Do this exercise
2 sets × 5 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?
Make a loose fist with the thumb tucked against the fingers.
Ready when you are
We'll guide you through 3 short steps — about 20 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 hand or wrist surgery without clinician clearance
- Acute fracture before bone-healing milestones
Stop if
- Sharp or increasing pain
- New numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles
- Sudden swelling or color change in the hand
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
Actively extending the thumb strengthens the muscles that open the hand wide and position the thumb for grasping.
What it should feel like
Light effort as the thumb lifts away from the fingers.
Target area
Thumb
Stop if you notice
- Sharp or increasing pain
- New numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles
- Sudden swelling or color change in the hand
Get clearance first if
- Recent hand or wrist surgery without clinician clearance
- Acute fracture before bone-healing milestones
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
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 comfortably with your forearm supported.
- Remove rings and tight jewelry.
- Move only into comfortable range — never force.
Today's dose
- Reps
- 5
- Sets
- 2
- Sessions / day
- 2
- Rest
- 20s
- Pain ceiling
- 3/10
Common mistakes
- Rushing the movement instead of moving slowly and smoothly
- Pushing into pain rather than a gentle stretch
Easier version
- Do fewer reps and rest more often
- Reduce the range of motion until it feels comfortable
Harder version
Only if your phase allows progression.
- Add a gentle 5-second hold at the end of each rep
How did this feel?
One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.