Watch guided demo: Tendon glides
Passive finger extension
Assisted composite finger extension (gentle overpressure)
Goal
Low-load passive lengthening can improve extension tolerance when active motion is limited.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: passive composite finger extension
Muscles — finger extensors as passive lengthened tissues, forearm flexors
Tendons — finger extensor and flexor tendon interfaces
Bones / joints — DIP joints, MCP joints, phalanges, PIP joints
Indexed benefits: helps after immobilization · improves extension range · reduces stiffness
Common contexts: passive ROM · post-cast recovery · stiff fingers
Best for
- Stiff extension after cast or splint
- Warm-up before active work
Default dose
8 reps • 15s hold • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Acute extensor tendon repair without clearance
- Sharp joint pain with stretch
Measurement targets
- Comfortable hold time
- Visual extension symmetry
Setup
- Support the forearm palm-up; relax the hand.
Steps
- 1Use the other hand to gently straighten each finger into full extension.
- 2Hold a comfortable stretch; no bouncing.
- 3Release slowly and repeat on each ray if needed.
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
- Tiny oscillations within the comfortable range.
Regressions
- Shorter holds; fewer rays per session.
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.
~2–5 min as a focused practice block
8 reps · 15s hold · 3×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 1, 2, 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Avoid if this sounds like you
Acute extensor tendon repair without clearance
Sharp joint pain with stretch
Reread best-for context ↑Where this shows up clinically
How phases map to healingNext best movements
Later phase or richer progression when you are ready.
Prerequisite / gentler lane
Same region and intent — usually earlier phase or lower risk.
Commonly paired with
Different primary goal, same region — typical mixed sessions.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.