any physical therapy or exercises to do? What kinds and how often?
I ask because IF muscles and tendons go unused for any period of time they tend to contract...resulting in the 'claw' situation.

Here is one site w/exercises that seem gentle and safe, but check w/your doc and ASK/DEMAND pt first...be sure you get the OK before starting..
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_tennisel_rex.htm

web up 'Post surgery hand exercises', 'hand rehabilitation exercises' and you will probably find resources...usually in the realm of 'sports therapy' and at times stroke rehab that are useful to your goals of regaining some use. As long as tissues are healed after a surgery, a therapy program can be started.. My only word of caution is to go SLOW..once you reach the HURT point, back up a bit and work your way just up to that point and stop.

Also try: http://www.stretchnow.com.au/exercises/hands.htm and
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide...?printing=true

These exercises look silly or simplistic, but they are hard to overdo or do wrong. Hope these help! - j

PS I've done these all and others in PT, wish I could remember them all!