Therapeutic exercise
Pronator Teres Stretch
Passive stretch of the pronator teres by combining elbow extension with passive forearm supination. Important in cubital tunnel syndrome (decompresses the medial elbow) and in radial tunnel syndrome (releases the radial nerve under the Arcade of Frohse).
How to perform
- Starting position. Stand with the affected arm extended in front of the body at shoulder height.
- Step 2. With the contralateral hand, grasp the affected forearm near the wrist.
- Step 3. Fully extend the affected elbow (lock the extension) and simultaneously rotate the forearm into maximum passive supination (palm up and outward).
- Step 4. Hold the position for 30 seconds, breathing deeply, feeling the stretch in the medial elbow and forearm.
- Return. Release slowly and repeat 3 times. For progression, extend the wrist simultaneously, increasing tension on the pronator teres.
When not to perform
- Symptomatic pronator teres syndrome in an acute phase
- Medial epicondylitis in an acute inflammatory phase
- Acute ulnar or median neuritis with intense paresthesia
- Recent elbow surgery
- Recent radius or ulna fracture
- Recent posterior elbow dislocation
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
Banded Forearm Pronator Strengthening
Strengthening of the pronator teres and pronator quadratus against elastic resistance. In medial epicondylitis, the pronators are frequently weak and overloaded simultaneously — strengthening within a safe range restores tendon capacity without generating compression in the cubital tunnel.
Ulnar Nerve Glide (Batman Mask)
Neural mobilization of the ulnar nerve along its path through the elbow (cubital tunnel) and wrist (Guyon's canal). Indicated for cubital tunnel syndrome, medial epicondylitis with a neural component, and triceps tendinopathy — the mask-shaped movement around the eyes releases the nerve from adhesions.
Prayer Stretch
Bilateral stretch of the wrist and forearm flexors in a prayer position. Useful in carpal tunnel syndrome — it stretches the flexor retinaculum and the flexor tendons simultaneously, complementing median-nerve glides in the conservative phase.