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Open full guided demo: Thumb IP flexion isolation

Thumb tip bend

Thumb IP flexion / extension (FPL/EPL glide)

Tendon glideThumbflexionextensionModerate riskPhases 2, 3

Goal

Selective FPL glide and IP joint motion.

Motion taxonomy (reference)

Also called: isolated thumb tip flexion · isolated thumb tip motion · rhythmic thumb end joint stretch · thumb ip flexion extension · thumb tip motion

Structures:

Muscles — extensor pollicis longus, flexor pollicis longus

Tendons — EPL tendon, FPL tendon

Bones / joints — distal phalanx, first metacarpal, MCP joint, proximal phalanx, thumb IP joint, thumb MCP joint

Indexed benefits: improves FPL/EPL glide · improves tendon glide · improves thumb IP mobility · improves thumb tip control · increases thumb IP mobility · isolates thumb tip control · reduces stiffness · reduces thumb tip stiffness · reduces tip stiffness · supports FPL glide · supports gentle passive motion · supports precision pinch

Common contexts: isolated motion · passive ROM · pinch rehabilitation · post-op rehab · stiff thumb · stiff thumb IP joint · thumb mobility · thumb stiffness · thumb tendon glide · thumb tip rehab · tip joint rehab

View in General stiffness after immobilizationGuided exercise

Best for

Default dose

Reps10
Frequency2× daily
Sets / time—

10 reps • 2×/day

Avoid when

  • FPL repair without clearance

Measurement targets

  • IP active flexion (degrees)

Setup

Steps

  1. 1Bend only the tip joint of the thumb.
  2. 2Straighten with control.

Cues

  • Move only the tip; base stays still.

Common mistakes

  • Whole thumb curling.

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 small object pinch with the tip.

Regressions

  • Smaller range.

Used in(3 guided demos)

General stiffness after immobilizationTendon injury or tendon repair▶ Thumb IP flexion isolation▶ Thumb opposition▶ 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

FPL repair without clearance

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 — Smaller range. · Harder — Add small object pinch with the tip.Full cues ↑
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