Tendon Gliding Exercises are gentle hand and finger rehabilitation exercises designed to encourage smooth movement of the flexor tendons as they pass through the hand and fingers. These tendons connect the muscles of the forearm to the fingers and allow the fingers to bend and perform activities such as gripping, grasping, writing, typing, and handling objects.

Following certain hand injuries, surgery, swelling, or periods of immobilization, tendon movement can become restricted and finger stiffness may develop. Tendon gliding exercises use a sequence of controlled finger positions to encourage tendon movement and maintain functional mobility of the hand.

How Tendon Gliding Exercises Work

The fingers are moved through a series of specific positions, with each position creating a slightly different relationship between the finger joints and surrounding tendons.

Common positions may include:

• Straight hand
• Hook fist
• Full fist
• Tabletop position
• Straight fist

The patient moves slowly from one position to another while keeping the movements controlled. The exact exercises, repetitions, and range of motion should be selected according to the individual's condition and rehabilitation stage.

The purpose is to encourage smooth tendon excursion while maintaining appropriate finger and hand mobility.

Conditions That May Benefit

Depending on the clinical assessment, tendon gliding exercises may be incorporated into rehabilitation for:

• Finger stiffness
• Hand stiffness
• Recovery following certain hand surgeries
• Tendon-related hand conditions
• Hand swelling
• Reduced finger range of motion
• Rehabilitation following appropriate injuries
• Periods of hand immobilization
• Reduced hand function following injury

Benefits of Tendon Gliding Exercises

When appropriately prescribed, tendon gliding exercises may help:

• Maintain finger mobility
• Encourage smooth tendon movement
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve finger range of motion
• Support hand function during rehabilitation
• Reduce the effects of prolonged immobilization
• Improve coordination of finger movements
• Prepare the hand for strengthening and functional activities

These exercises are generally gentle and can be incorporated into a broader hand rehabilitation program.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your physiotherapist first evaluates your finger movement, swelling, pain, tendon function, and overall hand mobility.

You will be taught how to move your fingers through the prescribed sequence. Each position is usually held briefly before progressing to the next position, with the movements performed slowly and comfortably.

Your physiotherapist will demonstrate the correct technique and explain how frequently the exercises should be performed. The exercise sequence may be modified depending on your injury, surgery, or stage of recovery.

Tendon Gliding After Hand Surgery

Tendon gliding exercises may be an important part of rehabilitation following certain hand or tendon procedures. However, they must be introduced at the appropriate stage of healing because some tendon repairs require specific precautions and restrictions.

Your physiotherapist will follow the relevant surgical or medical guidelines when deciding which movements are appropriate and when to progress them.

Tendon Gliding and Hand Function

Smooth tendon movement is important for performing everyday hand activities such as:

• Making a fist
• Holding objects
• Picking up small items
• Writing
• Typing
• Using a mobile phone
• Buttoning clothes
• Handling utensils
• Performing work-related tasks

As mobility improves, tendon gliding exercises can be combined with functional activities to gradually restore normal hand use.

Tendon Gliding as Part of Hand Rehabilitation

Tendon gliding exercises are often combined with hand joint mobilization, stretching, grip strengthening, finger coordination exercises, wrist exercises, and fine motor rehabilitation.

The focus is on gradually restoring comfortable movement and function while respecting the healing stage of the affected tissues.

At our physiotherapy clinic, Tendon Gliding Exercises are prescribed according to your individual hand condition and rehabilitation stage. Our physiotherapists provide guidance on correct technique and progression to help improve finger mobility, tendon movement, coordination, and functional hand use.