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 operation, 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.
Rehabilitation Plan – Your rehabilitation programme and recovery goals.
Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to common questions after surgery.
Important Information – When to seek advice and how to contact us.
Your Operation
Anaesthetic
Thumb joint replacement is usually performed under a general anaesthetic with or without a regional nerve block. Your anaesthetist will discuss the most appropriate option for you before surgery.
The Procedure
The operation usually takes 60 minutes and is usually performed as day surgery.
The worn thumb joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant designed to relieve pain while preserving movement and function.
After Surgery
Following your operation, your thumb will be protected in a dressing or splint.
It is normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort during the first few weeks. You will receive instructions on pain management and can begin moving your fingers as pain allows, it is encouraged.
Going Home
Most patients return home on the day of surgery.
Before leaving hospital, you will receive information about caring for your wound and dressing, medications, your first follow-up appointment and when to commence hand therapy.
Recovery Begins
Recovery is a gradual process that continues over several weeks to months.
Elevating your hand, moving your fingers regularly and following your rehabilitation programme will help minimise swelling and optimise your recovery.
The timeline below provides a general guide to what you can expect following thumb joint replacement surgery.
Recovery Timeline
Every patient recovers at their own pace. The timeline below provides a general guide to what you can expect following thumb joint replacement surgery. Your surgeon and hand therapist may adjust your rehabilitation depending on your individual progress.
Surgery Day
Following your operation, your thumb will be protected in a bulky dressing. Please keep this on until your follow-up. Keeping your hand elevated and moving your fingers regularly will help minimise swelling.
Return home the same day
Dressing or splint applied
Keep your hand elevated
Move your fingers regularly
2 Weeks
Your wound is reviewed. Hand therapy usually begins, focusing on gentle thumb movement while protecting the reconstruction with a splint.
Wound review - Mr Francis Ting typically uses dissolving sutures
Commence hand therapy
Begin gentle thumb movement and exercises out of splint
6 Weeks
Your thumb is becoming more comfortable and your splint is gradually discontinued. You can begin increasing hand use and start gentle strengthening exercises.
Splint gradually discontinued
Increase hand use
Begin strengthening exercises
Driving usually resumed
3 Months
Most patients have returned to everyday activities with significantly improved pain and function. Strength and endurance continue to improve.
Most daily activities resumed
Improved strength and function
Return to many hobbies and recreational activities
6 Months
Your recovery continues as your thumb becomes stronger and more natural to use.
Ongoing improvement
Return to most hobbies and recreational activities
Continue strengthening and endurance
12 Months
Recovery is generally complete. Although most improvement occurs during the first few months, subtle gains in strength, comfort and function may continue throughout the first year.
Final recovery
Continued strength and function gains
Return to unrestricted activities as tolerated
Rehabilitation Plan
Hand therapy is an important part of your recovery. Your surgeon and hand therapist will work together to help restore thumb movement, strength and function while protecting your new joint.
Recovery progresses in stages. While the timeline below provides general guidance, your rehabilitation may be modified depending on your progress and individual circumstances.
Phase 1: Protection (0–2 Weeks)
During the first two weeks, the focus is on protecting your thumb while allowing the wound to heal and minimising swelling.
Goals
Protect the surgical repair – both the skin wound and the deeper tissues that provide stability to your new thumb joint.
Control pain and swelling
Move your fingers regularly
Keep your hand elevated
Phase 2: Early Movement (2–6 Weeks)
Once your wound has healed, gentle thumb movement begins under the guidance of your hand therapist. Your splint continues to protect your thumb while gradually restoring mobility.
Goals
Begin gentle thumb movement
Scar management
Continue splint protection between exercises
Resume light daily activities
Phase 3: Strength & Function (6+ Weeks)
As healing progresses, strengthening exercises are introduced. The aim is to restore grip, pinch strength and confidence using your hand for everyday activities.
Goals
Begin strengthening exercises
Improve grip and pinch strength
Increase hand function
Gradually return to normal activities
General Guidelines
Follow the advice of your surgeon and hand therapist.
Avoid heavy lifting, forceful gripping or repetitive pinching until advised.
Some discomfort during rehabilitation is expected, but pain should gradually improve over time.
Everyone recovers at a different pace. Focus on steady progress rather than comparing yourself with others.
Peak Tip: Consistency with your rehabilitation programme is one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I drive?
Driving is usually possible around 4–6 weeks after surgery, provided you are comfortable, have regained good hand control and are no longer taking strong pain medication. Before returning to driving, ensure you can safely control your vehicle and perform an emergency stop.
When can I return to work?
Your return to work depends on the type of work you do and your recovery.
Desk work: often 2–6 weeks
Light manual work: around 6–8 weeks
Heavy manual work: typically 8–12 weeks or longer
Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to return based on your occupation and progress.
When can I return to hobbies and sport?
Many patients begin returning to hobbies and recreational activities from around 3 months, with continued improvement in strength and function throughout the first year.
Higher-demand activities may require additional rehabilitation before returning safely.
Is swelling normal?
Yes. Swelling, bruising and stiffness are expected during the first few weeks after surgery and gradually improve over time. Elevating your hand, moving your fingers regularly and following your rehabilitation programme will help minimise swelling.
Will I need hand therapy?
Yes. Hand therapy is an important part of recovery. Your therapist will guide you through each stage of rehabilitation, helping to restore thumb movement, strength and function while protecting your new joint during healing. Your first appointment is usually around two weeks after surgery for a wound review, suture removal (if required), and commencement of your rehabilitation programme.
Will my thumb feel normal again?
Most patients notice significant improvement in pain and hand function following surgery. Although your thumb may not feel exactly as it did before arthritis developed, the aim is to provide a comfortable, stable and functional thumb that allows you to return to everyday activities with greater confidence.
Recovery continues throughout the first year, with gradual improvements in strength, movement and comfort.
Will the implant wear out?
Modern thumb implants are designed to provide long-lasting pain relief and function. Many patients continue to enjoy excellent results for many years.
What happens if the implant fails?
Implant failure is uncommon. If it occurs, further treatment or revision surgery may be possible. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate treatment should this ever become necessary.
Will airport security scanners detect my implant?
No. Thumb joint implants are small and will not usually trigger airport security systems.
Can thumb arthritis come back?
The arthritic joint is replaced during surgery, so arthritis does not return in the replaced joint. However, like any joint replacement, the implant should be looked after by following your rehabilitation programme and attending recommended follow-up appointments.
When should I contact Peak Orthopaedics?
Most patients recover without any problems.
Please contact Peak Orthopaedics if you are concerned about your recovery or if you experience:
Increasing redness, warmth or swelling around the wound
Persistent or worsening wound drainage
Fever (38°C or higher) or chills
Severe or worsening pain
New numbness or inability to move your fingers or thumb
Blue, pale or cold fingers
Sudden thumb deformity or suspected dislocation
If you are unable to contact Peak Orthopaedics or your GP, please attend your nearest Emergency Department or After Hours clinic.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing us 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 thumb pain without realising that effective treatment options are available. If your thumb joint replacement 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.
