Orthopaedic Surgery/Hand:Top ten ways to stay out of trouble/10.Have the patient take responsibility for their rehabilitation

There is a point where the affected extremity will need to be reintegrated with the whole person. Until that point is reached the hand will not be well. The early encouragement of patient responsibility for the rehab of their problem the sooner the transition to wellness can be accomplished. Exercises that are tactile and with practical purpose, and especially gratifying activities are an example: kneading dough, gardening.