Tendon Glides Exercises
What are Tendon Gliding Exercises?
“The ultimate goal of both the surgeon and therapist is to minimize and modify peritendinous adhesions and promote optimal tendon glide. At the same time the tendon repair must be protected from excessive stress in order to avoid gapping or rupture. (Peck, 2014)
Basically; They're exercises to help heal after a tendon injury. This includes Carpal Tunnel, Tendonitis, DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, Trigger finger. It can be due to strain, overuse from repetitive movements, diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues or infection.
How do you find out?
If you find yourself experiencing hand pain, swelling, or funky popping in your hand/wrist; Consult your doctor. They may refer for an MRI, or X-ray depending on your symptoms. Once they can see a picture of what’s going on inside, they are able to refer to Occupational Therapists like me to address it. Depending on if there is a bone fracture, tendon injury, or where the pain/swelling is coming from; We tailor exercises for your specific injury and pain.
Are there more exercises?
Yes, in Occupational Therapy we manipulate different parts of your hand to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This might feel like a massage, but they are research based movements to help you get back to normal.
Here’s a little Visual Guide to Tendon Gliding Exercises. You can also refer to this video to help you.
Start with your fingers straight
Make each type of fist one at a time
Then curl your thumb down in your palm as much as possible
Stretch it back out as far as possible
We are always here to help you, please email us if you have any questions.
