Tendon Gliding
Hand/Fingers
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
5
5
Week: 2-4
Tendon Gliding
Purpose: Help finger tendons glide smoothly to reduce stiffness and improve hand function.
Equipment: None.
How to do it (move through each position slowly):
1) Straight hand: fingers and thumb straight.
2) Hook fist: bend the middle and end joints while keeping knuckles straight.
3) Full fist: bend knuckles and fingertips into a comfortable fist.
4) Tabletop: keep knuckles bent (like holding a cup) while middle/end joints stay straighter.
5) Straight fist: bend knuckles and middle joints while keeping the end joints straighter.
Hold each position 1–3 seconds, then move to the next without forcing.
Dosage: 5 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Tips:
- Keep motions gentle; avoid “stretching” hard into pain.
- If swelling increases, reduce range and elevate afterward.
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.