Surgery
Aftercare
Surgery is only the first step. What happens in the weeks and months that follow determines how much movement, strength and function you recover. Ms Razo provides specialist rehabilitation after hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery.
The operation is
half the story
A successful surgical outcome depends as much on the quality of rehabilitation that follows as on the procedure itself. Without specialist post-operative Hand Therapy, even technically excellent surgery can result in stiffness, weakness and permanent loss of function.
Ms Razo works closely with surgeons across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK to provide structured, evidence-based rehabilitation following all types of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery. Self-referrals and referrals from surgeons are welcome with same-week appointments are typically available.
Joints that are immobilised after surgery stiffen quickly. Early controlled movement, guided by a specialist, prevents contractures from becoming established and difficult to reverse.
Rehabilitation must be appropriate to what was done surgically. Ms Razo works within the parameters set by the operating surgeon to mobilise early without compromising healing.
Post-operative oedema and pain can limit recovery if not addressed. Specialist techniques reduce swelling, manage scar tissue and keep the hand and upper limb comfortable throughout rehabilitation.
Regaining movement is only part of the picture. A structured reconditioning programme rebuilds the muscle power and endurance required to return to work, sport and daily life.
Surgical scars on the hand and upper limb can tighten, become sensitive and restrict movement if not treated. Ms Razo provides specialist scar management from the point of wound closure.
Post-operative orthoses protect healing structures, position joints correctly and are adjusted as recovery progresses. Ms Razo fabricates bespoke, thermoplastic splints tailored to each patient's surgery and rehabilitation stage.
Hand, wrist, elbow
and shoulder
Ms Razo provides post-operative rehabilitation following a wide range of procedures across the hand and upper limb. If your surgery is not listed, get in touch to discuss whether she can help.
- Tendon repair (flexor and extensor)
- Dupuytren's contracture release
- Trigger finger & trigger thumb release
- Carpal tunnel decompression
- Thumb and finger joint replacement
- Hand fracture fixation
- Nerve repair and reconstruction
- Finger and partial hand amputation
- Distal radius fracture fixation
- Scaphoid fixation
- TFCC repair
- Scapholunate ligament reconstruction
- Wrist fusion
- Wrist joint replacement
- Ganglion excision
- deQuervain's release
- Tennis elbow release
- Ulnar nerve transposition (cubital tunnel syndrome)
- Elbow fracture fixation
- Elbow dislocation repair
- Total elbow replacement
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Olecranon bursectomy
- Elbow joint debridement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder stabilisation
- Acromioplasty
- Total and reverse shoulder replacement
- Biceps tenodesis
- Shoulder fracture fixation
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- AC joint reconstruction
When should rehabilitation
begin?
The timing of rehabilitation depends on the type of surgery performed and the instructions of the operating surgeon. As a general principle, earlier is better. Ms Razo can often begin rehabilitation within days of surgery, working within the post-operative guideline provided by your surgeon.
If you have been discharged following surgery without a referral for Hand Therapy, or if you feel your recovery has stalled, you can self-refer directly to Ms Razo. You do not need to wait for a referral from your surgeon or GP. Find out what to expect from a specialist assessment
Post-Operative
FAQs
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This depends on the type of surgery performed. Some procedures such as carpal tunnel decompression or trigger finger release may require only a few weeks of guided rehabilitation. More complex procedures such as tendon repair, fracture fixation or joint replacement typically require a longer course of treatment spanning several months. Ms Razo will discuss a realistic timeline based on your specific procedure during your appointment and keep you updated.
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No. You can self-refer directly to Ms Razo for post-operative rehabilitation. If your surgeon has provided a referral, post-operative guidelines or protocol, please bring this to your first appointment. If you have been discharged without a rehabilitation plan, Ms Razo can assess where you are and build a programme based on the procedure performed.
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As a general principle, earlier is better. For many procedures, rehabilitation can begin within days of surgery. Delaying rehabilitation risks stiffness, scar adhesions and prolonged weakness. If you are unsure whether it is too early or too late to start, contact the clinic and Ms Razo can advise. Ms Razo is also an advocate for prehabilitation. This ensures you are at your best going into a planned operation that will help recovery following surgery.
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Treatment is tailored to the surgery performed and can include wound care, custom splinting, scar and swelling management, controlled mobilisation, therapeutic exercise plus graded strengthening. Ms Razo adjusts your programme at each session based on how you are healing and how function is progressing.
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Yes. It is not uncommon for patients to reach a plateau after surgery, particularly if early rehabilitation was limited or absent. Ms Razo regularly treats patients who have been discharged from public sector services but have not regained full function. A specialist assessment can identify what is holding recovery back and whether further improvement is achievable.
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This varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Straightforward surgeries may require as little as two to six sessions. Complex hand and wrist surgeries such as amputations, tendon repairs or fractures may require ongoing support and management over several months. Ms Razo will outline an expected treatment plan at the initial consultation.
Recovering from complex trauma or amputation? Complex trauma rehabilitation
Had surgery?
Do not leave your recovery to chance
Same-week appointments are usually available. Ms Razo accepts self-referrals and surgeon referrals for post-operative rehabilitation across all hand and upper limb procedures.