Movement library
DexterityThumbFingersPhases 3, 4
Utensil hold
Functional utensil grip practice
Restores functional grip for eating.
Best for
- Eating independence
Default dose
2 min • 1×/day
Equipment
Utensil
Avoid when
- Acute pinch pain
Measurement targets
- Tolerance time
Setup
- Grip a fork, spoon, or chopstick.
Steps
- 1Practice holding and moving small objects with the utensil.
Cues
- Built-up handles are okay.
Common mistakes
- Forcing thin handles too soon.
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
- Thinner handle; smaller objects.
Regressions
- Built-up handle.
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 min typical block
~2 min · 1×/day
Equipment
Utensil
Rehab stage
Phases 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Where this shows up clinically
How phases map to healingNext best movements
Later phase or richer progression when you are ready.
Prerequisite / gentler lane
Same region and intent — usually earlier phase or lower risk.
Commonly paired with
Different primary goal, same region — typical mixed sessions.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.
Scaling in plain language: Easier — Built-up handle. · Harder — Thinner handle; smaller objects.Full cues ↑