Ulnar nerve glide
Ulnar nerve gliding sequence
Goal
Maintains ulnar nerve excursion at the elbow and wrist.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: ulnar nerve sliders
Muscles — forearm stabilizers, intrinsics of the hand
Tendons — not tendon-specific; neural glide path
Bones / joints — elbow, Guyon canal region, hand, wrist
Indexed benefits: improves nerve mobility · reduces nerve tension · supports cubital tunnel rehab
Common contexts: cubital tunnel symptoms · hand numbness workup exercises · ulnar nerve sensitivity
Best for
- Cubital tunnel symptoms
- Mild ulnar paresthesia
Default dose
5 reps • 1×/day
Avoid when
- Recent ulnar nerve repair without clearance
- Symptom flare
Measurement targets
- Symptom score change
Setup
- Stand with the arm relaxed.
Steps
- 1Bring the hand up toward the face, forming an 'OK' sign at the eye.
- 2Rotate the palm forward, then return.
- 3Stay within tingle-free range.
Cues
- Tiny range; no stretching.
Common mistakes
- Pushing into provocative end ranges.
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
- Lingering pinky tingling
Progressions
- Add gentle shoulder abduction component.
Regressions
- Half-range only.
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
5 reps · 1×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 2, 3
Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.
Avoid if this sounds like you
Recent ulnar nerve repair without clearance
Symptom flare
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.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.