Physical Therapy Routine for Flexor Tendon Damage
Tendons connect muscles to bones. The tendons located on your hand's palm side are responsible for bending your fingers and are termed flexor tendons, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Tendons connect muscles to bones. The tendons located on your hand's palm side are responsible for bending your fingers and are termed flexor tendons, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A physical therapy routine for flexor tendon damage helps soften scar tissue, increases finger flexibility and improves overall hand functioning. Since not all exercises may be appropriate for your individual condition, consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise.
Grip Enhancers
Flexor tendon damage can result in loss of gripping capability. Including grip strengthening exercises as part of your physical therapy routine will help, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Sit upright in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Place your injured arm on your thigh for extra support, if needed. Place a tennis ball or similar-sized piece of putty into the palm of your injured hand. While sitting upright, gently and firmly squeeze the item. Hold the squeeze for eight seconds. Release the tension and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do this exercise throughout the day.
Pick Ups
Increase your hand's functioning by including pick-up exercises as part of your physical therapy routine for flexor tendon damage, according to Ohio State University Medical Center. Sit at a table, placing your injured arm in front of you. Place a tennis ball onto the table in front of you. Use your injured hand to pick up the ball. Hold the ball for six seconds. Release the grip and return the ball to the table. Relax your hand 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. As you become stronger, pick up smaller items such as marbles, small rubber balls or baby carrots.
Crumblers
Strengthen and stretch your finger muscles by including some crumbling exercises in your physical therapy routine for flexor tendon damage, according to Ohio State University Medical Center. Sit upright at a table. Place a piece of paper in front of you. Place your hand onto the edge of paper closest to you. Slowly and gently start crumbling up the paper until you form a ball. Hold the crumbled ball for eight seconds. Release the tension and relax 10 seconds. Do the exercise again with a fresh sheet of paper. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Finger Bends
You need to increase your finger's ability to bend in order to properly rehabilitate your flexor tendon. Performing some gentle finger bends will accomplish this goal. Gently bend the fingers of your injured hand toward your palm. Do not bend your first knuckles while doing this maneuver. Hold this position for eight seconds. Slowly return your fingers to the original position. Open your fingers as wide as possible. Release this position and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.