Who Is This Routine For?
This routine is designed for people who experience reduced sensory awareness, difficulty coordinating hand movements, or challenges engaging their hand and finger muscles during everyday activities.
It may be worth exploring for people who:
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Have difficulty sensing their hand or fingers during movement.
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Find opening and closing their hand challenging.
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Want additional sensory feedback during hand exercises.
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Are working with a physical or occupational therapist on hand mobility and coordination.
How Pulse Fits In
Pulse delivers targeted mechanical vibration that activates sensory receptors in the skin and underlying tissues, providing additional sensory input to the nervous system.
When paired with intentional hand movements, this feedback may help support body awareness and muscle engagement during exercise.
Pulse does not directly produce finger movements, repair damaged nerves, or replace physical or occupational therapy.
Where to Place Your Pulse Devices
For this routine, we recommend exploring two placement areas:
Placement 1: Back of the Hand
Position one Pulse Device comfortably on the back of the hand, away from prominent knuckles and joints.
Purpose: Provide localized sensory feedback while practicing hand opening, finger extension, and closing.
Placement 2: Forearm Extensor Muscle Group
Position the second Pulse Device over the fleshy muscle area on the back of the forearm, below the elbow and above the wrist.
Purpose: Provide sensory feedback over muscles involved in wrist and finger extension during movement practice.
You can begin with one placement or explore both together, depending on comfort and your therapist's guidance.
Recommended Pulse Settings
Option 1: Sensory Awareness
App setting: Rehab → Sensory Feedback & Tissue Health → Indirect
Recommended placement: Back of the hand.
Try this setting when your primary goal is to experience additional sensory feedback and improve awareness of your hand during movement.
Option 2: Muscle Engagement During Movement
App setting: Performance → Select Target Muscle
Recommended placement: Forearm extensor muscle group.
Try this setting while practicing intentional wrist and finger movements.
Getting Started: Begin with a low, comfortable intensity. Choose a level that provides noticeable vibration without discomfort or interfering with your movement.
Exercises to Try
Exercise 1: Slow Hand Opening and Closing
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Sit comfortably with your forearm supported on a table.
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Place Pulse on the back of your hand, your forearm extensors, or both.
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Turn on your selected setting.
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Slowly open your hand, gently spreading your fingers as much as comfortably possible.
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Gradually close your hand into a relaxed fist.
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Repeat 5–10 times, resting as needed.
Focus: Pay attention to the sensation of the vibration and the movement of your fingers.
If you cannot fully open your hand, work within your available range rather than forcing the movement.
Exercise 2: Finger Extension and Table Taps
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Rest your forearm and hand comfortably on a table, palm facing down.
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Keep Pulse positioned over the forearm extensor muscle group.
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Slowly attempt to lift one finger at a time away from the table.
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Lower each finger with control.
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Try 5 repetitions per finger, as comfortable.
Focus: Concentrate on each individual finger movement while receiving sensory feedback.
If individual finger movement is difficult, begin with gentle attempts to lift multiple fingers together.
Exercise 3: Open, Reach, and Release
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Place a lightweight object, such as a soft foam ball, on a table.
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Open your hand and reach toward the object.
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Gently close your fingers around it.
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Reopen your hand to release the object.
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Repeat 5–10 times, as tolerated.
Focus: Practice transitioning between hand opening and closing during a familiar everyday task.
If gripping or releasing the object is difficult, use a larger, softer object or ask your therapist about assisted variations.
Watch the Demonstration
See Pulse in Action: Hand Opening & Closing
Watch how Pulse can be positioned on the back of the hand and forearm extensor muscle group while practicing controlled hand opening and closing.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KBsqJ5fqLxg
Tips for Getting the Most Out of This Routine
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Start slowly and prioritize comfortable, intentional movement.
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Keep your wrist and forearm supported when needed.
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Focus on the sensory feedback you feel during each repetition.
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Take breaks when your hand becomes fatigued.
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Follow your physical or occupational therapist's recommendations for exercise selection and progression.
Important: Pulse is a general wellness device, not a medical treatment. If you have reduced sensation, weakness, involuntary hand tightening, or another medical condition, consult your healthcare professional before trying this routine. Avoid injured skin, check your skin regularly, and stop if vibration increases pain, irritation, or involuntary tightening.
