10 Hand Exercises for Stroke Patients: No Props Needed
Regaining hand strength and mobility after a stroke is crucial for daily activities such as eating, dressing, and writing. Regular exercise can help improve coordination, dexterity, and overall hand function. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment—just your hands and a little dedication.
Here are ten simple yet effective hand exercises that stroke survivors can do at home:
1. Finger Tapping
Place your hand on a flat surface, palm facing down.
Slowly tap each finger to your thumb, starting with your index finger and moving to the pinky.
Repeat 10 times on each hand.
2. Wrist Stretch
Hold your affected hand with your other hand.
Gently bend your wrist up and down to stretch it.
Repeat 10 times.
3. Open and Close
Start with your hand in a fist.
Slowly open your hand as wide as possible.
Hold for a few seconds, then close it again.
Repeat 10 times.
4. Thumb Opposition
Touch your thumb to the tip of each finger one by one.
Try to form a circle with each touch.
Repeat 5-10 times on each hand.
5. Wrist Rotation
Hold your hands out with palms facing down.
Slowly rotate your wrists so that your palms face up, then back down.
Repeat 10 times.
5. Tabletop Finger Lift
Place your hand flat on a table.
Lift each finger all at once, then lower them back down.
Repeat 10 times for each finger.
6. Finger Extensions
Place your affected hand flat on a table.
Use your other hand to lift each finger upward.
Hold for a few seconds and release.
Repeat 5-10 times.
7. Hand Squeezes
Make a fist and squeeze gently.
Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Repeat 10 times.
8. Thumb Extension
Place your hand flat on a table with the palm facing down.
Move your thumb away from the rest of your fingers.
Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Repeat 10 times.
9. Finger Walking
Place your hand on a table, fingers slightly spread apart.
‘Walk’ your fingers forward and then back.
Repeat 10 times.
10. Hand Slide
Place your hand flat on a table.
Slowly slide your forearm, if movement is limited, use your stronger hand to assist.
If the surface isn’t slippery enough, you can use a long-sleeved jumper or place a smooth cloth underneath.
Repeat 10-15 times, moving within a comfortable range.
Consistency is key—practising daily can lead to noticeable improvements over time. If you’re unsure where to start, try a few exercises and gradually add more as your strength increases.