Thumb extension on table
Thumb radial extension slide with palm fixed
Goal
Uses friction to stabilize the palm while biasing EPL/EPB excursion.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: passive thumb out · thumb extension in plane · thumb index l position
Muscles — abductor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus, thenar muscles, thumb flexors as passive lengthened tissues
Tendons — thumb abductor tendons, thumb extensor tendons, thumb flexor tendon interfaces
Bones / joints — first metacarpal, thumb CMC joint, thumb MCP joint
Indexed benefits: helps thumb control · improves thumb abduction · improves thumb extension · opens web space · reduces stiffness · supports thumb alignment · supports web-space opening
Common contexts: CMC rehab · mobility work · passive ROM · simple thumb AROM · thumb stiffness · web-space tightness
Best for
- Web-space opening
- Simple thumb AROM when upright is hard
Default dose
10 reps • 3×/day
Avoid when
- Healing thenar graft
- CMC instability without clearance
Measurement targets
- Slide distance (cm estimate)
Setup
- Palm flat on a table; fingers together; wrist neutral.
Steps
- 1Slide the thumb along the table away from the index finger.
- 2Return to the start without lifting the palm.
- 3Repeat smoothly.
Cues
- Keep the heel of the thumb in light contact.
- Small, clean slides.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the whole hand off the table.
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
- Add a slight rubber-band pull line if cleared.
Regressions
- Shorter slide distance.
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.
Avoid if this sounds like you
Healing thenar graft
CMC instability without clearance
Reread best-for context ↑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.