'll be doing these exercises all the time now. Love all your content.

[@cristinaureliandima7663]

Hi I'm Cris from NYC. I had carpal tunnel surgery a week ago and I'm not sure when I can start PT.

[@chanelarnold4430]

Very Helpful.

[@thehighpriestess8431]

You are both wonderful and fun! Thank you ! Edit: Any advice for people with cervical stenosis

[@amiereisinger9921]

Thank you so very much. I never went to physical therapy and I’m six weeks post surgery and this is everything I needed.

[@zguerrera5555]

Six week, how are you feeling.?

[@zguerrera5555]

My is 2 1/2 weeks I’m in pain still don’t have good coordinations

[@wallymas]

Thanks for the info you guys are grate

[@cherylhenderson1154]

Thank you 😊

[@ronnierebhan229]

Thank you

[@MH7_256]

Thank you 🙏

[@veracredit6583]

THANK YOU 🙏

[@bitchy5050]

Very helpful for my carpal tunnel surgery release 😀

[@kalidreamin8830]

These are great!!!!!

[@kamenwaticlients]

This is great. I pretty got no instruction except icing it. No I have scar tissue developing not sure what to do about that.

[@savannahnickel1041]

Thankyou for this! I wasn't given many instructions and I'm quite sore

[@brennaarthur2173]

Thank you. I wasnt given anything and I had the surgery in both my hands in the beginning of April. This really grlps.

[@cathleenmargaret6622]

can't imagine having both done at the same time. Good luck to you!

[@kathybohne2485]

First week after CT surgery I talked with my Physical Therapist. Asked the PT clinic that I was going to about PT for Post Op CT surgery. The therapist blew me off and said they don't really do PT for CT. My surgeries were June 10, 2022 and July 14, 2022. Wow, tight tendons and pain so I went to another PT Clinic after seeing you guys on KZbin. Wish I had found your website right away! I'm suffering for it now! Doing the exercises you showed and similar ones with my new physical therapist.

[@ornindil]

Yeah when I got my stitches out 2 weeks ago I asked if I would be going to PT she said no we never to that. Ugh So glad I found this video.

[@residentboejiden5796]

Might need it done again? I was told with my age when i got mine(28) that i would live long enough for it to be done again. I asked how do they know that cause … they just said they have a feeling

[@rose201112]

Thank you so much its very helpfull

[@josephschauster3689]

Thanks for your info. I just had surgery on my hand with CT 3 weeks ago. I did not have physical therapy after my surgery.

[@313girl5]

Thank you so much. Going to do these every day, a few times a day. 2 questions...1. Is it normal for your wrist to not want to go back very far at the beginning? 2. Any suggestions for what to do for Pillar Pain relief?

[@KT-yd1ov]

Thank you for this helpful video I had my surgery ten days ago and had the stitches removed today my hand feels pretty heavy and weak I have just stared doing the exercises you have shown.

[@neelampanjwani88]

Very nice

[@annemwalton2585]

Thanks, guys! I too had surgery with no post op instructions other than to massage the incision to prevent scar tissue. This is really helpful!

[@stevet2892]

+Anne M Walton There are many components to treating carpal tunnel syndrome naturally. One resource I found that successfully combines these is the Dariks pain destroyer (google it if you're interested) it's the most incredible guide that I have ever heard of. Check out all the super info .

[@karinwest919]

I was not even adviced of the scar tissue problem. It may be too late for me know. Not happy.

[@peraperic4118]

here's a few ideas for exercises to cure carpal tunnel syndrome pain Do stretches - the pain is casued by tension in the nerve get the advice of experts as it can lead to permanent damage (I discovered these and the reasons they work on Dariks pain destroyer site )

[@lorifodor6462]

I was told the same thing Anne. Time for me to start these exercises cause massaging it is not doing a thing.

[@christine8262]

I didnt either.. I always massage bruises and whatnot so this was not to painful wished i had not wasted time " looking " for PT but looked this up instead i would probably be back to work.

