Finger and Thumb Stretches

Purpose:

Increases and preserves flexibility and mobility of the joints. 

Directions:

Complete 10 repetitions (30 seconds each) once a day.

Recommendations:   

• Complete exercises slowly  

• Try to achieve full range of motion but do not force a stretch 

• Decrease hands-on assistance over time (have child try to initiate and hold movement on their own) 

Thumb Abduction

• Place the child's hand to be exercised on the table with their thumb and index finger facing out. 

• Place the thumb and index finger of your hand between the thumb web of the child's hand. 

• Spread the thumb and index finger of your hand so that the thumb web of their hand is spread open. 

Finger Adduction &  Abduction

• Straighten the palm of hand with fingers together and thumb against the side of hand.  

• Open the fingers and thumb to spread the fingers far apart.  

• Move the fingers and thumb back together so they are touching. 

Thumb Flexion & Extension

• Move thumb to little finger.

• Bend and straighten the thumb out to the side to stretch the "web space"

Finger Flexion & Extension

• Hold the forearm above the wrist with one hand and grasp the fingers with your other hand.

• Holding the hand in this way, bend the wrist back, about 90 degrees, while straightening the fingers out.

• Then bend the wrist the opposite direction, about 90 degrees, while curling the fingers into a fist.