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Open full guided demo: MCP knuckle blocking (isolated finger motion)

PIP blocking

Isolated PIP flexion with MCP stabilized

Tendon glideFingersflexionglideModerate riskPhases 2, 3

Goal

Targets PIP joint capsule and FDS glide.

Motion taxonomy (reference)

Also called: isolated pip flexion

Structures:

Muscles — flexor digitorum superficialis

Tendons — FDS tendon

Bones / joints — middle phalanx, PIP joint, proximal phalanx

Indexed benefits: helps joint stiffness · improves PIP mobility · supports FDS isolation

Common contexts: FDS glide · finger rehab · PIP stiffness

View in General stiffness after immobilizationGuided exercise

Best for

  • FDS isolation
  • Recovering PIP motion

Default dose

Reps10
Frequency2× daily
Sets / time—

10 reps • 2×/day

Avoid when

  • PIP joint instability

Measurement targets

  • PIP active flexion (degrees)

Setup

  • Stabilize the proximal phalanx with the other hand.

Steps

  1. 1Bend only the middle joint of the finger.
  2. 2Straighten with control.

Cues

Common mistakes

  • MCP joint flexing instead of PIP.

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

  • Hold end range 3–5 sec.

Regressions

  • Reduce range; rest between reps.

Used in(3 guided demos)

General stiffness after immobilizationBoutonniere deformity / central slip injury▶ MCP knuckle blocking (isolated finger motion)▶ Table finger slides▶ Tendon glides

Search the exercise library with this motion's clinical label for additional guided drills that may match your plan.

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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

10 reps · 2×/day

Equipment

None required — table or bodyweight only.

Rehab stage

Phases 2, 3

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

PIP joint instability

Reread best-for context ↑

Where this shows up clinically

How phases map to healing

Guided exercises that use this

Step-by-step sessions that embed this movement pattern.

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 — Reduce range; rest between reps. · Harder — Hold end range 3–5 sec.Full cues ↑
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