Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Complete Exercise Program

Median Nerve Glides

Gentle gliding movements that keep the median nerve moving freely through the wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the median nerve gliding smoothly through the carpal tunnel — easing the irritation behind carpal tunnel tingling without over-stretching a sensitive nerve.

1. Start with a gentle fist, wrist neutral.
2. Open the fingers straight, then bend the wrist back so the palm faces forward and fingers point up.
3. Gently add a thumb stretch with the other hand if comfortable, then return. Move slowly through the sequence.

Tips:

• Gentle gliding — never a hard stretch, which can irritate a sensitive nerve.
• Stop short of strong tingling; ease back if symptoms increase.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10, daily.

Tendon Gliding (Finger Glides)

A sequence of finger positions that keeps the tendons sliding smoothly through the hand and wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the finger tendons sliding freely through their sheaths and the carpal tunnel — preventing stiffness and catching, and keeping the hand smooth and supple.

1. Start with fingers straight.
2. Bend just the top two knuckles into a "hook," then straighten.
3. Make a full fist, then straighten.
4. Bend the big knuckles only into a "tabletop," then straighten.
5. Make a "straight fist" (fingers curled but knuckles flat). Move slowly through each.

Tips:

• Move smoothly through the whole sequence.
• Gentle and controlled — these keep the tendons gliding, not strengthening.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10 of each, daily.

Wrist Range of Motion

Gentle bending and side-to-side motion to keep the wrist moving freely.

What it helps: Keeps the wrist moving through its full range — preserving the bend, straighten, and side-to-side motion you use for everyday hand tasks.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge. Bend the wrist up, then down, through comfortable range.
2. Then move the hand side to side (toward the thumb, then the little finger).
3. Finally make slow circles. Keep the forearm still.

Tips:

• Smooth, comfortable motion — don't force the ends.
• Keep the forearm supported so only the wrist moves.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10 each, daily.

Posture Training

Trains a neutral spine for sitting, standing, and lifting safely.

What it helps: Trains a neutral, balanced spine for sitting, standing, and lifting — good posture takes strain off the back all day long.

1. Sit or stand tall, stacking ears over shoulders over hips.
2. Gently draw your shoulder blades down and back.
3. Hold a tall, relaxed neutral position; reset whenever you slouch.

Tips:

• Set reminders to check your posture during the day.
• A small lumbar roll helps when sitting.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Median Nerve Glides

Gentle gliding movements that keep the median nerve moving freely through the wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the median nerve gliding smoothly through the carpal tunnel — easing the irritation behind carpal tunnel tingling without over-stretching a sensitive nerve.

1. Start with a gentle fist, wrist neutral.
2. Open the fingers straight, then bend the wrist back so the palm faces forward and fingers point up.
3. Gently add a thumb stretch with the other hand if comfortable, then return. Move slowly through the sequence.

Tips:

• Gentle gliding — never a hard stretch, which can irritate a sensitive nerve.
• Stop short of strong tingling; ease back if symptoms increase.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10, daily.

Tendon Gliding (Finger Glides)

A sequence of finger positions that keeps the tendons sliding smoothly through the hand and wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the finger tendons sliding freely through their sheaths and the carpal tunnel — preventing stiffness and catching, and keeping the hand smooth and supple.

1. Start with fingers straight.
2. Bend just the top two knuckles into a "hook," then straighten.
3. Make a full fist, then straighten.
4. Bend the big knuckles only into a "tabletop," then straighten.
5. Make a "straight fist" (fingers curled but knuckles flat). Move slowly through each.

Tips:

• Move smoothly through the whole sequence.
• Gentle and controlled — these keep the tendons gliding, not strengthening.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10 of each, daily.

Gentle Nerve Glides

Helps a healing nerve move freely and can ease leg symptoms — gentle, never into sharp pain.

What it helps: Helps a healing nerve slide freely, which can ease leg or arm symptoms. Gentle is the rule — never push into sharp pain.

1. Sit tall in a chair.
2. Slowly straighten one knee while flexing your foot up, until you feel a light stretch down the leg.
3. Bend the knee back down — move in and out smoothly.

