Watch guided demo: Soft grip squeeze
Isolated finger flexion (putty)
Single-digit flexion into putty with stabilized forearm
Goal
Biases single-digit flexors for dexterity and glide control with tactile feedback.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: finger by finger pull · single finger pull
Muscles — flexor digitorum profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis
Tendons — individual flexor tendons
Bones / joints — DIP joints, MCP joints, phalanges, PIP joints
Indexed benefits: builds dexterity · improves finger independence · targets individual flexors
Common contexts: dexterity rehab · fine motor control · finger isolation
Best for
- Finger independence
- FDS/FDP recruitment without whole-hand flex
Default dose
8 reps • 2×/day
Equipment
Therapy putty (soft)
Avoid when
- Acute flexor tendon repair windows
- Pulp wounds
Measurement targets
- Digits completed per set
Setup
- Press a small putty ball on the table; forearm fixed.
Steps
- 1Touch all fingertips lightly into the putty.
- 2Curl only one finger while the others stay quiet.
- 3Straighten and switch digits.
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
- Firmer putty when cleared.
Regressions
- Air curls without putty.
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 · 2×/day
Therapy putty (soft)
Phases 2, 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
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.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Guided exercises that use this
Step-by-step sessions that embed this movement pattern.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.