Photo credit: Eyespy Photography
Do you experience pain or discomfort in your hands or wrists? Ouch! Here are some techniques you can use to develop a well-rounded "Healthy Hands Routine" that works for you!
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Photo credit: Monica Zaldivar
Stretch Your Hands
Stretching is a great way to exercise your range of motion, which can help to improve mobility. Here is a simple stretch for you to try:
1) Interlace your fingers in front of you. Turn your palms forward. Raise your hands over your head.
2) Breathe.
3) Hug your arms in towards each other. Reach toward the sky.
Photo credit: Reset
Strengthen Your Hands
Strengthening exercises increase muscle tone, which is important for the overall health of your carpal tunnel region.
I’d like to highlight a tool called the Cat’s Paw. The Cat’s Paw was designed to restore biomechanical balance to your hands, wrists, and forearms. Using a Cat’s Paw regularly to strengthen the muscles of your hands and arms can relieve tension and help to prevent the strains that develop from overworking muscles through repetitive motions.
Photo credit: Monica Zaldivar
Massage Your Hands
It is important to incorporate massage techniques into your routine in a safe and productive way. One of the first things a professional massage therapist learns during training is to avoid using their already overworked thumbs to apply pressure. I recommend using a soft foam ball instead. Here is one technique to try:
Roll and compress a soft foam ball between your hands for a minute at a time. This will help to hydrate your connective tissues and lubricate the joints in your hands. Use a large foam ball to cover more ground and a small foam ball to pinpoint tight areas.
Set a reminder to do this every day. Trust me, your hands will thank you!
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