Thumb flexion across palm
Thumb adduction/flexion toward small-finger side
Goal
Encourages opposition arc components without heavy pinch loading.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: thumb across palm · thumb flexion · thumb to little finger
Muscles — flexor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis longus, opponens pollicis
Tendons — thumb flexor tendons
Bones / joints — thumb CMC, thumb CMC joint, thumb IP, thumb IP joint, thumb MCP, thumb MCP joint
Indexed benefits: helps pinch range · improves thumb flexion · reduces stiffness · supports opposition
Common contexts: arthritis · arthritis stiffness · fine motor rehab · thumb opposition work · thumb ROM
Best for
- Opposition range
- CMC-friendly flexion pattern
Default dose
10 reps • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Acute thenar pain
Measurement targets
- Reach toward fifth metacarpal base
Setup
- Palm up or supported; fingers relaxed.
Steps
- 1Slide the thumb across the palm toward the base of the little finger.
- 2Return to the starting line.
- 3Keep motion smooth.
Cues
- Think length across the palm, not force.
- No pinch pain.
Common mistakes
- Collapsing the wrist into ulnar deviation.
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
- Pause 2 s at end range.
Regressions
- Support the wrist with the other hand.
Used in
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
10 reps · 3×/day
None required — table or bodyweight only.
Phases 1, 2, 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Next 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.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.