Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Physiotherapy Department
Allied Health Professions
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Level 2, Ned Hanlon Building, Herston
(07) 3646 4319
Exercises after Burn Injury to your Hand
After a burn injury to your hand, your skin will tighten in an attempt to close and heal the wounds as
quickly as possible. During this process it is common for skin contractures (tissue shortening) to develop.
Your skin may become tight and this is likely to affect your ability to perform daily activities with your hand
such as writing, eating, carrying and manipulating objects.
The exercises provided will help to improve the strength of your hand muscles and stretch the skin on
your hand. This will help prevent skin contractures, reduce skin tightness and restore full movement in
your hand. It is recommended that you perform these exercises regularly throughout the day - Every
hour is ideal but a minimum of 4 to 5 sessions throughout the day.
Duck Hand Fist Hook / Claw
Bend knuckles while keeping Curl fingers down into a full Make a hook or a claw by
fingers straight to make a duck fist. Clench tight and hold keeping your back knuckles
hand. Hold for 1 minute. for 1 minute. straight and curling the end
of your fingers. Hold for 1
minute.
Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding for 1 minute
Do 10 times holding for 1 minute
Press on Knuckles Press on fingertips Thumb Opposition
Press knuckles down onto table Press fingertips down onto Bend thumb across to the tips of
or flat surface. Make sure your table or flat surface to make each finger. Then slide your
wrist stays straight. Hold for 1 claw. Hold for 1 minute. thumb down to the base of your
minute. Try to curl fingers into little finger and hold for 1
full fist in this position. minute.
Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding at base of
thumb for 1 minute.
Version No: 2 Effective date: January 2016 Review date: January 2019 Page 1 of 4
Webspace stretch Finger Webspace Stretch 1 Finger Webspace Stretch 2
Join your thumbs and index Use opposite hand to bend down Make a V with two fingers. Use
fingers together to make a one knuckle while keeping the the opposite hand to stretch the
diamond shape. Now push your neighbouring finger straight. Do V wider. Hold for 1 minute. Do
hands together until the this for all fingers. Hold for 1 this for all webspaces.
diamond becomes long and minute.
narrow. Hold for 1 minute.
Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding for 1 minute
Grip Strength Grip with wrist movement Grip with lateral movement
Practice squeezing different Whilst keeping fingers tightly in Bend your thumb over to the
objects to increase your grip a fist bend wrist forward and base of your little finger and lock
strength. Start with a soft towel. hold for 1 minute. inside your fist. Now bend your
Then try crumpling up paper into wrist in the direction of your little
balls. Use a squish ball if you finger and hold this stretch for 1
have one or your theraputty. minute.
Squeeze as hard as you can and Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times holding for 1 minute
see how long you can maintain
the pressure.
Do 10 times hold for 10 seconds
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Thumb Joint Bend Finger and Thumb Finger Co-ordination
Extension
Bend your thumb at the middle Keep hand flat on table and try Put a small object like a bottle
knuckle. If you can’t do this on to lift your fingers off the table top, marble or coin in your hand.
your own help by putting pressure one at a time. Now lift your Try to move it around in your
under the joint or using the other thumb. fingers. To make this exercise
hand to help. Hold for 1 minute. harder add more objects into
your hand.
Do 10 times holding for 1 minute Do 10 times for each finger
Other Activities to assist with Hand Exercises
Try to use your hand and arm normally in your daily activities. Here is a list of activities that can help to
improve hand function.
Scrunch or crumple paper in your hand to form a ball and throw into bin
Practice writing, drawing, painting
Use your hands with cutlery at meal times - curl fingers tightly around handles
Brush your teeth using your hand and curl fingers tightly around toothbrush handle, squeeze toothpaste
Do up buttons and zips
Opening Jars and drink bottles
Opening canned foods with can opener
Carrying shopping bag
Peeling fruit and vegetables
Squeezing pegs on clothesline
Squeeze and wring out a dishcloth / sponge while washing dishes etc
Use a spray bottle to water plants
Use a screwdriver to tighten/loosen screws
Throwing / catching a tennis ball
Playing cards
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Keep score of how often you complete these exercises (Copy this page and use a new sheet every week)
Exercise Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Duck Hand
Fist
Hook / Claw
Press on knuckles
Press on
Fingertips
Thumb Opposition
Webspace stretch
Finger Webspace
Stretch 1
Finger Webspace
Stretch 2
Grip Strength
Grip with Wrist
Movement
Grip with Lateral
Movement
Thumb Joint bend
Finger and Thumb
Extension
Finger Co-
ordination
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