[@neelampanjwani88]

Thanks

[@dvkerns]

Great tips. I found that placing palms flat on a table and slowly (cautiously) leaning forward with some body weight was a great way to get the stretch you detailed at around the 1:45 mark. You can do the same thing sitting in a chair and placing your palms flat as you would to lift yourself up and out of the chair, only don't... just push and let things stretch and as you said, "bump up against the pain".

[@rabeeshkt9762]

May I get your fb to contact

[@sherriemaddick9386]

thanks so much, I am 3 weeks out, and noticed lack of strength I will start these now!

[@alejandrosanchez9244]

I've been investigating treating carpal tunnel syndrome naturally and found an awesome website at Dariks Pain Destroyer (check it out on google)

[@jodiemeschke6889]

I am 3 days post op (2/14/2018) and have been slowly moving my fingers some. I will be adding these exercises starting today to help speed my recovery along. Thank you for sharing.

[@rebellucy5610]

What is your progress a year later? Strength issues?

[@7ValerieNelson7]

do you have any exercises for numbness and tingling that goes down the arm and into the hand? Thanks your videos have helped me a lot thru the years

[@kendyjohnson2660]

Thank u both so much. I had a great doctor... almost no pain at all. However, I was only instructed to bend my fingers, my wrist & make a loose fist... several times a day. So.... I had no idea about flexibility & strength & breaking scar tissue... etc. Since doing your excercises.... everything has improved. Thanks for sharing!!!!! 🙂

[@rabeeshkt9762]

May I have ur contact info

[@ingridcollins5923]

Thank you so much

[@Zoomem6mmi]

You guys are hilarious! I dont know if on purpose or no, but i have my operation next week and will do these exercises. Cheers mates :)

[@imchef17]

you guys are awesome xo

[@cathydraws7787]

I just had carpal tunnel surgery and I still have another 9 days to go before I am scheduled to get the stitches out... But before the surgery they had me working with silly putty to keep it moving. Make sure you wash your hands first to keep the putty clean... These exercises you show are dead on as to the rehab I was doing before and now because of this and osteomyelitis on one leg and total knee replacement on the other I'm no stranger to physical therapy and how much it improves your quality of life you wish to regain after any surgery.

[@ginaaragon5779]

Thank you for creating this video, I will strive to do these exercises vigorously. I had my release in early October and haven't regained a whole lot of improvement as I had with my left release. Since I prolonged the right release (7 years from diagnosis)I understand it will take much longer to recover. At what point do I throw the towel and return to the surgeon?

[@loveistheonlyword]

Bob and Brad. I would love an exercise set geared towards those of us sitting at a desk all day. Arms and shoulder exercises to maintain flexibility and strength in our upper extremities. Thanks!

[@pinafollano7507]

Thanks for this. I also had some nerve surgery in the same arm & there's a lot of scar tissue in the fold of my elbow & just below my entire arm still hurts & I can't do much. If you can help let me know. God bless you both 🙏

[@DLSheaux]

Thank you. Just had surgery 2 weeks ago. I'm feeling ok, but my hand is weak. and twisting is painful still. I'm going to try the exercises you suggest.

[@obcdeat]

old video but man this is helping so much, had alot of nerve damage in my and elbow. I cant even hold a half gallon of milk. Right and surgery is next month and hope my hand is good enough to use by then

[@Rachel-ho9kx]

Thank you for these exercises. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for the Pillar pain associated with post op recovery? (aside from returning to the dr of course)

[@snoodlegirl1794]

Omg that’s me after week I’m glad I know about u

[@unicehays4972]

Thank you. I had surgery on my left hand 12/2019 everything ok. I just had my right hand done 3 wks ago and I'm in pain. The answer they gave me was that its swollen inside. The pain is on the side not even on the incisión. I started the exercises. Hopefully they help me. THANK YOU

[@GlynisDance]

Thank you Bob and Brad! I had surgery on both wrists over a year ago, with no post op instructions at all. I have only just realised that there are carpal tunnel exercises and have started doing them now - is that still worthwhile? I still get some pain in my right wrist/hand (nothing as bad as it was, and I certainly don't want to go there either).

