Range of movement exercises if you have osteoarthritis of the hand 

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Name and contact number of therapist

Date issued

Therapist Comments  

What is this exercise programme for?

This programme of exercises is for people with osteoarthritis. It has been designed to exercise the joints, muscles and tendons of your hands and wrists. If you do these exercises, they will help to maintain your range of movement, grip and strength.  

How often should I do these exercises

Do these exercises daily.

Do 3 to 5 repetitions with 3 to 5 second holds.  

If this causes no increase in pain/other difficulties increase to 10 repetitions (record date here)

If this causes no increase in pain/other difficulties increase to 10 second holds (record date here)

Relax between each exercise by wriggling your fingers.   

Stretching exercises: do these daily

For each exercise, stretch to the point of slight discomfort. 

Perform each exercise 3 to 5 times per session. 

Hold each position between 3 and 5 seconds.  

1. Thumb web stretch

Use your other hand to open out the web space and press gently. Be careful not to put pressure on the other joints of the thumb. This can also be done supporting your hands against the body.  

2. Make a fist

Bend the fingers into a fist. Then open out the hand stretching out the fingers and thumb as far as possible.

3. Thumb flexion

With hand and palm up, hand and forearm supported on a table, stretch thumb across palm to base of little finger.

4. Thumb extension

With hand palm down, hand and forearm supported on a table, stretch thumb out away from the hand.

5. Thumb abduction

With your hand placed on its side, move the thumb outwards and then bring it back again. 

6. Thumb opposition

With hand and forearm on side, touch tip of thumb to each fingertip (do this slowly)

7. Thumb flexion (isolated)

With hand and forearm on the side, hold below the second joint down as shown in picture and bend this joint, keeping the next joint straight.

8. Thumb flexion (isolated)

With hand and forearm on the side, hold below the first joint down as shown in picture and bend this joint only.

9. Finger joint bends

Holding the bone below, joints to be exercised, bend the joint as far as possible. Then straighten the joint.

10. Wrist bends

Keeping the forearm still, bend the wrist in each direction (up, down, side to side). Then turn hands over so the palms are facing the ceiling. Turn them back over to face the floor.

Who can I call for further information and advice?