Straight hand
Composite finger extension (neutral hand)
Establishes a clean baseline for finger extension and a starting position for the tendon glide ladder.
Best for
- Stiffness in extension
- Warm-up for tendon glides
Default dose
10 reps • 3s hold • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Acute extensor tendon repair without clearance
Measurement targets
- Finger extension lag (degrees)
- Photo: dorsal view of full extension
Setup
- Forearm supported on a table, palm facing down or up.
Steps
- 1Open the hand fully.
- 2Hold straight and relaxed for 2–3 seconds.
- 3Release without forcing.
Cues
- Spread the knuckles, not just the fingertips.
- Soft shoulders, soft jaw.
Common mistakes
- Hyperextending the wrist.
- Pushing into pain to look 'flat'.
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
- Add finger spreads.
- Hold against a soft towel resistance.
Regressions
- Use the other hand to gently support extension.
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 · 3s 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
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.