Keeping Your Fingers Moving: How People with Ataxia Maintain Dexterity

Most people don’t think twice about dexterity until it begins to fade. If you live with Ataxia, you may have noticed changes in your fine motor skills over time. Tasks like buttoning a shirt, typing, or even holding a cup of coffee now require more effort and focus. 

So, what can you do to keep your fingers moving?

I recently saw this question in an Ataxia Facebook group:

“What does everyone do to keep dexterity in your fingers?”

There were many responses, with everyone sharing their experiences—what has worked for them—exchanging ideas and uplifting one another. Since so many of us face this challenge, I thought I would put together some practical ways to keep our hands strong and active.

Why Does Dexterity Decline in Ataxia?

Ataxia impacts coordination, including fine motor skills. Things that once seemed automatic can become frustrating and challenging. Weakness, tremors, and a lack of control make gripping and movements difficult. While everyone’s experience varies, the key is to stay proactive, keeping your hands engaged to slow down the loss of function and maintain as much independence as possible.

Exercises & Activities to Keep Your Fingers Moving

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  

Here are some of the most effective ways, from my research, people with Ataxia work on finger dexterity:

1. Hand Therapy Exercises

Just like stretching helps stiff muscles, finger exercises can improve coordination. Try:

• Finger taps – Touch your thumb to each fingertip, one at a time.
• Rolling a small ball – Move a stress ball between your fingers or roll it on a table.
• Pinching exercises – Use your thumb and index finger to pick up small objects.
• Wrist and hand stretches – Keeping the whole hand flexible can improve finger mobility.

2. Using Hand Strengthening Tools

Many people swear by small therapy tools that help strengthen the hands. Some favorites include:

• Therapy putty – Stretching and molding putty helps build strength.
• Grip strengtheners – Squeeze resistance grippers to keep fingers engaged.
• Hand exercise balls – Soft squeeze balls help with dexterity and stress relief.
• Finger resistance bands – Strengthens individual fingers through controlled movements.

3. Playing Musical Instruments

Surprisingly, musical instruments can be a fun way to work on hand control. Some people have mentioned:

• Piano or keyboard – Helps with finger independence and coordination.
• Guitar or ukulele – Strengthens grip and finger flexibility.
• Hand drums or percussion – Improves hand-eye coordination.

Even if you’ve never played before, simple exercises on an instrument can challenge your fingers.

4. Everyday Activities That Help

Sometimes, the best therapy is daily life. Activities that naturally keep fingers moving include:

• Cooking and baking – Chopping, stirring, and kneading dough are great for fine motor skills. 
• Puzzles and board games – Moving small game pieces keeps the hands active. 
• Typing or writing – Using a keyboard or journaling by hand can improve coordination.
• Arts and crafts – Painting, knitting, or sculpting with clay requires precise movements.

5. Technology & Assistive Devices

If fine motor skills are getting harder, technology can help. Some tools include:

Voice-to-text software – Reduces the need for extensive typing.
Adaptive keyboards and mice – Easier to use with limited hand control.
Ergonomic pens and utensils – Make gripping easier for writing and eating.
Touchscreen styluses – Useful for phones and tablets if typing is difficult.

Consistency is Key

Remember, the key is keeping your hands active. Try squeezing a stress ball while watching TV, playing the piano for a few minutes daily, or typing more. Small efforts add up over time.

As George Bernard Shaw once said:

 “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

The same applies to movement. If we continue using our hands, even in small ways, we give ourselves the best chance of maintaining function for as long as possible.

What Works for You?

We all would love to hear from you! Have you found any tricks or tools that help with finger dexterity? Share your thoughts in the comments—your insight might help someone else on their journey. If this post was helpful, consider passing it along to others who might benefit!

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