Physical therapy is a vital part of a successful surgery but patient compliance is essential.9 After surgery, the physical therapy will progress in four phases.9-10 Initially, the repair and tendon need to be protected.9-10 This generally involves immobilizing the joint in a sling for 4-6 weeks after surgery.9-10 The length of time the joint is immobilized depends on what type of surgery was performed. 9-10 During phase I the patient will be introduced to prophylactic active motion at the elbow, wrist, and hand joints.10 Some typical exercises a patient will perform include isolated scapular depression, protraction, and retraction, as well as pendulum exercises done in small, concentric circles.10 The physical therapist will also take the patients
