Check personal suitability first
Only try this movement if your clinician or hand therapist says it is suitable for you. Follow your own restrictions, especially after injury, surgery or when using a splint. The St Georges hand therapy leaflet asks readers to check suitability. Its clinical effort and repetition instructions are not a general target here. This article explains a movement, not treatment for stiffness.
Find the joint nearest the nail
The last finger joint sits just below the fingertip and nail. It is often called the distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP. Rest your forearm comfortably. With the other hand, gently support the finger segment immediately below that joint, toward the palm. Leave the fingertip free. Do not grip the nail or press the fingertip down. Ask your therapist to show the support if you cannot locate it clearly.
Bend and return using the finger itself
Slowly bend only the fingertip joint within the movement your clinician permits, then return toward your starting position. The Plymouth instructions describe bending with the finger's own power. The supporting hand steadies the rest of the finger; it does not push the moving segment. Do not add resistance, force straightening or chase the largest bend. Use your individual plan for any dose.
Watch what else moves
If the middle joint bends, the whole finger curls or the wrist changes position, reset with a smaller movement. The Dorset isolated joint guide distinguishes end joint work from middle joint work. Stop for pain, catching, new numbness or swelling. Do not repeat the movement to test a symptom. Ask for individual advice if symptoms persist or the setup is unclear.
Keep the task and observations distinct
Whole hand tendon glides change several joints into shapes. Lifting a finger from a table raises the digit, while finger spreading separates fingers. None is this supported fingertip bend. Note the finger, support and comfortable movement, without interpreting an angle as a diagnosis or lasting improvement. Use the beginner mobility guide for other suitable choices and Fitonomy Mobility for the product. Article translations do not mean the app supports every article language.