Trigger finger and thumb release
Trigger Finger/Thumb Release Surgery
Patient Information
Therapy Department
Author ID: PG
Leaflet ref: Tpy 007
Version: 3
Leaflet title: Trigger Finger/Thumb Release Surgery
Date Produced: November 2025
Expiry Date: November 2027
Introduction
This leaflet is to provide advice and exercises following your trigger release surgery.
What should I do for the best results?
- Use your hand for light activities as comfortable to do so.
- Avoid excessive weight-bearing through the hand and wrist, repetitive gripping, and heavy lifting for 6 weeks after the surgery.
- You should not drive until the stitches have been removed and the wound has healed. Then you have to be certain you have sufficient strength and control to do so safely.
- Once the stitches have been removed and the wound has healed you can consider returning to work. This will be dependent on the type of job you do.
Scar Care
When your wound has healed and is dry it is important to start massage.
To do this you should use unscented moisturising cream. Apply a gentle pressure to the length of the scar 3 – 4 times a day for a few minutes each time. This will help the scar to heal, flatten and will reduce any tenderness.
Some people experience increased sensitivity of the scar which can be unpleasant. To desensitise the area, you should continue with scar massage and practice touching the area with different textures using different pressures.
Expectations
It is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling following this surgery.
If you experience any of the following in the weeks after your surgery, please contact us:
- Persistent pain, swelling or scar sensitivity
- Significant stiffness in the wrist and/or fingers
- Inability to straighten the fingers out fully
- Inability to use the hand for daily tasks.
Exercises
None of the exercises should be significantly painful. However it is normal to experience some discomfort during the exercises
Aim to practice the exercises 3 to 4 times a day, between 5 and 10 repetitions of each as comfortable.
If you feel you have done too many, rest the hand until it feels comfortable and slowly build up the exercises again.
Tendon Gliding Exercises
The following sequence is one repetition for the finger tendons.
Isolated Tendon Gliding
Using your other hand
Gently push your fingers or thumb
towards your palm using your
other hand.
If you have any questions about your rehabilitation programme or this leaflet, please contact your therapist.
Contact details:
Wrightington Therapy Department
01257 488272
Open 08:00-16.30 Monday to Friday
Leigh Health Centre
Therapy Department
0300 707 1597
Open 08:00-16.30 Monday to Friday
Boston House
0300 707 1113
Open 08:00-16.30 Monday to Friday
Ward One
Monday to Friday 7:30am until 8pm01257 256272
Male Bay 01257 256550
Female Bay 01257 256551
Outpatient appointments
01257 256222 or 01257 256241