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Mobility Gentle ~2 min

Forearm rotation (pronation & supination)

Turn the palm down and up while the elbow stays steady — a staple motion for forks, doorknobs, and tools.

Equipment: Stick, dowel, or pen (rotation aid)

Do this exercise

2 sets × 8 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?

Start midway — elbow quiet.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 5 short steps — about 26 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: Stick, dowel, or pen (rotation aid)

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Recent elbow fracture or surgery without clearance
  • Instability that feels like the joint slips

Stop if

  • Sharp elbow pain
  • Clicking with catching
  • New numbness in ring or small finger
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

Pronation and supination restore the rotation you use for pouring, typing posture changes, and opening doors — without loading grip.

What it should feel like

A gentle twist in the forearm. No sharp pinching at the elbow.

Target area

Forearm, wrist

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp elbow pain
  • Clicking with catching
  • New numbness in ring or small finger

Get clearance first if

  • Recent elbow fracture or surgery without clearance
  • Instability that feels like the joint slips
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

  • Keep the upper arm against your ribs so the twist comes from the forearm.
  • If the elbow pinches, shrink the range by half.
  • Optional: hold a thin pen, chopstick, or dowel across the palm like a small steering wheel — it can make the rotation axis easier to feel.

Today's dose

Reps
8
Sets
2
Sessions / day
3
Rest
30s
Pain ceiling
3/10

Common mistakes

  • Shrugging the shoulder to cheat extra rotation
  • Letting the wrist cock sideways to fake more turn
  • Holding the breath through the arc

Easier version

  • Use the other hand to lightly guide only the last few degrees
  • Reduce to 5 reps

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • Add a 3-second hold at end pronation and supination

How did this feel?

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