2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Hand and Foot Joints

This program is designed to reduce pain and inflammation, restore joint mobility, and progressively strengthen the muscles around the hands and feet to improve function while protecting the joints.

 

General Guidelines

1. Protect the joints: Avoid activities that stress the hands or feet, such as repetitive gripping, weight-bearing, or high-impact exercises.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat as appropriate to manage discomfort or stiffness.

3. Gradual progression: Start with gentle range of motion (ROM) exercises and advance to strengthening as tolerated.

4. Monitor symptoms: Stop exercises if pain, swelling, or stiffness worsens, and consult your healthcare provider.

 

Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

​

Goals:

• Minimize pain and inflammation

• Restore gentle joint mobility

• Prevent stiffness

​

Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Limit weight-bearing on affected joints. Use assistive devices (e.g., splints or braces) if recommended.

  • Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, if swelling is present.

  • Use heat therapy for stiffness or muscle tightness if swelling has subsided.

• Gentle Mobility:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Finger Flexion and Extension: Gently bend and straighten each finger. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Thumb Opposition: Touch your thumb to the tip of each finger, forming a circle. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Toe Curls: Curl and extend your toes to maintain flexibility. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Ankle Pumps: Sit or lie down and flex your foot up and down. (10 reps, 2 sets)

​

Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Isometric Strengthening

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Finger Spreading: Open and close your hand, spreading your fingers wide. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Wrist Rotations: Gently rotate your wrists clockwise and counterclockwise. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Toe Spreading: Spread your toes apart and hold for 3 seconds. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Ankle Circles: Move your ankle in circular motions, clockwise and counterclockwise. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

• Isometric Strengthening:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Grip Strength: Squeeze a soft stress ball or therapeutic putty. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

    • Pinch Strength: Pinch a soft object, such as a sponge or therapy putty, with your thumb and index finger. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Toe Resistance: Place a resistance band around your toes and push against it gently. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

    • Arch Activation: While seated, press your toes into the ground without lifting your heel to engage the arch. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

 

Week 2: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Mobility

​

Goals:

• Strengthen the muscles around the joints

• Improve joint stability and endurance

• Enhance functional movement

​

Day 8–10: Light Strengthening and Mobility

• Active Mobility:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Finger Waves: Move your fingers in a wave-like motion, one finger at a time. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Wrist Flexion and Extension: Move your wrist up and down slowly. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Heel-to-Toe Rocking: While standing, gently rock back and forth from your heels to your toes. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Toe Alphabet: Use your toes to “write” the alphabet in the air. (1 full alphabet, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Theraband Resistance: Use a resistance band for wrist movements (flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation). (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

    • Finger Extensors: Place a rubber band around your fingers and open your hand against resistance. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Calf Raises: Stand and lift your heels off the ground, then lower slowly. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Toe Taps: Tap your toes on the ground, alternating sides. (10 reps, 2 sets)

​

Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strength and Proprioception:

  • Hand Joints:

    • Fine Motor Tasks: Practice tasks like picking up small objects (e.g., coins, beads) to improve coordination. (10 reps)

    • Wrist Curl with Light Weight: Hold a light weight or water bottle and curl your wrist upward. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Foot Joints:

    • Single-Leg Balance: Stand on the affected foot, using support if needed. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch. (3 reps each side)

    • Toe Spreading with Resistance Band: Place a resistance band around your toes and spread them apart. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Aerobic Conditioning:

  • Walk on a flat surface or use a stationary bike for 10–15 minutes daily to improve overall fitness and circulation.

 

Additional Recommendations

1. Hydration and Nutrition: Incorporate an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Pain Management: Use heat therapy for stiffness or residual soreness in Week 2 as needed.

3. Ergonomic Adjustments: Modify daily activities (e.g., use ergonomic tools or supportive footwear) to reduce stress on the joints.