Your Recovery Starts Here
Thank you for choosing Peak Orthopaedics.
The Peak Recovery Guide has been developed by Mr Francis Ting to help you understand your carpal tunnel release, recovery and rehabilitation.
It complements the information discussed during your consultation and provides a convenient reference throughout your recovery. While every patient's journey is unique, this guide outlines what you can generally expect before, during and after surgery.
Use the sections below to learn more about each stage of your recovery.
Your Operation – What to expect before, during and after surgery.
Recovery Timeline – A general guide to your recovery milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to common questions after surgery.
Important Information – When to contact us and when to seek urgent medical attention.
Your Operation
Carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve and improve hand function.
The procedure is usually performed as day surgery and takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Most patients undergo surgery comfortably under local anaesthetic, allowing them to return home shortly afterwards. A general anaesthetic can also be arranged if preferred.
What to expect
Before your procedure
You will receive pre-operative instructions specific to your procedure and hospital. Please follow these carefully.
Local anaesthetic
Your hand is numbed using local anaesthetic. You will remain awake during surgery and may feel pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain.
General anaesthetic
If you would prefer to be asleep, a general anaesthetic can usually be arranged. Please discuss this during your consultation.
Going home
A soft dressing will be applied and you will usually return home the same day.
Recovery begins
Begin moving your fingers immediately after surgery. Keeping your hand elevated and moving your fingers regularly helps reduce swelling and stiffness.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery is usually straightforward. Most patients return to light activities quickly and continue to improve over the following weeks and months.
Surgery Day
Keep your hand elevated as much as possible.
Keep your dressing clean and dry.
Begin gentle finger movements immediately.
Days 1–7
Swelling and discomfort gradually improve.
Continue moving your fingers and wrist.
Resume light activities as comfort allows.
Weeks 2–3
Dressings and sutures are usually removed.
Begin washing the hand normally (avoid prolonged soaking until the wound is fully healed).
Gradually increase normal hand use.
Weeks 4–6+
Return to most everyday activities.
Continue improving strength and confidence.
Numbness and sensation may continue to improve over several months.
What to expect
Night pain and tingling often improve quickly.
Numbness may take longer to recover, particularly if symptoms were severe before surgery.
Mild pillar pain (soreness beside the scar) is common and usually settles with time.
The scar gradually softens over the following months.
Recovery is individual—give your hand time to heal.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy is not routinely required following carpal tunnel release.
However, if you have ongoing stiffness, swelling, scar sensitivity or would benefit from additional guidance, we can arrange referral to one of our hand therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have pain?
Some pain and discomfort are normal during the first few days after surgery. This gradually improves. Elevating your hand and taking pain relief as advised will help reduce swelling and discomfort.
How long will my recovery take?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 4–6 weeks. Strength and sensation may continue to improve for several months.
When can I remove my dressing?
Keep your dressing clean and dry until your first follow-up appointment unless advised otherwise. We will let you know when it is safe to remove.
When can I start exercising or strengthening my hand?
Gentle finger and hand movements begin immediately after surgery. Strengthening usually begins around 4–6 weeks, depending on your recovery.
When can I drive?
Driving is usually possible around 1–2 weeks after surgery, provided you have good control of your hand, are no longer taking strong pain medication, and can safely perform an emergency stop.
When can I return to work?
This depends on the type of work you do.
Desk or computer work: often within 2 weeks
Light manual work: around 4–6 weeks
Heavy manual work: around 6 weeks or longer
Your surgeon will advise when it is appropriate for you to return.
My hand still feels numb or tingly. Is this normal?
Yes. Numbness and tingling often improve gradually. If the nerve has been compressed for a long time before surgery, recovery of sensation can continue for several months.
When will my scar settle?
Your scar will gradually soften and fade over 6–12 months. Scar massage and silicone gel or silicone sheets may be recommended once the wound has completely healed.
Important Information
When should I contact Peak Orthopaedics?
Most patients recover without any problems.
Please contact Peak Orthopaedics if you experience:
Increasing pain not relieved by medication
Redness, warmth or swelling that worsens
Drainage from the wound
Fever (38°C or higher)
Persistent or worsening numbness
Difficulty moving your fingers or thumb
If you are unable to contact Peak Orthopaedics or your GP, please attend your nearest Emergency Department or After Hours clinic.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly occurs alongside other hand conditions.
If you recognise these symptoms in yourself, a family member or a friend, learn more using the links below.
Trigger Finger/Thumb – A finger that catches, locks or clicks.
Thumb Base Arthritis – Pain at the base of the thumb when gripping or opening jars.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Numbness or tingling affecting the ring and little fingers.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis – Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when lifting, gripping or twisting.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing Peak Orthopaedics for your care.
Recovery is a journey, and every patient's experience is unique. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, our team is here to help.
Many people live with carpal tunnel syndrome for years without realising that effective treatment options are available. If your carpal tunnel release has improved your quality of life, please consider sharing your experience with family or friends who may also benefit from this operation.
We wish you every success with your recovery.
