After a flexor tendon repair in the hand, what is the primary goal of occupational therapy?

Study for the NBCOT Hand Injuries and Intervention Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

After a flexor tendon repair in the hand, the goal of therapy is to protect the repair while promoting tendon glide to minimize adhesions. The repaired tendon is delicate, so movements are carefully graded to avoid stressing the repair, yet still allow the tendon to glide within its sheath to prevent scar tissue from locking the finger. This guarded, guided motion helps maintain tendon excursion and improves eventual range of motion and function. Immobilization alone often leads to adhesions and stiffness, whereas trying to move too aggressively or delaying motion too long can jeopardize both healing and mobility. Strengthening and more demanding loading are introduced later, once the repair has healed sufficiently to tolerate it.