Tips:

• Stay in a gentle, pain-free range.
• Stop if it sharply increases leg pain.

Commonly done as 1–2 sets of 10, 1–2 times a day.

Wrist Isometrics

Gentle no-movement holds that calm tendon pain while keeping the muscles active.

What it helps: Loads the forearm tendons gently without movement — a comfortable way to keep them strong and often to ease tendon pain before they're ready for moving resistance.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge. For extensors: make a light fist, push the back of the hand up against your other hand — no movement — and hold.
2. For flexors: push the palm down against your other hand and hold.
3. Use comfortable pressure; the wrist stays still.

Tips:

• No movement happens — you're holding against resistance.
• Start light; isometrics often ease tendon pain, so find a comfortable level.

Commonly done as 1 sets of Hold 20–45 sec ×3–5, daily.

Grip Strengthening

Builds hand and forearm grip strength with a ball or putty.

What it helps: Builds the grip and forearm strength behind almost every hand task — and supports the tendons at the elbow that grip relies on.

1. Hold a soft ball or therapy putty in your hand.
2. Squeeze firmly and hold a few seconds, then relax fully.
3. Work through comfortable effort; stop short of sharp pain.

Tips:

• Full squeeze, full relax — both matter.
• Grip work loads the elbow tendons, so build it gradually if you have tennis or golfer's elbow.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Tendon Gliding (Finger Glides)

A sequence of finger positions that keeps the tendons sliding smoothly through the hand and wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the finger tendons sliding freely through their sheaths and the carpal tunnel — preventing stiffness and catching, and keeping the hand smooth and supple.

1. Start with fingers straight.
2. Bend just the top two knuckles into a "hook," then straighten.
3. Make a full fist, then straighten.
4. Bend the big knuckles only into a "tabletop," then straighten.
5. Make a "straight fist" (fingers curled but knuckles flat). Move slowly through each.

Tips:

• Move smoothly through the whole sequence.
• Gentle and controlled — these keep the tendons gliding, not strengthening.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10 of each, daily.

Wrist Curls

Strengthens the forearm muscles in both directions.

What it helps: Builds balanced forearm strength in both directions — the everyday strength behind a comfortable, capable wrist and grip.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge, holding a light weight.
2. Palm up: curl the wrist up, then lower with control (flexion). Palm down: lift the back of the hand up, then lower (extension).
3. Move smoothly through comfortable range.

Tips:

• Light weight, controlled motion.
• Build the forearm in both directions for balance.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 12–15 each, most days.

Grip Strengthening

Builds hand and forearm grip strength with a ball or putty.

What it helps: Builds the grip and forearm strength behind almost every hand task — and supports the tendons at the elbow that grip relies on.

1. Hold a soft ball or therapy putty in your hand.
2. Squeeze firmly and hold a few seconds, then relax fully.
3. Work through comfortable effort; stop short of sharp pain.

Tips:

• Full squeeze, full relax — both matter.
• Grip work loads the elbow tendons, so build it gradually if you have tennis or golfer's elbow.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Wrist Deviation (Side-to-Side)

Strengthens the muscles that move the wrist toward the thumb and little-finger sides.

What it helps: Strengthens the side-to-side wrist muscles — important support for the thumb-side tendons and for steady, controlled wrist use.

1. Rest the forearm on a table with the hand off the edge, thumb up, holding a light weight or hammer.
2. Slowly raise the hand toward the thumb side, then lower with control.
3. Keep the forearm still; the motion is at the wrist.

Tips:

• Light resistance, controlled motion.
• A hammer held toward the head adds gentle, adjustable load.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–12, most days.

Median Nerve Glides

Gentle gliding movements that keep the median nerve moving freely through the wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the median nerve gliding smoothly through the carpal tunnel — easing the irritation behind carpal tunnel tingling without over-stretching a sensitive nerve.

1. Start with a gentle fist, wrist neutral.
2. Open the fingers straight, then bend the wrist back so the palm faces forward and fingers point up.
3. Gently add a thumb stretch with the other hand if comfortable, then return. Move slowly through the sequence.

