Tendon glide exercises
Information for patients from the Orthopaedic Hand Service
The following exercises should not be painful. However, they may feel a bit uncomfortable as your fingers and hand stretch.
If possible, complete each exercise 4 to 6 times, 4 times a day. Your therapist or doctor will tell you if this needs to be different.
Always exercise gently and slowly.
Hold the position at the end of each exercise for 5 seconds.
Always start and finish with your fingers as straight as possible.
Exercise 1: Table top to flat fist
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1. Hold your wrist and fingers in a straight position.
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2. Bend all your fingers at the knuckles, keeping your fingers straight.
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3. Bend the middle joints of your fingers, keeping the tips straight so they touch the palm of your hand with your nails still visible. Hold for 5 seconds.
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4. Straighten your fingers back to the starting position.
Exercise 2: Hook to full fist
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1. Hold your wrist and fingers in a straight position.
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2. Bend the small joints of your fingers into a hook. Keep your knuckles straight.
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3. Roll your fingers down into a full fist by bending the knuckles. Hold for 5 seconds.
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4. Straighten your fingers back to the starting position.
Exercise 3: Spread your fingers apart as far as possible, then back again
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1. Hold all your fingers together.
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2. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible.
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3. Return to the starting position.
What if I have any questions or concerns?
If you have any questions, please call the Physiotherapy Department on 01227 783065.