The Credit Valley Hospital

Wrist and Hand Exercises

1. Forearm resting on table, hand over edge with palm facing down. Place other hand above wrist to stabilize. Bend wrist up to ceiling, then down to floor. Bend wrist sideways, away from body then towards body. Make large circles with hands, circling in both directions. Repeat all of the above exercises with palm facing up.
2. Rest palm and forearm of affected wrist on table. Place opposite hand firmly on top of affected hand. Now slowly raise elbow and forearm off table so the wrist bends. Hold and repeat.
3. Place affected wrist over edge of table with palm down. Place other hand on back of affected hand. Slowly bend the hand at the wrist towards floor - keeping forearm flat on table. Hold and repeat.
4. Place forearm on table so that little finger rests on the table, thumb faces ceiling. Your elbow should be bent to 90 degrees and tucked firmly into side. Turn your palm up as far as possible, with assistance of your other hand, moving only your forearm and your hand. Relax - now turn palm down. Repeat.
5. Place hand on table with palm facing down. Lift thumb up as high as it will go. Hold. Lower. Repeat with fingers. Pull thumb in, to touch index finger. Now take it out ot the right angle. Spread fingers as far apart as possible. Now squeeze them together.
6. With your opposite hand grasp and stabilize the affected thumb, below the end joint. Bend and straighten the tip of your thumb. Now grasp and stabilize thumb at base section just below second joint. Bend and straighten the second joint of your thumb.
7. Touch tip of thumb to tip of index finger. Then slide thumb down length of the finger. Repeat touching tips of other fingers.
8. Place hand on table palm facing upwards. Bend each finger forward at each joint supporting the other joints with opposite hand. Then work all fingers together.
9. Make a fist. Use gentle pressure to try to get tips of fingers into palm.
10. Place palms together, arms stretched out in front of chest. Draw hands in towards the body carrying elbows outwards; the palms kept together at all times.

Functional strengthening exercises:

1. Squeeze a sponge or soft rubber ball;
2. wring out towels;
3. turn door knob in both directions;
4. mold plasticine;
5. type or play piano.

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