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Dexterity Gentle ~2 min

Thumb opposition

Touch the tip of each finger with the thumb to rebuild fine motor control for buttons, keys, and writing.

Equipment: No special equipment

Do this exercise

2 sets × 8 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?

Open the hand, fingers relaxed.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 6 short steps — about 28 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: No special equipment

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Recent thumb surgery without clearance

Stop if

  • Sharp thumb pain
  • Joint catching or locking
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

Opposition is the foundation of pinch and grip. Practicing it preserves and rebuilds the dexterity you use for daily tasks.

What it should feel like

A light effort in the thumb. No sharp pain.

Target area

Thumb, fingers

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp thumb pain
  • Joint catching or locking

Get clearance first if

  • Recent thumb surgery without clearance
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

  • Sit comfortably with your hand in front of you.
  • Aim for accuracy, not speed.
  • Stop if a joint catches or locks.

Today's dose

Reps
8
Sets
2
Sessions / day
3
Rest
20s
Pain ceiling
2/10

Common mistakes

  • Moving too fast and missing the fingertip
  • Pressing the thumb hard against each finger
  • Letting the wrist collapse during the touches

Easier version

  • Touch only index and middle finger if other tips hurt
  • Reduce to 4 reps per set

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • Touch each fingertip 2x in sequence (forward and back)
  • Add a small pinch hold at each tip

How did this feel?

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