Radial Tunnel Release

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no resistance strengthening until 6 weeks; wrist orthosis in 30° extension

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): posterior long arm elbow/wrist splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): WHO in 30° extension, soft tissue mobilization through neural pathway, radial nerve glides, wrist 4-way/forearm AROM, desensitization if hypersensitive; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): wean WHO, progressive UE strengthening, scapular stabilization/RTC, radial nerve glides, address dysfunctional posture

Notes

Radial nerve glides throughout; WHO in 30° wrist extension (differs from cubital tunnel which uses elbow orthosis); posture and nerve compression/traction education; desensitization if hypersensitive at surgical site; myofascial mobilization for scar in Phase 3

Published

09/2024