FINGER STIFFNESS AFTER A FRACTURE
Finger exercises after a fracture or splint removal
A general, video-guided starting plan 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, OT, CHT, Certified Hand Therapist. Prerecorded general education—not a diagnosis, medical clearance, or individualized occupational therapy.
Free readiness check first · Then $21.99 for 30-day access · One-time purchase. The check looks for reasons a general plan may not fit; it does not medically clear you.
Start with the clearance boundary
A fracture can look healed before every structure is ready for the same motion or load. Begin only after active motion is allowed. Passive stretching and resistance remain separate phases and require their own permission.
Starting principle
After immobilization, begin with gentle heat-assisted positioning and comfortable active bending and straightening. True passive stretching belongs later and only when allowed; resistance and loading require separate clearance.
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
- Work on comfortable finger bending and straightening
- Work toward a more complete fist and easier hand opening
- Manage the response to motion, including pain and swelling
- Keep assisted or passive motion and strength behind separate readiness checkpoints
- Recognize when recovery needs an in-person evaluation
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.