Finger strengthening exercises 

General instructions: 

• For all exercises below, person should be in seated or standing 
• Hold each movement for 5 seconds and slowly return 
• Repeat each movement 10 times 

1. Thumb opposition 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger flexion or grip strength. 

Instructions: 

• Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of each of the fingers in succession 

2. Pincer grip 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger flexion or grip strength. 

Instructions: 

• Pinch a clothes peg with the tip of the thumb together with each of the finger tips 

3. Finger extension 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger extension strength. 

Instructions:

• Place the palm on a table, lift each finger as far back as possible 

4. Rubber band exercise 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger extension strength. 

Instructions:

• Place a large rubber band around the outside of the thumb and rest of the fingers. Open the fingers to stretch the rubber band 

5. Finger ball squeeze 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger adduction strength. 

Instructions: 

• Place a small soft or rubber ball in between the fingers. Squeeze the ball with the fingers 

6. Squeeze ball 

Suitable for: 3-5/5 finger flexion and grip strength. 

Instructions: 

• Squeeze a rubber ball with all the fingers 

Where movement should be felt: 

All exercises should be felt in the finger, hand and forearm muscles.