FINGER STIFFNESS AFTER A FRACTURE
Finger exercises after a fracture or splint removal
A clear home starting point for adults whose treating clinician has said the fracture is stable enough for a general motion program and explained any current restrictions.
Created by Ryne Baines, OTR/L, CHT
Certified Hand Therapist and creator of My Movement Guide
Free readiness check first · Then $21.99 for 30-day access · One-time purchase
Start with the clearance boundary
A fracture can look healed before every structure is ready for the same load. Begin only after the clinician treating the fracture has cleared general motion. Their restrictions override this plan.
A focused starting point
Why this lane fits the Finger Plan
People searching for finger exercises usually do not need another disconnected list. They need a clear sequence, response rules, progression, and a boundary for when general guidance is not enough.
Ryne's starting principle
After immobilization, the useful question is not how hard you can stretch. It is how to restore comfortable bending and straightening with a repeatable dose, then add strength only when the hand is tolerating motion and daily use.
Common problems this page addresses
- The finger feels stiff after a cast, splint, or buddy taping
- Making a fist or fully opening the hand is difficult
- Swelling makes motion feel tight or inconsistent
- Grip feels weaker after a period of protection
- You are unsure how much motion is enough without overdoing it
What the plan helps you work toward
- Restore comfortable finger bending and straightening
- Work toward a more complete fist and easier hand opening
- Manage the response to motion, including pain and swelling
- Progress from mobility toward strength when the hand is ready
- Recognize when recovery needs an in-person evaluation
The actual plan stays protected
This page explains the fit and the goal. Paid access contains Ryne's therapist-recorded videos, the exact exercise selection and order, repetitions, hold times, frequency, progression, and pain or swelling response rules.
A general plan may fit when
- Your treating clinician said the fracture is stable enough for a general home motion program
- You understand and can follow every current restriction
- The skin is closed and there is no active wound or infection concern
- Symptoms are stable enough to monitor rather than rapidly worsening
Get checked first when
- You have not been cleared for motion, or you are unsure what is allowed
- Pins, wires, a recent procedure, or a surgeon-specific protocol is involved
- There is a new deformity, loss of motion, major swelling, drainage, or spreading redness
- You develop new numbness, color or temperature change, severe pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Finger Plan: $21.99
30 days of access. One-time purchase. No subscription or automatic renewal.
If the check identifies a reason not to use a general plan, checkout is not offered.
Common questions
When can I start finger exercises after a fracture?
The clinician treating the fracture should decide when motion is safe. Timing varies with the fracture, stability, treatment, healing, and any tendon or ligament involvement. Do not use a general plan as your clearance.
Does the public page show the paid exercises?
No. The public page explains fit, goals, and safety boundaries. Exercise names, demonstration videos, order, repetitions, hold times, and progression stay inside the paid Finger Plan.
Is this a postoperative or custom fracture protocol?
No. It is general educational guidance for a clinician-cleared recovery. A surgeon or therapist's specific protocol always takes priority.
How much is the Finger Plan?
The first plan is a one-time $21.99 purchase for 30 days of access, with no subscription or automatic renewal. A readiness check comes before checkout.
Related guidance
Evidence and review sources
My Movement Guide provides general educational guidance. It does not diagnose, provide medical clearance, or replace care from your doctor, therapist, or surgeon.