Skip to main content
HandTherapy.app
Skip to dose & contextSkip to motion taxonomy

Key pinch

Thumb-to-lateral-index lateral pinch

StrengthThumbFingerspinchModerate riskPhases 3, 4, 5

Goal

Lateral pinch is the most-used pinch in daily life.

Motion taxonomy (reference)

Also called: lateral pinch

Structures:

Muscles — adductor pollicis, first dorsal interosseous, thenar muscles

Tendons — thumb adductor and stabilizer tendons

Bones / joints — CMC joint, index proximal phalanx, thumb MCP

Indexed benefits: builds thumb adductor strength · improves lateral pinch · supports key turning

Common contexts: key turning · picking up cards · tool use

View in Arthritis of the hand

Best for

  • Key turning
  • Holding a card

Default dose

Reps10
Frequency3× weekly
Sets / time2 rounds

10 reps • 2 sets • 3×/week

Equipment

Folded towel or kitchen scale

Avoid when

  • Acute CMC flare

Measurement targets

  • Lateral pinch force (kg or lb)

Setup

  • Place a folded towel between thumb pad and side of index.

Steps

  1. 1Press the thumb against the side of the index.
  2. 2Release fully.

Cues

  • Keep the wrist neutral.

Common mistakes

  • Wrist deviating to compensate.

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

  • Pinch a kitchen scale and track peak.

Regressions

  • Smaller squeeze.

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

Short sets — often 2×10 as a micro-session

10 reps · 2 sets

Equipment

Folded towel or kitchen scale

Rehab stage

Phases 3, 4, 5

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

Acute CMC flare

Reread best-for context ↑

Where this shows up clinically

How phases map to healing

Next best movements

Later phase or richer progression when you are ready.

Keep momentum without overdoing it

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

TodayExercise libraryMicrodoseFlare modePersonalizeZero-touch sessionSafety hubLearn
Scaling in plain language: Easier — Smaller squeeze. · Harder — Pinch a kitchen scale and track peak.Full cues ↑
Browse library
Browse more movements