Activity Levels After Tendon Repair

You will not be able to do your usual activities right away after your tendon repair.  Our goal is to help you get back to normal activities.  This will happen over time.  Recovery is a slow process.  Use the guidelines below to help you choose the right kinds of activities while your tendon heals.

Very Light activities

• Weight guideline:  Don’t lift anything heavier than a piece of paper or pen.

• Do all personal care with your other hand, including using the toilet.

• Turn the pages of a book or newspaper while it rests on the table or in your lap.

• Eat light finger foods, such as popcorn, grapes, or toast.

Light activities

• Weight guideline: Do not lift more than half a can of pop (6 ounces).

• Do light grooming: put on make up, comb short hair, brush your teeth, wash your face, and shave.

• Fasten easy buttons on lightweight, loose clothes.

• Use your other hand to wipe yourself after you use the toilet.

• Use eating utensils and lightweight cups or dishes.  Prepare light meals and convenience foods. Do not cut meat.

• Use the phone, play cards, write, do jigsaw puzzles, light dusting and use your computer less than one hour.

Moderate activities

• Weight guideline: Do not lift anything heavier than a half gallon of milk (5 pounds).

• Wash, set, style, or blow dry hair.  Floss teeth.

• Put on heavy coats, pantyhose, and boots.

• Open milk cartons, cut, chop, peel, light mixing, wash dishes, vacuum, iron, drive a car, and shop for groceries.  Do not carry bags.

• Fish, swim, play ping-pong, and play musical instruments such as a piano.

• Use your computer up to 4 hours.

Heavy activities

• Weight guideline: Lift as you can without pain.

• Prepare holiday meals, garden, home remodeling, yard work, and wash walls or windows.

• Type or use your computer for 8 hours.

• Car repair, hunt, ride a snowmobile, bike, ATV, and ski.