After intrinsic plus immobilization, what is the next phase in hand rehabilitation?

After intrinsic plus immobilization, what is the next phase in hand rehabilitation?

• A. Immediate full ROM
• B. Continue immobilization for 2 weeks
• C. Standard mobility progression
• D. Surgical repair

Answer: (C)

After immobilization in the intrinsic plus position, the next phase is a standard mobility progression. This means moving from protected immobilization into controlled, progressive motion to restore range and prevent stiffness while still protecting healing tissues. Start with gentle passive or active-assisted movements within safe limits, then advance to active range of motion as healing permits, and eventually add strengthening later. Immediate full ROM would risk stressing healing structures, and continuing immobilization would invite stiffness and adhesions. Surgical repair isn’t the rehab phase unless a repair was performed; the plan here is to transition into guided motion.

After immobilization in the intrinsic plus position, the next phase is a standard mobility progression. This means moving from protected immobilization into controlled, progressive motion to restore range and prevent stiffness while still protecting healing tissues. Start with gentle passive or active-assisted movements within safe limits, then advance to active range of motion as healing permits, and eventually add strengthening later. Immediate full ROM would risk stressing healing structures, and continuing immobilization would invite stiffness and adhesions. Surgical repair isn’t the rehab phase unless a repair was performed; the plan here is to transition into guided motion.