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Movement library
Tendon glideFingersmoderatePhases 2, 3

Differential tendon glide

FDS-only vs FDP-only isolated glides

Targets adhesions between FDS and FDP at common irritation sites.

Best for

  • Persistent finger stiffness
  • Suspected adhesion

Default dose

8 reps • 2×/day

Avoid when

  • Recent flexor repair without clearance

Measurement targets

  • Independent PIP & DIP flexion (deg)

Setup

  • Use the other hand to block as needed.

Steps

  1. 1FDS: bend MCP+PIP only (DIP straight).
  2. 2FDP: hold PIP straight, bend only DIP.
  3. 3Alternate between the two patterns.

Cues

  • Slow, isolated motion.

Common mistakes

  • Bending all joints together.

Stop rules

  • Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
  • Increasing swelling during or after
  • New or worsening numbness or tingling
  • Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
  • Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
  • Next morning is worse than the day before

Progressions

  • Add brief end-range holds.

Regressions

  • Practice each separately on different days.
Continue your rehab

What to do next — not a dead end

Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.

Estimated time

~2–5 min as a focused practice block

8 reps · 2×/day

Equipment

None required — table or bodyweight only.

Rehab stage

Phases 2, 3

Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.

When to stop

Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)

Increasing swelling during or after

Full stop rules ↑

Avoid if this sounds like you

Recent flexor repair without clearance

Reread best-for context ↑

Keep momentum without overdoing it

Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.

Scaling in plain language: Easier — Practice each separately on different days. · Harder — Add brief end-range holds.Full cues ↑