Skip to main content
Skip to exercise
Mobility Gentle ~3 min

Tendon glides

Move the finger tendons through their full range with five gentle hand positions to reduce stiffness and adhesions.

Equipment: No special equipment

Do this exercise

2 sets × 5 reps · hold 3s each. 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?

Open hand — relaxed start.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 6 short steps — about 34 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: No special equipment

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Recent tendon repair without surgeon clearance
  • Acute fracture before bone healing milestones

Stop if

  • Sharp pain at any position
  • New numbness or tingling
  • Sudden swelling
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

Tendon glides help finger tendons move smoothly through their sheaths after injury, surgery, or immobilization.

What it should feel like

A gentle pull or stretch through the fingers and palm. Never sharp pain.

Target area

Fingers, palm

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp pain at any position
  • New numbness or tingling
  • Sudden swelling

Get clearance first if

  • Recent tendon repair without surgeon clearance
  • Acute fracture before bone healing milestones
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

  • Sit with your forearm supported on a table.
  • Remove rings and any tight jewelry.
  • Move only into comfortable range — never force.

Today's dose

Reps
5
Sets
2
Hold
3s
Sessions / day
3
Rest
30s
Pain ceiling
3/10

Common mistakes

  • Rushing through positions without holding each shape
  • Using the other hand to force the fingers further
  • Holding your breath through the set

Easier version

  • Do only 3 of the 5 hand shapes
  • Reduce reps to 3 per set
  • Skip the full fist if knuckles are sore

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • Add a 5-second hold at the end of each shape
  • Add a third set with a longer rest

How did this feel?

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