Is it a good sign that my middle finger has recovered from dropping after one week, given that I'm an adult with no significant past medical history?

Recovery from Finger Drop After One Week

Yes, recovery of your middle finger's ability to extend after one week is an excellent prognostic sign and indicates you are on track for good functional recovery, but you must now begin structured rehabilitation immediately to maximize your outcome.

Why This Recovery Timeline is Favorable

• Resolution of finger drop within one week indicates significant motor recovery has already occurred, which is the primary clinical goal in nerve injuries 1
• The presence of voluntary finger extension is a positive prognostic indicator for upper extremity motor recovery 1, 2
• Most cases of compressive radial neuropathy (Saturday night palsy) show universal recovery by six months, with early return of function being particularly favorable 3

Critical Next Steps: Mandatory Rehabilitation Protocol

You cannot rely on passive recovery alone—active rehabilitation is essential to restore full function 1, 2

Immediate Task-Specific Practice (Start Now)

• Begin intensive task-specific training focusing on finger and wrist extension movements 1, 2
• Practice functional activities that progressively challenge finger control with graded difficulty 1
• Progress from supported (table-based) to unsupported finger movements as motor control improves 1

Structured Resistance Training (Begin Within Days)

• Start with low-intensity resistance at 40% of 1-repetition maximum with 10-15 repetitions 1, 2
• Progress to moderate intensity (41-60% of 1-RM) with 8-10 repetitions as tolerated 2
• Perform resistance training 2-3 times per week to allow adequate recovery between sessions 1, 2
• Critical warning: Do not progress resistance too quickly—start with very low intensity during initial sessions to avoid muscle damage 1, 2

Flexibility Work

• Perform static stretches held for 10-30 seconds with 3-4 repetitions for each stretch 1, 2
• Implement flexibility training 2-3 times per week in conjunction with resistance work 1, 2

What NOT to Do (Common Pitfalls)

• Do NOT use splinting or immobilization during the recovery phase, as this prevents restoration of normal movement and function 1, 2
• Avoid prolonged positioning of the finger or wrist at end ranges, which exacerbates symptoms and may impede recovery 1, 2
• Do not rely on passive range of motion alone—active motor practice is essential 1

Expected Recovery Timeline

• Rapid relief of symptoms typically occurs within 3-4 months with structured rehabilitation, with maintenance of gains over 12 months 1
• Optimal functional recovery requires 9-12 months of continued rehabilitation 1, 2
• Most motor recovery gains occur within the first 6 months, making this a critical window for intensive rehabilitation 1

Consider Adjunctive Therapy

• If you have demonstrated impaired muscle contraction or persistent motor weakness, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the finger and forearm extensor muscles should be considered 1, 2
• FES leads to short-term increases in motor strength and motor control when used as an adjunct to motor practice, not as standalone treatment 1, 2

Bottom Line

Your one-week recovery is highly encouraging, but the absence of complete motor function represents incomplete recovery that will not spontaneously improve without structured resistance training and task-specific practice 1. Begin aggressive rehabilitation immediately to capitalize on this favorable early recovery.