Exercises for a Sprained Thumb

An abnormal bending of the thumb joint typically causes a thumb sprain. The forceful bending can be from the side or by a hyperextension (bending back) of the thumb.

A fall onto an outstretched hand or a “jammed” thumb, such as during contact from a ball or during sports can result in a thumb sprain.

Depending on the severity of your injury, it may take weeks or months for your thumb to heal. As part of your rehabilitation process, your physical therapist will help build strength, increase range of motion, and improve the overall functioning of your hand.

You may be provided with thumb rehab exercises to complete at home as well.

Benefits of thumb stretches & exercises

Here are some of the many benefits that come with a regular exercise program:

Whether your sprain is the result of a sports injury like a gamekeeper’s thumb, sprained thumb exercises can help you feel in control during the recovery process.

If your goal is getting back to your normal routine, be sure to choose only the safest and most effective stretches and exercises.

Here are a few to get you started

Thumb strengthening exercises

Thumb strengthening exercises are an important phase for regaining thumb function after an injury. The following simple exercises can help maximize healing and thumb balance.

• Finger pinch: Simply pinch the tips of the fingers and the thumb together, decide how hard you can push based on your symptoms. This will help to regain strength when picking up small objects.

• Power squeeze: This can be done with a hand strengthening rubber ball. Simply place the tool in the palm of your hand. Wrap your fingers and thumb around it as you squeeze the hand into a fist. Squeeze as hard as is comfortable for up to 5 seconds.

• Full finger spread: Use a rubber band, or a hand extension exerciser to strengthen the extensors in the hand. For the starting position, bring the tips of your fingers and thumb together before placing the band around your fingers.

  Then, spread the fingers apart as far as possible and hold for 2-3 seconds. Keep the return motion slow and controlled.

Range of motion exercises for the thumb

A range-of-motion exercise can help to increase the function and movement of your affected hand. Range of motion exercises include:

1. Thumb flexion
2. Thumb extension
3. Thumb abduction

Maintaining and restoring flexibility is important for normal hand function and recovering from your sprained thumb injury.

Stretching should only be started when pain and swelling are under control and these moves can be done without a significant increase in pain. Talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you and how to do them correctly and safely.