Depending on the patient's age, condition, and severity of symptoms, a typical postoperative regimen will last four to eight visits, he said. The rehabilitant is then typically sent home with a prescribed home treatment exercise program. Heavy use of the hands should be avoided for at least four weeks postop, Maddy said. While some residual swelling and lingering numbness in the finger and palm can be experienced, Sparagna sees minimal complications, and in five years of working with postoperative CTS patients, reports overwhelmingly positive results with CTS surgery. But complications can include infection, scarring, pain and stiffness.
Every case is different.
Some people see relief right away, and some may not for months. But for the most part, the surgery will return a degree of sensation and strength and relieve the pain. Age, occupation and extent of CTS symptoms all factor into how successful the procedure, and subsequent rehab, will be, she said. Patient Education Vital to any postoperative CTS rehab program is ensuring that the damaging behaviors that caused the condition in the first place are modified. Sparagna and Maddy will stress the importance of proper posture, keeping wrists in a neutral position, periodic breaks to rest and stretch, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.