Skier's Thumb (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Sprain) Exercises

Your healthcare provider may recommend exercises to help you heal. Talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you and how to do them correctly and safely.

If you have had surgery or your thumb has been in a cast or splint, you may do these exercises when your healthcare provider says you are ready. Otherwise, it’s OK to start these when it no longer hurts to move your thumb.

• Thumb active range of motion: With your palm flat on a table or other surface, move your thumb away from your palm as far you can. Hold this position for 5 seconds and bring it back to the starting position. Then rest your hand on the table in a handshake position. Move your thumb out to the side away from your palm as far as possible. Hold for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Next, bring your thumb across your palm toward your little finger. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat this entire sequence 15 times. Do 2 sets of 15.
• Wrist range of motion
  1. Flexion and extension: Gently bend your wrist forward and backward. Do 2 sets of 10.
  2. Side to side: Gently move your wrist from side to side (a handshake motion). Do 2 sets of 10.
• Thumb strengthening: Pick up small objects, such as paper clips, pencils, and coins, using your thumb and each of your other fingers, one at a time. Practice this exercise for about 5 minutes.
• Finger spring: Place a large rubber band around the outside of your thumb and fingers. Open your fingers to stretch the rubber band. Do 2 sets of 15.
• Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 3 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
• Wrist flexion: Hold a can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing up. Bend your wrist upward. Slowly lower the weight and return to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 10. Increase the weight you use when this exercise is easy to do.
• Wrist extension: Hold a soup can or small weight in your hand with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist up. Slowly lower the weight down into the starting position. Do 2 sets of 10. Gradually increase the weight of the object you are holding.