Ulnar Collateral Ligament Sprain (Skier's Thumb)
If you have had surgery or if you have been in a cast or
splint, you may do these exercises when your health care
provider says you are ready.
- Thumb range of motion: With your palm flat on a
table or other surface, move your thumb away from your
hand as far you can. Hold this position for 5
seconds and bring it back to the starting position.
Rest your hand on the table in a handshake position.
Move your thumb out to the side away from your palm as
far as possible. Hold for 5 seconds. Return to the
starting position. Next, bring your thumb across your
palm toward your little finger. Hold this position for
5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat
this entire sequence 10 times. Do 3 sets.
- Wrist: Active range of motion
- Flexion: Gently bend your wrist forward. Hold
for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
- Extension: Gently bend your wrist backward.
Hold this position 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
- Side to side: Gently move your wrist from side
to side (a handshake motion). Hold for 5 seconds at
each end. Do 3 sets of 10.
- Thumb strengthening: Pick up small objects such as
paper clips, pencils, and coins using your thumb and
each of your other fingers one at a time. Practice this
exercise for about 5 minutes.
- Grip strengthening: Squeeze a rubber ball and hold
for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
Written by Tammy White, M.S., P.T., for McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.