Effectiveness of Occupation-Based Exercise Program in Zone 2 Flexor Tendon Injuries

In the occupation-based exercise program, while trying to improve the range of motion and muscle strength of the hand, it is aimed to successfully return to daily life activities. For this reason daily activities are used instead of memorized range movements. In this way, the occupation-based exercise program provides a physical recovery in patients with hand injuries, while providing positive improvements in parameters related to the mind and spirit. Patients' participation, motivation and compliance with the treatment are increased in the hand rehabilitation process, which can be challenging for patients.

In addition to the conventional treatment program, the study/experimental group, will be given occupation-based exercises for a total of 4 weeks between the 6th and 10th weeks postoperatively, 2 days a week with a physiotherapist and the other days with a home program.

Conventional group treatment will be according the early passive hand rehabilitation program. Conventional group will be followed with a cast-splint made by the surgical team for the first 4 weeks within the scope of the conventional treatment program. From the 4th week onwards, the duration of splint use is gradually reduced and is completely discontinued from the 6th week onwards. At the end of the 4th week, depending on the wound condition, contrast bath, scar massage, retrograde massage, active and passive flexion, active extension and tendon shifting exercises are applied as tolerated. After the 6th week, isolated block exercises and stretching exercises are added if there is contracture. Strengthening exercises are started from the 8th-10th week.