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Arm and wrist exercises: Overview
Your doctor can give you information about exercises for building flexibility and strength in your hand, wrist, and arm.
Exercises for flexibility may include:
- Rotating your wrist up, down, and from side to side.
- Stretching your fingers far apart, then relaxing them, then stretching them again.
- Stretching your thumb by pulling it back gently, holding it, and then releasing it.
Exercises to increase strength may include:
- Squeezing a rubber ball.
- Wrist curls and extensions with a light weight.
If any exercise or motion causes pain or swelling, stop that exercise, or reduce the intensity or amount of motion.
Wrist flexion and extension
- Place your forearm on a table, with your affected hand and wrist extended beyond the table, palm down.
- Slowly bend your wrist to move your hand upward. Close your hand into a fist. Then lower your hand and allow your fingers to relax. Hold each position for about 6 seconds. You should feel a gentle stretch.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
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