Straight hand
Composite finger extension (neutral hand)
Goal
Establishes a clean baseline for finger extension and a starting position for the tendon glide ladder.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: composite finger extension · neutral hand · open hand
Muscles — extensor digiti minimi, extensor digitorum, extensor indicis
Tendons — finger extensor tendons
Bones / joints — DIP joints, MCP joints, metacarpals, phalanges, PIP joints
Indexed benefits: reduces stiffness · resets finger posture · restores extension
Common contexts: early ROM · stiffness after immobilization · tendon glides
Best for
- Stiffness in extension
- Warm-up for tendon glides
Default dose
10 reps • 3s hold • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Acute extensor tendon repair without clearance
Measurement targets
- Finger extension lag (degrees)
- Photo: dorsal view of full extension
Setup
- Forearm supported on a table, palm facing down or up.
Steps
- 1Open the hand fully.
- 2Hold straight and relaxed for 2–3 seconds.
- 3Release without forcing.
Cues
- Spread the knuckles, not just the fingertips.
- Soft shoulders, soft jaw.
Common mistakes
- Hyperextending the wrist.
- Pushing into pain to look 'flat'.
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 finger spreads.
- Hold against a soft towel resistance.
Regressions
- Use the other hand to gently support extension.
Used in
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 · 3s hold · 3×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 1, 2, 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Avoid if this sounds like you
Acute extensor tendon repair without clearance
Reread best-for context ↑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.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.