Tips:

• Gentle gliding — never a hard stretch, which can irritate a sensitive nerve.
• Stop short of strong tingling; ease back if symptoms increase.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10, daily.

Wrist Curls

Strengthens the forearm muscles in both directions.

What it helps: Builds balanced forearm strength in both directions — the everyday strength behind a comfortable, capable wrist and grip.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge, holding a light weight.
2. Palm up: curl the wrist up, then lower with control (flexion). Palm down: lift the back of the hand up, then lower (extension).
3. Move smoothly through comfortable range.

Tips:

• Light weight, controlled motion.
• Build the forearm in both directions for balance.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 12–15 each, most days.

Grip Strengthening

Builds hand and forearm grip strength with a ball or putty.

What it helps: Builds the grip and forearm strength behind almost every hand task — and supports the tendons at the elbow that grip relies on.

1. Hold a soft ball or therapy putty in your hand.
2. Squeeze firmly and hold a few seconds, then relax fully.
3. Work through comfortable effort; stop short of sharp pain.

Tips:

• Full squeeze, full relax — both matter.
• Grip work loads the elbow tendons, so build it gradually if you have tennis or golfer's elbow.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Wrist Deviation (Side-to-Side)

Strengthens the muscles that move the wrist toward the thumb and little-finger sides.

What it helps: Strengthens the side-to-side wrist muscles — important support for the thumb-side tendons and for steady, controlled wrist use.

1. Rest the forearm on a table with the hand off the edge, thumb up, holding a light weight or hammer.
2. Slowly raise the hand toward the thumb side, then lower with control.
3. Keep the forearm still; the motion is at the wrist.

Tips:

• Light resistance, controlled motion.
• A hammer held toward the head adds gentle, adjustable load.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–12, most days.

Median Nerve Glides

Gentle gliding movements that keep the median nerve moving freely through the wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the median nerve gliding smoothly through the carpal tunnel — easing the irritation behind carpal tunnel tingling without over-stretching a sensitive nerve.

1. Start with a gentle fist, wrist neutral.
2. Open the fingers straight, then bend the wrist back so the palm faces forward and fingers point up.
3. Gently add a thumb stretch with the other hand if comfortable, then return. Move slowly through the sequence.

Tips:

• Gentle gliding — never a hard stretch, which can irritate a sensitive nerve.
• Stop short of strong tingling; ease back if symptoms increase.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10, daily.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.

Wrist Curls

Strengthens the forearm muscles in both directions.

What it helps: Builds balanced forearm strength in both directions — the everyday strength behind a comfortable, capable wrist and grip.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge, holding a light weight.
2. Palm up: curl the wrist up, then lower with control (flexion). Palm down: lift the back of the hand up, then lower (extension).
3. Move smoothly through comfortable range.

Tips:

• Light weight, controlled motion.
• Build the forearm in both directions for balance.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 12–15 each, most days.

Grip Strengthening

Builds hand and forearm grip strength with a ball or putty.

What it helps: Builds the grip and forearm strength behind almost every hand task — and supports the tendons at the elbow that grip relies on.

1. Hold a soft ball or therapy putty in your hand.
2. Squeeze firmly and hold a few seconds, then relax fully.
3. Work through comfortable effort; stop short of sharp pain.

Tips:

• Full squeeze, full relax — both matter.
• Grip work loads the elbow tendons, so build it gradually if you have tennis or golfer's elbow.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Median Nerve Glides

Gentle gliding movements that keep the median nerve moving freely through the wrist.

What it helps: Keeps the median nerve gliding smoothly through the carpal tunnel — easing the irritation behind carpal tunnel tingling without over-stretching a sensitive nerve.

1. Start with a gentle fist, wrist neutral.
2. Open the fingers straight, then bend the wrist back so the palm faces forward and fingers point up.
3. Gently add a thumb stretch with the other hand if comfortable, then return. Move slowly through the sequence.

Tips:

• Gentle gliding — never a hard stretch, which can irritate a sensitive nerve.
• Stop short of strong tingling; ease back if symptoms increase.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 5–10, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.