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Mobility Gentle ~2 min

Table finger slides

With the palm on the table, slide each fingertip a short distance toward the thumb line and return — a gentle tendon excursion drill when composite glides are still uncomfortable.

Equipment: No special equipment

Do this exercise

2 sets × 6 reps. Watch the demo and tap through at your own pace — we log your reps, holds, and how it felt.

Prefer the classic step-by-step timer?

Rest the forearm on the table, palm down, fingers long and relaxed.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 5 short steps — about 32 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: No special equipment

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Acute fracture or unstable fixation without clearance
  • Open wounds on the fingertip pads

Stop if

  • Sharp pain at a knuckle or along a tendon
  • Triggering or catching that worsens
  • New swelling after the session
How does the hand feel right now?
No painWorst pain

Prefer a quick pacing gate before the timer? Use full guided session — it asks for pain, stiffness, and fatigue in a few taps first (education only, not clearance).

Why it helps

Small sliding motions encourage the flexor tendons to glide under the pulleys with very low load — a common bridge between protected rest and full tendon glide sequences.

What it should feel like

Light friction under the pads and a small pull along the finger. No sharp knuckle pain.

Target area

Fingers, palm

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp pain at a knuckle or along a tendon
  • Triggering or catching that worsens
  • New swelling after the session

Get clearance first if

  • Acute fracture or unstable fixation without clearance
  • Open wounds on the fingertip pads
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
Explainer

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 a non-sticky surface; a thin cloth is OK if skin grips the table.
  • Keep the wrist quiet — motion comes from the fingers only.

Today's dose

Reps
6
Sets
2
Sessions / day
3
Rest
30s
Pain ceiling
3/10

Common mistakes

  • Lifting the fingertips off the table to 'cheat' range
  • Dragging through sharp pain to get more slide
  • Holding the breath

Easier version

  • Slide only the index finger for the whole session
  • Cut reps in half

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • When cleared, overlap with your full tendon glide sequence

How did this feel?

One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.