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Duckbill grip

Wide abducted thumb–finger grasp (occupational grip)

StrengthThumbFingersPalmgripModerate riskPhases 3, 4

Goal

Practices a wide-handle grip pattern distinct from power spherical grasp.

Motion taxonomy (reference)

Also called: mcp flexion with ip straight · tabletop putty press

Structures:

Muscles — extensor digitorum, interossei, lumbricals

Tendons — extensor mechanism, intrinsic slips

Bones / joints — DIP joints, MCP joints, PIP joints

Indexed benefits: helps hand shape control · targets MCP control · works intrinsics

Common contexts: finger posture control · intrinsic strengthening · putty rehab

View in Arthritis of the hand

Best for

  • Large-handle tools
  • Jar lids

Default dose

Reps8
Frequency2× daily
Sets / time—

8 reps • 5s hold • 2×/day

Equipment

Wide cylinder

Avoid when

  • CMC irritability with wide abduction

Measurement targets

  • Lift height
  • Cylinder diameter

Setup

  • Hold a cylindrical object with a wide diameter (foam roller cross-section optional).

Steps

  1. 1Spread thumb away from fingers to encircle the object.
  2. 2Squeeze just enough to lift 1 cm.
  3. 3Lower with control.

Cues

  • Even pressure through all digits.
  • Neutral wrist.

Common mistakes

  • Over-abducting into pain.

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

  • Heavier cylinder if cleared.

Regressions

  • Dry practice of the shape without load.

Used in

Arthritis of the hand
Jump toDose & equipmentSteps & cuesStop rulesKeep going
Continue your rehab

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.

Estimated time

~2–5 min as a focused practice block

8 reps · 5s hold · 2×/day

Equipment

Wide cylinder

Rehab stage

Phases 3, 4

Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.

When to stop

Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)

Increasing swelling during or after

Full stop rules ↑

Avoid if this sounds like you

CMC irritability with wide abduction

Reread best-for context ↑

Where this shows up clinically

How phases map to healing

Keep momentum without overdoing it

Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.

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Scaling in plain language: Easier — Dry practice of the shape without load. · Harder — Heavier cylinder if cleared.Full cues ↑
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