Peripheral nerves regenerate slowly — often cited around 1 mm per day after the repair site or injury zone, with wide individual variation. Therapy protects the nerve, maintains joint mobility, and retrains sensation and motor control as axons recover.
Therapy priorities
- Orthoses to prevent clawing or wrist drop while waiting for motor return
- Range-of-motion exercise so joints do not freeze during paralysis
- Sensory re-education and desensitisation for hypersensitivity
- Compensatory strategies for safety (heat/cold awareness) when sensation is reduced
- Graded motor strengthening when voluntary control returns
Patience and monitoring
Full recovery is not guaranteed, especially with wide gaps, delayed repair, or older age. Regular reassessment tracks Tinel progression, muscle grades, and function so the plan can adapt.
Educational information only. It does not replace assessment by a qualified clinician. Seek urgent care for severe pain, infection signs, sudden loss of sensation, or circulation changes.
Need hand therapy in Sri Lanka? REKA offers sessions at Asiri Hospital Galle, Delta Hospital Ambalangoda, Hemas Hospital Thalawathugoda, and Ruhunu Hospital channeling. Book via doc.lk, eChannelling (D12278), WhatsApp, or the contact form on handtherapy.lk.