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Edema Gentle ~3 min

Edema elevation & pump

Elevate the hand above the heart and gently open and close the fingers to encourage fluid movement.

Equipment: No special equipment

Do this exercise

1 set × 3 reps. Watch the demo and tap through at your own pace — we log your reps, holds, and how it felt.

Prefer the classic step-by-step timer?

Lie or sit comfortably. Rest the arm on pillows above heart level.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 5 short steps — about 60 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: No special equipment

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Suspected blood clot
  • Active infection
  • Recent surgery without clearance

Stop if

  • Throbbing or increasing pain when elevated
  • Skin color changes
  • New numbness
How does the hand feel right now?
No painWorst pain

Prefer a quick pacing gate before the timer? Use full guided session — it asks for pain, stiffness, and fatigue in a few taps first (education only, not clearance).

Why it helps

Gentle muscle pumping with elevation supports circulation and may help manage swelling between visits.

What it should feel like

A light, pulsing effort. No throbbing or sharp pain.

Target area

Hand, wrist

Stop if you notice

  • Throbbing or increasing pain when elevated
  • Skin color changes
  • New numbness

Get clearance first if

  • Suspected blood clot
  • Active infection
  • Recent surgery without clearance
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
Explainer

How to do it well

Goal, setup, dose, and the things therapists most often have to repeat. This is education — not a replacement for your clinician's plan.

Before you start

  • Stack pillows so the hand sits clearly above the heart.
  • Stop if the hand starts to throb or color changes.
  • Avoid if you suspect a blood clot — call your clinician.

Today's dose

Reps
3
Sets
1
Sessions / day
4
Rest
30s
Pain ceiling
2/10

Common mistakes

  • Squeezing too hard instead of gentle pumping
  • Letting the hand drop below the heart mid-set
  • Doing it too few times per day — frequency drives the benefit

Easier version

  • Skip making a fist; just open and partly close
  • Reduce to 2 sessions per day

How did this feel?

One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.