Ulnar nerve glide (gentle)
Slowly floss the ulnar nerve pathway with small wrist and finger changes. Stop if ring or small-finger numbness ramps up.
Do this exercise
1 set × 5 reps · hold 2s each. Watch the demo and tap through at your own pace — we log your reps, holds, and how it felt.
Prefer the classic step-by-step timer?
Changing exercises clears this timer and any unsaved reflection. Save your reflection first if you want to keep it.
Start with the elbow bent comfortably, wrist straight, fingers relaxed.
Ready when you are
We'll guide you through 6 short steps — about 32 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.
Have ready: No special equipment
Contraindications & stop if…
When not to do this
- Cubital tunnel surgery before clearance
- Ulnar nerve subluxation without clinician guidance
- Active elbow fracture or dislocation
Stop if
- Ring or small-finger numbness that lasts after you stop
- Elbow pain that sharpens with each repetition
- Night symptoms that suddenly worsen
Prefer a quick pacing gate before the timer? Use full guided session — it asks for pain, stiffness, and fatigue in a few taps first (education only, not clearance).
Why it helps
The ulnar nerve moves with wrist and elbow position. Gentle, symptom-limited glides are commonly used in hand therapy to support comfort and tolerance.
What it should feel like
A mild tug along the inner forearm or elbow. Tingling should ease or stay flat — never build.
Target area
Wrist, elbow, ring and small fingers
Stop if you notice
- Ring or small-finger numbness that lasts after you stop
- Elbow pain that sharpens with each repetition
- Night symptoms that suddenly worsen
Get clearance first if
- Cubital tunnel surgery before clearance
- Ulnar nerve subluxation without clinician guidance
- Active elbow fracture or dislocation
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
How to do it well
Goal, setup, dose, and the things therapists most often have to repeat. This is education — not a replacement for your clinician's plan.
Before you start
- Keep the shoulder relaxed — tension upstream changes nerve tension.
- If symptoms spike, reduce range or stop for the day.
- This is education, not a substitute for your surgeon or therapist plan.
Today's dose
- Reps
- 5
- Sets
- 1
- Hold
- 2s
- Sessions / day
- 2
- Rest
- 45s
- Pain ceiling
- 2/10
Common mistakes
- Forcing a big wrist bend instead of a tiny, comfortable arc
- Speeding up when the hand feels "fine" — nerves respond to slow dosing
- Doing dozens of reps when a few controlled reps are enough
Easier version
- Skip the ulnar tilt; only open and close the fist slowly
- Do 3 reps once per day for the first week
How did this feel?
One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.