[@physioweng]

Very informative channel! Would be perfect if the sound quality is improved. Keep up the good work, most famous physical therapists on the internet!

[@brianong8491]

+Kar Weng carpal tunnel syndrome self-treatment... visit here ==> www.carpaltunnelmaster.tumblr.com

[@milosdincic1523]

+Kar Weng hey ,if anyone else wants to discover home treatment for carpal tunnel try Niposcu Tunnel Remedy Adviser (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got great success with it.

[@betlogboy3]

wow.. just tried that cLaw movement.. just a few reps made my hands pretty tired. thanks though.will keep this up.

[@milliejohnson8932]

I did ha d exercises before surgery. I used play doe and also a rubber band on my fingers in and out as I placed it on my finger tips even the thumb . The ball works too. .

[@424Sweetpea]

These guys are the Statler and Waldorf of PT exercises and I’m here for it🤣

[@JJTHEGAMEJJ]

Thanks a lot

[@BobandBrad]

You're welcome!

[@jmb22521]

Wow thanks, my doctor told me no PT recommended. I found that odd. I have had carpal tunnel for over 20 years. I am so glad I finally had the surgery! I was only doing the finger touch, and found my hands and Palm throbbing lately (I am not quite 4 weeks out on right hand and 3 weeks on left). Thanks for this info, I am hoping the throbbing gets better. Any other suggestions? It seems as if I have shooting pains or pin needle pain, not numbness or tingling in my fingers, more so the area between thumb and first finger. Thank you guys!!!!!

[@kthup]

I have surgery on Tuesday so this will be very helpful thank you I do need to get my other hand done later date!

[@BobandBrad]

Hope your surgery goes well!

[@kthup]

Physical Therapy Video Thanks :)

[@jbanks4375]

What about the thumb? having trouble there.

[@catherinelaing7770]

Thanks for the advice for physio just had carpol tunnel done on right hand 25th Aug 2019. I asked if I would need physio got told no from nurse. But I have been moving fingers and the fist but still have tingling sensation on one finger next to my pinky will that go away. I go back to clinic on 25th Oct will see how goes until then thanks for exercising to do.

[@CeciliaRogers]

I, like make others, wasn't given any sort of post op care. In fact my surgeon said I could return to normal daily activities the day of surgery. While I don't question his expertise, I do wonder why there are such vast differences in after care? Thank you for the exercises.

[@randibrown2716]

I had the carpal tunnel revision surgery. I will be doing these. Can you do a video on how to stretching and exercises for the back of the hand. The tendon on the back of my other hand is swollen and tight

[@lminor7]

Hey thanks guys. I will try these exercises. I had CTS right hand surgery just over three months ago and my right wrist is still weak. I'm a pianist and after playing a short time the weakness becomes painful. Although the doc was great, I was given no post op instruction. The carpal tunnel symptoms are gone now but my right wrist almost always feels weak or in pain. Do you think compression gloves would help? Or working with weights? Thanks again for the PT lesson :)

[@johnstonwalker1712]

Thank you. Myright forefinger will not bend straight and goes to the right and has no strenght. I find it difficult to use the thumb or forefinger. As Covid was on l could not have an op quick enough and the muscle is really wasted. Hardly able to write

[@lisajanefox]

Thank you for these exercises. I'm going to start doing them daily. I had surgery on my right hand 8 months ago and on my left hand 5 months ago. The right hand has been bothering me with stiff fingers. My surgeon didn't give me any exercises to do- he said to take Aleve and I don't want to just take pills. I'm going to do your suggested exercises every day. Thank you again!

[@funnykids2147]

I've been researching exercises to lessen carpal tunnel syndrome pain and discovered an awesome website at Dariks Pain Destroyer (check it out on google)

[@DraganDangubic]

There are a few suggestions for treating carpal tunnel syndrome naturally Do stretches - the pain is casued by tension in the nerve get expert advice or long term effects can occur (I discovered these and why they work on Dariks pain destroyer site )