Coin pickup
Small object pickup with palm storage
Goal
Trains tip pinch and in-hand translation — core dexterity skills.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: palm storage · small object pickup
Muscles — finger flexors, intrinsics, thenar muscles
Tendons — flexor tendons, thumb tendons
Bones / joints — CMC joints, IP joints, MCP joints, phalanges
Indexed benefits: improves dexterity · supports in-hand manipulation · trains fingertip control
Common contexts: fine motor recovery · functional grasp · hand coordination
Best for
- Fine motor return
- Nerve recovery
Default dose
3 min • 1×/day
Equipment
Coins
Avoid when
- Open fingertip wounds
Measurement targets
- Coins translated per minute
Setup
- A few coins on a flat surface.
Steps
- 1Pick up coins one by one.
- 2Hold them in the palm.
- 3Move one coin from palm to fingertips at a time.
Cues
- Quality first, then speed.
Common mistakes
- Rushing and dropping.
Stop if you feel
Stop rules
- Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
- Increasing swelling during or after
- New or worsening numbness or tingling
- Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
- Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
- Next morning is worse than the day before
Progressions
- Smaller coins; eyes-closed practice.
Regressions
- Larger objects (buttons).
What to do next — not a dead end
Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.
~3 min typical block
~3 min · 1×/day
Coins
Phases 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Where this shows up clinically
How phases map to healingNext best movements
Later phase or richer progression when you are ready.
Prerequisite / gentler lane
Same region and intent — usually earlier phase or lower risk.
Commonly paired with
Different primary goal, same region — typical mixed sessions.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.