Thumb action range of motion (AROM)
Last edited: 28/08/2026
1. AROM thumb adduction/abduction – palm down
Sets: 1
Repetitions: 1
Hold: 1 second
Sit upright in a chair.
Place your forearm and hand on a table with your palm facing down and your thumb positioned away from your fingers.
Keeping your palm flat on the table, move your thumb towards your fingers.
Then move your thumb away from your fingers as far as comfortable.
2. AROM thumb opposition with flexion
Sets: 1
Repetitions: 1
Hold: 1 second
Sit upright in a chair.
Place your affected arm on a table holding your forearm upright.
Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger to form an "O" shape.
Then slide the tip of your thumb down the front of your index finger as far as it will go.
Repeat the movement with each finger.
3. Thumb palmar abduction – forearm in neutral
Sets: 1
Repetitions: 1
Place your forearm on a table with your hand resting on its side.
Move your thumb away from your palm as far as you can, keeping it parallel to the table.
Then bring your thumb back towards your index finger, and repeat
Keep your other fingers and the knuckle joints of your thumb relaxed throughout the exercise.
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