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Pad-to-side pinch

Thumb pad to lateral index (pad–lateral pinch)

StrengthThumbFingerspinchisometricModerate riskPhases 3, 4

Goal

Builds lateral pinch pattern used in keys and tools with controlled load.

Motion taxonomy (reference)

Also called: key like theraputty pinch

Structures:

Muscles — adductor pollicis, first dorsal interosseous, thenar muscles

Tendons — thumb adductor tendons

Bones / joints — index proximal phalanx, thumb CMC, thumb MCP

Indexed benefits: improves lateral pinch · strengthens thumb adduction · supports key grip

Common contexts: hand function · key pinch rehab · thumb stability

View in Arthritis of the hand

Best for

  • Key-turn strength
  • Lateral pinch tolerance

Default dose

Reps8
Frequency3× daily
Sets / time—

8 reps • 5s hold • 3×/day

Equipment

Card or soft blank

Avoid when

Measurement targets

  • Hold time
  • Thickness progressed

Setup

  • Hold a thin card or soft key blank between thumb pad and side of index.

Steps

  1. 1Pinch gently to hold without bending the card.
  2. 2Hold, relax, repeat.

Cues

  • Pressure through the pad, not the nail.
  • Wrist neutral.

Common mistakes

  • Substituting fingertip pinch.

Stop if you feel

Stop rules

  • Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
  • Increasing swelling during or after
  • New or worsening numbness or tingling
  • Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
  • Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
  • Next morning is worse than the day before

Progressions

  • Thicker object for more demand.

Regressions

  • Visual hold without object.

Used in

Arthritis of the hand
Jump toDose & equipmentSteps & cuesStop rulesKeep going
Continue your rehab

What to do next — not a dead end

Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.

Estimated time

~2–5 min as a focused practice block

8 reps · 5s hold · 3×/day

Equipment

Card or soft blank

Rehab stage

Phases 3, 4

Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.

When to stop

Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)

Increasing swelling during or after

Full stop rules ↑

Avoid if this sounds like you

Painful thumb CMC loading

Reread best-for context ↑

Where this shows up clinically

How phases map to healing

Keep momentum without overdoing it

Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.

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Scaling in plain language: Easier — Visual hold without object. · Harder — Thicker object for more demand.Full cues ↑
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