The Importance of Tendon-Gliding Exercises

Tendon glides are a series of hand and wrist movement exercises designed to prevent or reduce tendon adhesions. Tendon adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the tendons that may result after trauma or surgery, restricting normal movement of the joints. Tendon gliding exercises allow each tendon to reach its greatest amount of movement by improving the flow of the tendons through the carpal tunnel. Tendon gliding exercises are beneficial for everyone, regardless of prior injury or trauma to the hands. 

Benefits of tendon gliding exercises:

• Promotes smooth movement of the tendons

• Reduces friction of the tendons 

• Reduces hand swelling

• Improves blood flow

• Prevents injuries

• Improves symptoms of carpal tunnel

• Improves flexibility

• Reduces adhesions 

• Improves dexterity 

How to do tendon glides: Repeat this simple 8 step sequence 3 times a day!

REFERENCES

NHS. (n.d.). Tendon Gliding Exercises. NHS choices. https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/hand-therapy-tendon-gliding-exercises/#:~:text=Tendon%20adhesions%20(sticking)%20can%20happen,have%20any%20concerns%20or%20questions. 

Tendon glide exercises. Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust. (2023, July 13). https://www.mcit.org/blog/resource/tendon-glide-exercises/#:~:text=Tendon%20glide%20exercises%20are%20a,combination%20of%20exercise%20and%20stretching.