Hand Therapy – Tendon Gliding Exercises

This exercise leaflet is given to the patient during the assessment at the hand trauma/hand therapy appointment for varied reasons. Such reasons include fracture, post-operative or trigger fingers.

What is Tendon Adhesions?

Tendon adhesions (sticking) can happen after a hand trauma, injury or surgery.

Doing the tendon gliding exercises regularly can help to prevent them. The exercises help improve the fingers movements and reduce the swelling.

What are Tendon Gliding exercises?

These are specific exercises which promote the motion of tendons in the surrounding soft tissue caused by Tendon Adhesions (sticking).

What exercises should I do?

Exercise 1

Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist. Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: 1 to 2 hours

Exercise 2

Bend your knuckles, keeping the fingers straight. Then bend your middle knuckles so that your finger tips touch your palm. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: 1 to 2 hours

Contact Details

Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions.

Contact details are:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Monday to Friday 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]