Exercises and rehabilitation techniques that can be combined with wearing a thumb brace
Wearing a thumb support provides support for various thumb-related conditions, such as a sprained thumb, thumb osteoarthritis or skier's thumb. While the brace provides stability and promotes the healing process, it is important to also stay active and continue doing targeted exercises to improve thumb strength and mobility.
Different exercises for the thumb
In this blog, we will discuss different exercises for different thumb injuries that you can combine with wearing a thumb support to accelerate the recovery process and improve the functionality of your thumb. We give you below some exercises you can do, for specific thumb injuries. You can perform these exercises while wearing a thumb support.
Exercises after thumb basal joint surgery
When you have surgery on your thumb basal joint, the surgeon removes the carpal bone. A piece of tendon is taken from the forearm where the bone used to be. This is a major operation. The exercises below can help your recovery and reduce pain. It is best to do these exercises 6 times a day and repeat all exercises 10 times. Remove the splint first before starting the exercises.
- Wrist bending and stretching.
- Rotate forearm: place arm on table or chair rail and turn palm upwards.
- Tip of thumb bend and stretch
- Bend and stretch knuckle of thumb
- Tap fingertips with thumb.
- Spread and close the fingers.
Exercises for De Quervain's syndrome
De Quervain's syndrome results from tendonitis of the thumb and wrist. Its treatment consists of doing exercises, rest and wearing a thumb support. Below, we explain to you which exercises you can do to reduce the symptoms.
Exercise 1: Light exercise for when De Quervain's syndrome is still in its early stages
1. Stretch your arm out in front of you and put the thumb in your hand.
2. Make a fist with the thumb in your hand. (Make sure your thumb knuckle is pointing up).
3. Try to lower your fist, but make sure your arm does not move
4. Hold this for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 2 or 3 times in a row and 3 times a day.
Exercise 2: exercise when De Quervain's syndrome is in the middle phase
1. Move your thumb to the bottom of each finger up to your little finger.
2. Hold this for 5 seconds and then return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 10 times and perform it 3 times a day.
Exercise 3: Heavy exercise for when De Quervain's syndrome is in its end phase
1. Grab a rubber band.
2. Put this around your thumb.
3. Tighten this elastic band with your other hand.
4. With your thumb, put this elastic band back.
5. Do 5 series of 10 repetitions and 3 times a day.
Exercises after thumb surgery
If you have had thumb surgery, you can do the exercises below to improve thumb function. Do the exercises several times a day and do not go beyond what your pain threshold tells you.
- Lay your hand flat on the table and then move your thumb away from your index finger. Hold this for 5 seconds.
- Try to touch all fingertips with your thumb one by one. Start with the index finger and then move towards your little finger and then slide across the little finger to your palm. Try to hold this in the extreme position for 5 seconds.
- Start in the following position: your thumb rests on your bent fingers. Move your thumb up and hold this for 5 seconds.
- Open your hand as if grabbing something big. Hold this for 5 seconds.
- Hold the thumb of the affected hand with your other hand, right under the tip of the thumb. Then bend the tip of your thumb. Hold this for 5 seconds.
- Fold your fingers together and rotate the thumbs in circles. Make sure the affected thumb makes the largest round.
Buy thumb support?
Besides doing exercises, it is also important to support your thumb properly. You can do this by wearing a thumb support. A thumb support always provides the correct support and is also very comfortable to wear. Podobrace has a very extensive range of thumb supports for various types of complaints and injuries. Our highly knowledgeable customer service team will be happy to help you make the right choice. They can be reached via phone, live-chat and e-mail.
