Therapeutic exercise
Banded Forearm Supination
Isolated strengthening of the supinator and biceps brachii through forearm rotation against elastic resistance. Useful in the combined treatment of bicipital tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis — corrects imbalances between pronators and supinators.
How to perform
- Starting position. Sit in a chair with the forearm resting on a table, elbow flexed at 90° and the hand off the edge.
- Step 2. Hold one end of an elastic band firmly, with the other end fixed at a low point (chair leg or under the feet).
- Step 3. Start with the forearm in pronation (palm down) and the band tensioned.
- Step 4. Rotate the forearm, bringing the palm up (supination) against the band resistance, over 2 seconds.
- Return. Hold maximum supination for 1 second and return slowly over 3 seconds to pronation.
When not to perform
- Lateral epicondylitis in an acute inflammatory phase
- Bicipital tendinopathy in an acute reactive phase
- Recent radial or ulnar fracture
- Radial tunnel syndrome in an acute phase
- Elbow joint pain without a defined diagnosis
- Recent forearm surgery
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Radial Nerve Glide (Flossing)
Specific neural mobilization of the radial nerve along its path through the elbow and forearm. Indicated when there is a neurogenic component associated with lateral epicondylitis or radial-tunnel syndrome — pain radiates through the common extensor of the fingers, frequently masking the primary diagnosis.
Eccentric Wrist Supination with a Hammer
Rotational eccentric loading of the supinator using a hammer as an asymmetric weight. In radial tunnel syndrome, supinator remodeling reduces neural compression on the deep radial nerve — complements active release with dynamic loading.
Biceps Wall Stretch
Passive stretch of the biceps brachii and the long head of the bicipital tendon, with combined elbow extension and shoulder extension. Essential in chronic bicipital tendinopathy — biceps shortening is both cause and consequence.