Forearm rotation
Pronation / supination
Goal
Restores forearm rotation for daily tasks.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: forearm rotation · palm up palm down
Muscles — biceps brachii, pronator quadratus, pronator teres, supinator
Tendons — pronator and supinator tendons
Bones / joints — distal radioulnar joint, proximal radioulnar joint, radius, ulna
Indexed benefits: improves daily function · reduces forearm stiffness · restores rotation
Common contexts: doorknobs · forearm stiffness · jar opening · keys
Best for
- Doorknob & key tasks
- Eating, dressing
Default dose
10 reps • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Distal radius fracture without clearance
Measurement targets
- Pronation (deg)
- Supination (deg)
Setup
- Elbow tucked at 90°.
Steps
- 1Turn palm up, then palm down.
- 2Move smoothly through full range.
Cues
- Keep the elbow pinned to your side.
Common mistakes
- Shoulder swinging.
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
- Add a light hammer-grip object for resistance.
Regressions
- Smaller arc.
Used in(2 guided demos)
Search the exercise library with this motion's clinical label for additional guided drills that may match your plan.
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.
~2–5 min as a focused practice block
10 reps · 3×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 1, 2, 3, 5
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.
- Fingertips-to-floor wrist extensionstrength · moderate risk · complementary
- Jar opening progressionendurance · moderate risk · complementary
- Towel wringingstrength · moderate risk · complementary
- Pronation isometric bracestrength · moderate risk · complementary
- Supination isometric bracestrength · moderate risk · complementary
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.