Recovering from hand surgery

[evangeline]

I had surgery on both hands a week ago, and I am eager to regain their full use as soon as possible. Has anyone here had this experience, and what did you do to help your recovery?

With hands bandaged but fingers exposed, I began playing some simple 5-finger exercises the day after surgery, since I was instructed to start moving them as soon as possible.  Today I removed the heavy bandages, and I have begun playing some repertory.

Before surgery, I had lost the capacity to stretch an octave between thumb and 4th finger of each hand, because of injury to the tendons. When I would try to close my hand, the 4th finger would snap into a curled position, and remain that way until I used the opposite hand to unfold it. Happily, this has been corrected, and  my stretch has been restored, although I am avoiding too much octave playing until the sutures are removed from my palms.  

I find this experience has its rewards! I have a keener appreciation for my art, and a renewed commitment and dedication to learning new repertory. So I am definitely not looking for any sympathy here, only a chance to learn what has helped others who have resumed playing piano after hand surgery or other types of hand injuries.

Thank you,

Evangeline

[janice]

How far are you able to stretch right now? Are your fingers stiff? Are you able to play loud?  What is causing you the most trouble?  Has your doctor suggested therapy for you?  You would need to see an 'occupational therapist' (as opposed to a 'physical therapist').  

Also, try doing a web search:type in "closed-chain exercises" and "open-chain exercises".  These mainly apply to larger muscles, but you might find something.  

Hope this will start you off in the right direction!