other hand therapy exercises

Finger tendon gliding exercises

This exercise is designed to move the 3 joints in the fingers and encourage gliding of the finger tendons.  Always start with your elbow on the table, hand in the air and your wrist straight.   Actively move the fingers as far as you are able, then return to the start position and repeat. 

Finger tendon gliding and blocking exercises

This exercise also encourages gliding of the finger tendons but works finger joints individually.   Actively bend and straighten the joints with as much force as you are able , then return to the start position and repeat. 

Thumb active range of movement exercises

This exercise is designed to move the all joints in the thumb and encourage gliding of the  tendons.  Take each joint to the maximum movement you can and return to the starting position. 

Wrist range of movement exercises

These exercises  are particularly useful if your wrist has been immobilised in a plaster cast or splint for a long period of time, and will allow you to work on the 6 directions of wrist range of movement.   You will need to change the position of your wrist and hand on the table as per the video instructions.   Take each joint to the maximum movement you can and return to the starting position. 

Exercises following metacarpal fracture

Following a metacarpal fracture it is important to follow these exercises to ensure you recover your range of movement.  Start with hand on a table with your wrist and fingers fully straight.  If you find the exercises too painful,consider exercising after you have taken pain relief. 

The mallet finger splint

If you have been told you have a "mallet injury", this video will show you how to remove and reapply your splint safely to enable you wash your finger and to care for your skin. It is important not to let your finger 'droop'.   It will take 6 weeks for a bone and 8 weeks for a tendon injury to heal. You will need to keep the splint on all the time during the day and the night.

Grip and pinch exercises

These exercises are to work on grip and pinch using a gel ball, and are also useful for people with basal thumb arthritis in conjunction with our soft thumb-wrap ("Be-cool") splints.  If you do not have a ball a rolled up pair of socks, or a sponge can be used.

Flexor tendon repair - early stage rehabilitation

Do not remove your splint to perform these exercises. Loosen the straps as you have been shown.   Each exercise should be performed slowly and carefully taking the fingers as far as they can go each repetition. 

Extensor tendon repair - early stage rehabilitation

Do not remove your splint to perform these exercises. Loosen the straps as you have been shown. 

Each exercise should be performed slowly and carefully taking the fingers as far as they can go each repetition.