Achieving a balance between mobilization and immobilization after surgical or conservative treatment of the hand.
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
41696776
Abstract
Maintaining an appropriate balance between mobilization and immobilization is a central challenge in hand rehabilitation and has a decisive impact on tissue healing, functional recovery and patient outcomes. This narrative review examines the concept of balance in the hand by outlining risks that threaten this balance, reviewing the available evidence comparing mobilization and immobilization strategies, and highlighting the strength of the evidence and existing research gaps. The practical achievement of balance is explored with particular emphasis on the timing of mobilization, effective communication among clinicians and patients, and the maintenance of balance throughout the rehabilitation process. Three clinical case reports are included to illustrate how hand therapists navigate the daily challenge of adapting rehabilitation strategies to evolving biological, functional and contextual factors. The review further addresses how much balance is sufficient, how balance can be maintained after formal rehabilitation and the longer-term implications for hand function and participation. Successful rehabilitation in hand care relies on individualized, collaborative decision-making involving the therapist, surgeon and patient, and the patient's environment, with the overarching goal of optimizing functional outcomes while minimizing complications.Level of evidence: V.
Date Issued
2026-06
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
Individualized decision-making
•
hand rehabilitation
•
monitoring strategies
•
risks of imbalance
•
timing
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Kammermann, Patricia Lea | |
Taylor, Alison | |
von Haller, Marianne |
Additional Credits
Journal
Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
Publisher
SAGE Publications
ISSN
2043-6289
1753-1934
Access(Rights)
metadata.only