Tip pinch
Thumb-to-index tip pinch
Goal
Precision pinch strength for fine motor tasks.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: nail pinch · precision pinch · thumb index pinch
Muscles — adductor pollicis, first dorsal interosseous, FPL, opponens pollicis, thenar muscles, thumb adductors
Tendons — index stabilizers, thumb and index flexor tendons, thumb flexor tendons
Bones / joints — CMC joints, index DIP/PIP, thumb IP, thumb MCP
Indexed benefits: improves fine motor control · improves tip control · refines pinch precision · strengthens pinch · strengthens small hand muscles · supports writing and picking up small objects
Common contexts: buttoning · fine motor rehab · precision pinch · precision work · small object handling · small-object pickup
Best for
- Precision pinch
- Writing, picking up small objects
Default dose
10 reps • 2 sets • 3×/week
Equipment
Therapy putty (or kitchen scale)
Setup
- Hold a small piece of putty between thumb and index tip.
Steps
- 1Pinch firmly for 2 seconds.
- 2Release fully.
Cues
- Keep the thumb tip pad — not the side — on the putty.
Common mistakes
- Thumb collapsing into key pinch.
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 reps; firmer putty.
Regressions
- Reduce putty resistance.
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.
Short sets — often 2×10 as a micro-session
10 reps · 2 sets
Therapy putty (or kitchen scale)
Phases 3, 4, 5
Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.
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.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
- Key pinchstrength · moderate risk
- Three-jaw chuck pinchstrength · moderate risk
- Pad-to-side pinchstrength · moderate risk
- Flat pinch (lateral pinch plate)strength · moderate risk
- Duckbill gripstrength · moderate risk
- Mass gripstrength · moderate risk
- Thumb isometric into fingerstrength
- Towel wringingstrength · moderate risk
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.