Thumb 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 if you have been in a cast or splint, you may do these exercises when your healthcare provider says you are ready.
- 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
- Flexion and extension: Gently bend your wrist forward and backward. Do 2 sets of 10.
- 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.
- Thumb Press: Place a barrel-shaped piece of therapy putty in the palm of your hand and resting against your thumb. Press your thumb into the putty with as much force as is comfortable. Hold for 5 seconds. Reshape the putty and repeat 10 times.
- Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 3 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
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Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by
RelayHealth.Last modified: 2016-04-28
Last reviewed: 2016-04-28
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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