Yes, pumping the hand can help, just don't try to go too fast, and pay attention to your pain levels. Remember that your body is going to feel the pain as much or more than your mind will. I made that mistake when I doing therapy after the nerves in my wrist were removed. I was trying to regain some movement in my wrist, so I was moving it (ever so slightly) back and forth thinking 'wow this doesn't hurt.' Until I almost passed out and puked at the same time! I told my therapist about it the next day and she said, "Well your body is still feeling the pain, Silly, don't do that!" So yes, lesson learned...pay attention to what your body is telling you.