Below are common hand and finger exercises that are important to relieve pain or to regain mobility after surgery. These are general exercises and discussion should be had before starting especially in patients who had fracture or tendon injuries. If there is a splint in place do not try to push through the splint.

Besides exercises, edema (swelling) control is very important. Elevating the hand above the heart helps and movement.

Tendon gliding exercises are the most important of the exercises. They are often referred to as the “Six Pack” exercises. These include Full Fist (Figure 5) , Flat Fist (Figure 3),  Claw (Figure 3), Table Top or “Cobra” (Figure 2), Finger Spreading, Thumb Opposition (OK sign). 

These exercises were obtained from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.