Exercise for Immobile Hand & Wrist

Conditions such as arthritis, tuberculosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to immobilization of the hand or wrist. The patient might be in too much pain to move the wrist, or the wrist might have been weakened by immobilization for healing and rest. Injuries such as fractions can require immobilization as well. There are exercises you can do for the fingers without moving the wrist, and range-of-motion exercises to regain mobilization in the wrist.

Finger and Hand Exercises

• Stiffness in your wrist, fingers, and hand can severely limit movement. If your wrist is immobilized because of a splint or fused bones, you can still strengthen and stretch the wrist and hand with these exercises.

  Finger bending--Stretch and bend your fingers starting with your thumb. Use your opposite hand to bend your thumb back toward your wrist. Do each finger slowly and in sequence.

  Finger stretching--Hold your arm out in front of you parallel to the ground. Extend your fingers wide and spread them out, creating as much distance between them as you can.

  Hand squeezing--Make a fist by tucking your thumb into your palm and then wrapping your fingers around it. Squeeze your hand as tightly as is comfortable. Do five times. Gradually increase the squeeze as you get stronger.

Wrist Range of Motion Exercises

• There are several exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles and soft tissues of the wrist and hand. They can be quite difficult if your hand is partially immobilized. Your range of motion can be severely limited, but as you continue, your wrist will regain mobilization. Extension, flexion and circles will rehabilitate the wrist.

  Wrist extension--Hold your forearm parallel to the floor with your elbow bent at your side. Your palm should be facing down. Pull your wrist back as far as you can, trying to get your fingers pointing to the ceiling. Return your palm to parallel to the floor. Do five to 10 repetitions.

  Wrist flexion--From the same position with your hand parallel to the floor, bend your wrist down and point your fingers toward the floor as far as you can. Do five to 10 reps.

  Wrist circles--Rest your forearm on your thigh with your palm facing down. Extend your fingers and rotate your wrist clockwise five times, and then reverse direction five times. Your fingers will draw a circle in the air and your palm will stay facing down.

Warning

• Consult your physician before attempting any of these exercises.