Intrinsic-plus stretch
Hold the big knuckles bent and the smaller finger joints straight to lengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the hand — used after stiffness from immobilization or burns.
Rest the forearm on a table, palm facing down, fingers relaxed.
Ready when you are
We'll guide you through 5 short steps — about 29 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing leaves your device.
Have ready: No special equipment
Contraindications & stop if…
When not to do this
- Acute MCP joint sprain or fracture without surgeon clearance
- Active inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Stop if
- Pinching at the knuckles
- Numbness or tingling that lingers after the stretch
- Sudden swelling on the back of the hand
Guided full-screen session — 3D hand, optional mirror, voice or silent modes.
Why it helps
Lengthening the intrinsic muscles helps recover the ‘safe-position’ posture (MCPs flexed, IPs straight) that prevents intrinsic-tightness deformity after swelling or immobilization.
What it should feel like
A mild stretch across the back of the hand and along the small finger muscles. Never pinching or sharp.
Target area
Stop if you notice
- Pinching at the knuckles
- Numbness or tingling that lingers after the stretch
- Sudden swelling on the back of the hand
Get clearance first if
- Acute MCP joint sprain or fracture without surgeon clearance
- Active inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Education sources
HandTherapy.app summarizes common home-program elements used in hand therapy and surgery recovery education. These links are for learning — they do not replace your clinician's instructions.
How to do it well
Goal, setup, dose, and the things therapists most often have to repeat. This is education — not a replacement for your clinician's plan.
Before you start
- Use the unaffected hand only to support — never to force.
- Skip if your protocol still requires a resting splint at this position.
Today's dose
- Reps
- 4
- Sets
- 1
- Hold
- 15s
- Sessions / day
- 3
- Rest
- 30s
- Pain ceiling
- 2/10
Common mistakes
- Letting the smaller finger joints bend — this loses the stretch
- Pushing the MCPs past comfort
- Holding the breath
Easier version
- Hold for half the time
- Only stretch one finger at a time with the others relaxed
Harder version
Only if your phase allows progression.
- Once cleared and pain-free, add 5° more MCP flexion with the same gentle hold
How did this feel?
One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.
What to do next — not a dead end
Suggestions use shared goals, tags, and difficulty — not your medical record. Always defer to your clinician’s plan after surgery or a flare.
~2 min this exercise
Add a second exercise below for a fuller block.
None required — bodyweight / table surface only
Explainer ceiling: 2/10 — back off before you reach it.
When to stop
Pinching at the knuckles
Numbness or tingling that lingers after the stretch
Full stop rules ↑Common mistake to watch
• Letting the smaller finger joints bend — this loses the stretch
More form cues ↓Get clearance first if
- • Acute MCP joint sprain or fracture without surgeon clearance
- • Active inflammatory arthritis flare without clinician guidance
Related in the same lane
Same goal or strong tag overlap.