Guidelines for Post‑Dislocation Finger Splinting and Range‑of‑Motion Rehabilitation

Initial Immobilization Phase

Continuous splint wear for a minimum of 3–6 weeks is required to allow soft‑tissue, ligamentous, and capsular healing after finger dislocation reduction. 1
The splint must remain in place without removal during this period to protect the healing joint structures. 1

After the 3–6‑week immobilization, the splint should be removed 2–3 times per day to perform supervised ROM exercises. 2
Each ROM session should consist of 2–4 repetitions of each movement. 3
Hold each stretch for 10–30 seconds; the total stretch time per exercise should sum to approximately 60 seconds across repetitions. 2
A minimum exercise frequency of 2–3 days per week is needed to maintain ROM gains, with daily practice providing the greatest benefit. 2

Stretch to the sensation of tightness or mild discomfort, avoiding pain. 3
Perform stretching when the tissues are warm, using light activity or external heat (e.g., warm water soak). 3

Once adequate healing and ROM improvement are demonstrated, the splint should be used primarily during aggravating activities and at night if symptoms persist. 1
Custom orthoses worn for ≥3 months have been shown to provide sustained pain relief and functional improvement. 1
Monitor for muscle deconditioning as a common complication of prolonged immobilization. 1

Discontinue or modify exercises if pain persists >1 hour after the session, if unusual fatigue develops, or if ROM declines. 4
Inspect for skin breakdown with poorly fitted splints during the transition phase. 1
Reassess the patient at 2‑week intervals early in the rehabilitation course to verify appropriate healing progression. 4

Initiating ROM exercises before 3 weeks post‑injury increases the risk of re‑injury and prolongs healing. 1
Removing the splint too frequently during the initial healing phase compromises soft‑tissue repair. 1
Performing stretching without an adequate warm‑up reduces effectiveness and may increase discomfort. 3
Stretching into pain rather than mild discomfort can cause setbacks in recovery. 3