Finger spread with elastic band
Spread the fingers against a light looped band to wake up the small extensors that balance grip.
Loop a light rubber band around the fingertips, palm facing you.
Ready when you are
We'll guide you through 4 short steps — about 22 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing leaves your device.
Have ready: Rubber band / elastic loop
Contraindications & stop if…
When not to do this
- Acute finger sprain
- Inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Stop if
- Sharp knuckle pain
- Next-day swelling
- Triggering or catching in a finger
Guided full-screen session — 3D hand, optional mirror, voice or silent modes.
Why it helps
The extensors on the back of the hand help open the hand fully after gripping tasks; light band work is a common therapist progression.
What it should feel like
Mild fatigue along the back of the hand. Not sharp joint pain.
Target area
Fingers, hand
Stop if you notice
- Sharp knuckle pain
- Next-day swelling
- Triggering or catching in a finger
Get clearance first if
- Acute finger sprain
- Inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Watch a curated demo
Your practice loop
Pause where you want, then tap A for where the loop starts and B for where it ends. Turn Autoloop off anytime — your A/B times stay saved for this video.
Now 0:00 · Loop 0:00 → end of video
Education sources
HandTherapy.app summarizes common home-program elements used in hand therapy and surgery recovery education. These links are for learning — they do not replace your clinician's instructions.
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
- Use the lightest band that still gives feedback.
- Stop if any knuckle pinches or clicks painfully.
Today's dose
- Reps
- 12
- Sets
- 2
- Sessions / day
- 2
- Rest
- 45s
- Pain ceiling
- 3/10
Common mistakes
- Using a band so heavy the thumb hyperextends
- Letting the wrist bend sideways to cheat
- Rushing the return phase
Easier version
- Remove the band and practice slow spreads
- Half the reps
Harder version
Only if your phase allows progression.
- Step up band tension only if there is zero next-day soreness
How did this feel?
One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.
What to do next — not a dead end
Suggestions use shared goals, tags, and difficulty — not your medical record. Always defer to your clinician’s plan after surgery or a flare.
~2 min this exercise
Add a second exercise below for a fuller block.
None required — bodyweight / table surface only
Explainer ceiling: 3/10 — back off before you reach it.
Get clearance first if
- • Acute finger sprain
- • Inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Prerequisite / easier lane
Lower load exercises with overlapping goals.
Commonly paired with
Different goal, shared tags — typical clinical pairings.