Finger Abduction and Adduction
Hand/Fingers
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
5
5
Week: 2-4
Finger Abduction and Adduction
Purpose: Strengthen the small hand muscles that spread fingers apart and bring them together, improving control and grip stability.
Equipment: None; optional rubber band later.
How to do it:
1) Place your hand flat on a table or hold it up with fingers straight.
2) Slowly spread your fingers apart as far as comfortable.
3) Slowly bring fingers back together until they touch.
4) Keep the wrist relaxed and avoid “snapping” fingers together.
Dosage: 5 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Progression:
- Place a rubber band around the fingers and spread against resistance.
- Add a 2–3 second hold in the “spread” position.
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.