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Patient profile · Acute & unclear

Stiffness after a cast or splint

Your cast or splint just came off and your hand feels stiff and weak.

Plain-language guide to regaining motion after immobilization. Tendon glides, blocking, edema control, and frequency-over-force programming.

Who it fits

People this profile usually fits

  • Recently removed cast or splint
  • Stiff fingers or wrist, mild swelling
  • Cleared for active motion

What recovery often looks like

Phases and themes

  • Frequent short mobility sessions beat one long session.
  • Tendon glides, joint blocking, and thumb opposition restore active motion.
  • Strength is added after motion and symptoms are stable.

How the plan adapts

Defaults and safety rails for this profile

  • Builds short, frequent mobility blocks.
  • Holds heavy resistance until swelling settles.
  • Tracks fingertip-to-palm progress per digit.

Guided library

Exercises commonly tied to this profile’s diagnoses

From the in-app catalog for education — not an individualized prescription. Skip moves your clinician has ruled out.

Flares, workload & warnings

How HandTherapy.app adapts logic for this profile

  • Flares: standard calm-down rules apply — see Flare-up mode in the app navigation.
  • Workload: use Safety & overexercise prevention for daily readiness pacing.

Use Flare-up mode after a rough session and Safety for daily readiness pacing.

Condition programs

Regimen hubs that often pair with this profile

Structured education tracks — not a substitute for your clinician's protocol. Open a hub to read phases and equipment ideas.

Sources

Cited educational references