Complete Physio

Wondering when it's time for Dupuytren's surgery? 🖐️

Specialist hand therapist Jennifer Parr shares what patients tell her before they go for surgery:

1️⃣ Their grip is affected
2️⃣ They can't put their hands in their pockets
3️⃣ Their fingers get caught when they're trying to do things
4️⃣ Money falls out when they take it, because they haven't got enough movement

It can be quite debilitating and get in the way of normal, everyday activity.

Struggling with your hand? Book with Complete Physio at complete-physio.co.uk 📍 London
https://www.complete-physio.co.uk

Should you stretch Dupuytren's contracture? 🖐️

Specialist hand therapist Jennifer Parr explains why hand therapists don't even tend to stretch it.

There was some evidence a few years ago that stretching the fibres actually causes micro trauma. That then causes more scarring, so it can actually make the contractures a bit worse.

Instead, the focus is on working within the range of movement you've got.

Got Dupuytren's and not sure what to do? Book with Complete Physio at complete-physio.co.uk 📍 London
https://www.complete-physio.co.uk

Why wear a hand splint every night after Dupuytren's surgery? 🌙

Specialist hand therapist Jennifer Parr explains: the splint goes on overnight for about three months, because that's when scar healing starts to mature. Before that, there's a risk of the scar tissue contracting, and the splint stops you squeezing your hand overnight.

Her simple rules:
1️⃣ Wear the splint overnight for about three months
2️⃣ Take it off during the day and move your fingers
3️⃣ If your fingers aren't as straight as they were, put it back on for a period to rest

Recovering from hand surgery? Book specialist hand therapy at complete-physio.co.uk 📍 London
https://www.complete-physio.co.uk

Got holidays or a ski trip coming up? Read this before you book Dupuytren's surgery. ✈️

After surgery you need a 3-month block where nothing gets in the way of:
✅ Your hand therapy appointments
✅ Being reviewed by your surgeon
✅ Time to do your exercises

Specialist hand therapist Jennifer Parr explains why. Virtual appointments help, but a wound dressing change can't be done on a video call. Plan to stick around for at least 6 weeks after the operation, because the first 6 weeks are crucial for the outcome.

Planning hand surgery? Book with Complete Physio at complete-physio.co.uk 📍 London
https://www.complete-physio.co.uk

Back to the gym after hand surgery? 🏋️

It depends on your range of movement. If you've got full grip, your hand therapist will assess your grip strength from around the six-week mark and compare it to the other side.

Specialist hand therapist Jennifer Parr explains the usual timeline:

1️⃣ Grip check from about 6 weeks
2️⃣ Light weights from around 8 weeks
3️⃣ Really heavy deadlifts: wait a bit longer, or use straps to help

Need hand therapy after surgery? Book with Complete Physio at complete-physio.co.uk 📍 London
https://www.complete-physio.co.uk

Some snaps from our recent CPD session with Jarrod Antlick, PhD candidate specialising in Achilles tendons. The session explored the latest research around conservatively and surgically managed Achilles tendon injuries, looking at how current evidence can inform assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. We then put the theory into practice with a hands-on masterclass covering clinical assessment and diagnostic ultrasound evaluation with one of our patients. A brilliant opportunity for the Complete Physio team to share knowledge, refine our clinical skills and make sure the care we provide continues to reflect the latest evidence. 🙌 A big thank you to Jarrod for sharing his expertise — and to our patient for taking part and kindly consenting to the footage being shared.

Internal training on force plates which we use as part of our performance and sports injury assessments