Finger Stretch

The purpose of the finger stretch is to stretch the long finger tendons that are necessary for flexing and extending your fingers and for performing tasks like typing on a keyboard. When you slowly open and close your hands, you prevent the tendons from getting stiff, which can result from retaining one position for too long a period. Positions that can lead to stiffening of the tendons are gripping a computer mouse and typing.

Performing the finger stretch

1. Slowly move your fingertips downward into the top of your palm.
2. Make a tight fist.
3. Squeeze your fist tightly.
4. Slowly open the fist, extending all of your fingers as far as possible.
5. Hold your hand open for 5-10 seconds.
6. Relax.
7. Repeat 3 times for each hand.

Alternate way to perform the finger stretch:

If your fingers or hand joints feel too stiff to do the finger stretch as described—Use your non-stretching hand for assistance.

• With your free hand, gently help your stretching fingers move into the stretch, as far as you can. If you feel any pain or if your fingers do not move easily STOP the stretch.

If you feel any discomfort or pain while performing the finger stretch, STOP immediately and consult your health care provider.

 

Ergonomics and You

Health and Body

• Posture
  • Angled Hands
  • Arched Hands
  • Bent Neck
  • Body Twist
  • Eye Strain
  • Feet and Legs
  • Hunched Back
  • Phone Pinch
  • Pinched Fingers
  • Tips for Comfortable Posture
• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis

Office Ergonomics

• Chair
• Desk
  • Keyboard
  • Lighting
  • Monitor
  • Mouse
  • Wrist Rest
• Stretching Exercises

Nine Stretches & Alternate Instructions

• Chest Stretch
• Eye Relaxer
• Finger Stretch
• Lower-back Stretch
• Neck Stretch
• Neck Stretch II
• Shoulder Roll
• Upper-back Stretch
• Wrist Stretch