If you're suffering from nerve damage due to a hand injury, chances are you're suffering from pain and a loss of mobility and strength in your hand. These injuries can result in the inability to freely move your wrist and fingers with the same freedom as you did before your injury. Physical therapy exercises can help restore the mobility to your fingers and hand. Check with your doctor to determine whether the exercises listed below are right for your specific condition.
Finger Abduction and Adduction
Stand with your elbow tucked into your side and your hand extended with your forearm parallel to the ground in a position similar to shaking hands. Spread your fingers as wide apart as you can and hold this position for a couple of seconds. Now bring your fingers back together and hold them in this position for several seconds. Repeat several times a day according to your doctor's orders.
Finger Stretch
Use your other hand and gently pull your injured finger back until you feel a gentle stretch in your palm. Hold this position for several seconds and then release the stretch. Be sure that you don't just pull back on the tip of your middle finger when performing this exercise since this can result in damage to your finger joints. Repeat as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
Thumb Opposition
This exercise helps strengthen your hand and fingers following surgical treatment of your injury. Begin by holding your hand with your palm up and your fingers relaxed. Begin touching your thumb to the tip of your index finger. Squeeze your thumb and finger together as hard as you can and hold this position for a couple of seconds. Continue this exercise using each finger in succession. Repeat three times, touching each finger to your thumb.
Tennis Ball Squeeze
Don't perform this exercise without the direction of your doctor or therapist. Hold a tennis ball in your hand with your palm facing your body and your thumb pointing toward the ceiling. Squeeze the tennis ball as hard as you can and hold this contraction for about five seconds. Stop immediately if your feel any sharp pain or loss of sensation when performing this exercise. Repeat 10 times.
