The flexor tendons begin in the forearm and connect the small bones of the fingers to one another and the wrist. Flexor tendons are responsible for finger flexibility, and they can be injured from a deep cut or a strain from contact sports or improper pushing, pulling or lifting. Surgery is the treatment of choice; following which, you will wear a small plaster cast during your recovery. The cast will allow you to move your injured finger about 20 degrees in either direction; this is important because flexor tendons heal best when certain exercises are done twice per day for at least two weeks.
Finger Spreads
Rest your arm on the arm of a chair, with your palm flat. Use your other hand to gently spread the fingers of the injured hand as far as they will go without pain, then gently close them again. This exercise helps keep the flexor tendons flexible laterally and can help you develop the strength and range of motion to grip small objects.
Finger Bends
With your arm resting on a table and your elbow by your side, turn your palm up. Use your "good" hand to gently touch the tip of your thumb with each finger on the injured hand in succession. Be sure to bring the fingertip to the thumb, not the other way around. This series of moves helps strengthen and stretch the lower part of the flexor tendons that connect the small bones of the hand, helping you regain a normal range of motion.
Thumb Exercises
If your thumb is the injured finger, use your other hand to make circles with it. Make the circles as big as you can without pain. Also, use your other hand to move your injured thumb back and forth across the palm on the same hand. This exercise helps develop strength and flexibility in the injured flexor tendon.
Palm Twist
Rest your arm on a table or the arm of a chair with your palm down. Use your other hand to gently lift the injured hand and rotate the wrist so the palm is facing up. Gently return to the starting position. This exercise helps gently stretch the flexor tendons above the wrist.
Wrist Rotation
Rest your elbow on the arm of a chair. Use your uninjured hand to bend the injured hand back, then forward, then to either side. Only bend the wrist until you feel a slight resistance, and stop if you feel pain. Then move the wrist in smooth, complete circles, using the entire range of motion. This exercise helps keep your wrist flexible despite being unable to use your hand.
