Hand therapists help treat hand injuries and conditions and help people regain essential functions following surgeries.

Hand therapists usually prescribe exercises to restore mobility and prevent future injuries. The goal is to improve muscular coordination and strengthen the muscles so they can bear more stress. Here are some finger and hand exercises that are most commonly prescribed by hand therapists.

PIP Joint Blocking

The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints refer to the middle knuckles of the fingers (naturally, the thumb doesn’t have a PIP joint). Here’s how to perform this exercise:

  1. Position the hand you’re going to be exercising palm-up.
  2. Place your free hand under the exercised hand for support. Place the hand at the end of the PIP joint.
  3. Start with the index finger and bend it at the joint (the middle of your finger).
  4. Hold this position for three to five seconds.

You don’t need to keep the other fingers still while doing this; if they move, it’s not a problem.

DIP Joint Blocking

The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints refer to the first knuckles from the top of the fingers. They’re located right above the PIP joints. Here’s how to perform this exercise:

  1. Like with the PIP joint, position the exercised hand palm-up.
  2. Place the free hand under the exercised hand for support. Place a finger below the DIP joint (palm side up) because the rest of the finger can also bend during this exercise.
  3. Bend the finger at the joint and hold it for three to five seconds.

Other fingers can move during this exercise, but don’t let the middle (PIP) joint bend.

Wrist Flexion and Extension

A person with a fist

These are the two most common movements of the wrist. Here’s how you can slowly improve flexion and extension:

  1. Support your exercised forearm with your free hand.
  2. Make a tight fist.
  3. Flex your fist up and down at the wrist.
  4. Eventually, you can add weight to improve your strength. When you do, alternate between palm-up and palm-down to work both motions.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive hand and finger strengthening or recovery program, get in touch with us at Able Hands Rehab. We’re a group of occupational and physical therapists that provide occupational hand therapy, custom hand splinting, and more in Edison, Old Bridge, and Freehold, NJ.