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Exercises for Hand Movement

People choose to exercise the muscles in their hands for many reasons. Age may cause regression of hand function, an accident may lead to an injury of the hand, or there may be a need to build hand strength. Exercises for hand movement, when practiced repetitively, can increase dexterity, stability and endurance.

  1. Table Top

    • The table top exercise for hand movement is very simple. Bend the arm up at the elbow and extend the hand with fingers pointed up as if waving at a passerby. Keeping the wrist straight, bend the fingers at the base joint, leaving the middle joints straight. The bent fingers should resemble a table top. Relax the fingers back into the upward position and repeat the motion.

      This exercise will have the most effect on the muscles in the back and palm of the hand.

    Finger Tip Touch

    • Form an "O" with the finger and thumb.

      In this hand movement exercise, each individual finger makes an "O" shape with the thumb. Open the hand wide and extend the fingers. Beginning with the index finger, create an "O" by touching the tip of the finger to the tip of the thumb. Repeat the motion with each finger, fully opening the hand after each one. Relax the hand after the exercise has been completed with each finger and repeat.

      This movement will increase finger dexterity.

    Finger Curls

    • This exercise can be performed in three ways. The hardest requires each finger to be curled individually from the end joint to the base joint. The mid-effort exercise allows for all of the fingers to be curled at the same time from the end joints to the base joints. To perform the easiest version of this hand movement exercise, use the other hand to bend each finger individually from the end joint to the base joint. Always remember to relax the fingers and hand after each exercise before repeating.

      All versions of this exercise will aid with finger strength and movement.

    Fan and Curl

    • Clench and release a fist to increase hand strength and movement

      To begin the fan and curl exercise for hand movement, extend the hand and keep all finger knuckles straight. Spread the fingers as far apart as possible to make a fan shape. From this position bend or curl the fingers to form a clenched fist. Uncurl the fingers, relax the hand, and repeat the exercise.

      This movement will work all areas of the hand.

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