My 82-year old mother cut the tendon that bends her middle finger. She wore a cast after the doctor sewed the tendon back together. Now she's to gently bend and straighten her finger using her other hand. If she is not using the muscles to do the work, how can she expect to improve?

Studies have repeatedly shown that early passive range of motion (using the other hand to move the finger) speeds healing. It is not exactly known why this works. New information is available that shows applying a force to a newly repaired tendon is not any better than the passive movements the doctor recommended. And actively moving the tendon too soon after the operation can harm the tendon. Your mother should follow her surgeon's advice closely.

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