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Home > Resources > Strengthening and Stretching exercises if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand: Part 1

Strengthening and Stretching exercises if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand: Part 1

Patient information on strengthening and stretching exercises if you have rheumatoid arthritis of the hand.

Download and print as a PDF (792kB pdf)

Name and contact number of therapist:

Date issued:

What is this exercise programme for?

This programme of exercises is for people with rheumatoid arthritis. If you follow this programme, it will help to improve hand strength and function.

You may hear this programme called Strengthening and Stretching for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand, or the SARAH programme.  

How often should I do exercises?

Complete these daily.

Do 5 repetitions. Hold each position for 5 seconds.

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

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

Therapist comments:

Exercise 1: finger bends

finger bends, Keeping your knuckles straight, bend the first two joints of your fingers down as shown
Keeping your knuckles straight, bend the first two joints of your fingers down as shown. Hold for _________ seconds.
Finger bends, return to start position
Return to start position
Finger bends, then bending your fingers, try to touch the base of your hand as shown.
Then bending your fingers, try to touch the base of your hand as shown.
Finger bends. return to start position
Return to start position
Finger bends, Then try to make a fist as shown.
Then try to make a fist as shown.

Exercise 2: finger walking

finger walking, Place your hands palm down on a table so they are in line with your forearm.
1. Place your hands palm down on a table so they are in line with your forearm.
Finger walking, Move your thumb out to the side as shown.
2. Move your thumb out to the side as shown.
Finger walking, Lift up the index finger and move it towards the thumb.
3. Lift up the index finger and move it towards the thumb.
Finger walking, Place it down as close to the thumb as possible.
4. Place it down as close to the thumb as possible.
Finger walking, Repeat this process with the other fingers.  Pick your hands up off the table and return to start position.
5. Repeat this process with the other fingers. Pick your hands up off the table and return to start position.

Exercise 3: knuckle bends

knuckle bends, Bend the Knuckle joints of all your fingers down as shown. Keep the other finger joints straight. You can do both hands at the same time.
Bend the Knuckle joints of all your fingers down as shown. Keep the other finger joints straight. You can do both hands at the same time.

Exercise 4: wrist circles

wrist circles, Move your hand in a circle keeping your forearm and elbow still. Repeat in opposite direction. You can do both hands at the same time.
Move your hand in a circle keeping your forearm and elbow still. Repeat in opposite direction. You can do both hands at the same time.

Exercise 5: spreading fingers

spreading fingers, Place your hands flat on the table.
1. Place your hands flat on the table.
spreading fingers, Spread your fingers apart as much as comfortably possible while keeping the fingers straight.
2. Spread your fingers apart as much as comfortably possible while keeping the fingers straight.

Exercise 6: hand behind head

hand behind head exercise
Try to reach your hand behind your head and neck as far as comfortably possible. You can do both arms at the same time.

Exercise 7: hand behind back

hand behind back exercise
Try to reach your hand up behind your back as far as comfortably possible. You can do both arms at the same time.

Who can I contact for further information and advice?

Please do not hesitate to contact your Rheumatology Occupational Therapist on:

Brighton General Hospital 01273 696011 Ext. 4071

Princess Royal Hospital 01444 441881 Ext. 68266

Southlands or Worthing Hospitals 01273 446060

Information:

The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner. 

Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatments. That’s why UHSx is proud to be a research-active Trust. Find out how you can get involved.  
 
Visit our website www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/information-for-patients-and-public or scan the QR code:  
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