Palmar abduction
Thumb palmar abduction (out of plane)
Goal
Maintains first web space length — critical for grasp width.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: thumb abduction out of palm · thumb out of plane · thumb raises away from palm
Muscles — abductor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus
Tendons — APB tendon, APL tendon
Bones / joints — first metacarpal, first ray, thumb CMC joint, thumb MCP joint
Indexed benefits: activates APB · improves grasp aperture · opens web space · supports opposition · widens web space
Common contexts: CMC stiffness · thenar weakness · thumb mobility · web-space opening · web-space tightness
Best for
- Web-space tightness
- Thumb mobility after immobilization
Default dose
10 reps • 2×/day
Avoid when
- Acute CMC flare
Measurement targets
- Web space angle (degrees)
Setup
- Palm facing up, hand relaxed.
Steps
- 1Lift the thumb away from the palm, perpendicular to it.
- 2Return slowly.
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 gentle hold at end range.
Regressions
- Reduce range; rest between reps.
Used in(3 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 · 2×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 1, 2, 3, 4
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.
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.