Ulnar Nerve Glide
Elbow/Forearm
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
3
3
Week: 2-4
Ulnar Nerve Glide
Purpose: Encourage gentle ulnar nerve mobility to reduce sensitivity and improve comfortable arm/hand motion.
Equipment: None.
How to do it (one common version):
1) Make an “OK” sign with thumb and index finger, then bring that circle toward your eye as if making “goggles.”
2) Let the elbow bend and the wrist extend slightly as you bring the hand up.
3) To reduce the stretch, bring the hand away; to increase, bring it closer (only if comfortable).
4) Keep the shoulder relaxed (don’t hike it up).
Intensity rule: Mild stretch is okay; avoid sharp pain or lingering numbness/tingling.
Dosage: 3 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Progression:
- Increase range gradually; smaller motion is fine early.
- Add gentle head tilt away only if tolerated.
Comfort and safety:
Move slowly and stay in a comfortable range. A mild stretch or light muscle fatigue is okay; sharp pain is not.
Stop and contact your care team if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or new/worsening numbness/tingling.
Follow any post-op precautions, lifting limits, and motion restrictions given by your surgeon or therapist.