Which Exercise Is Best For Hand Pain?

It can be difficult to continue with your normal exercise routine when you injure your hand, wrist, or upper extremity. While it’s always best to check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise program, several exercises can help build strength in the injured area while still keeping it mobile and flexible. Here are some of the best exercises for hand pain. Visit East End Occupational Therapy, our hand specialist long island, today!

There are several ways to exercise your hands. It would help if you always avoided movements that cause extreme pain or numbness in your hands. Additionally, you should not begin any new exercise routine without first consulting a doctor to see if it’s safe for your specific injury. That being said, here are some great exercises that can be very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of injuries to your hands, wrists, and upper extremities:

Hand Pain Exercises

• Finger extension is important in the treatment of many injuries. This exercise uses a small Dyna-Band device, which can be inflated to different strengths depending on the desired level of difficulty. Begin by looping one finger through the band and gently pulling it towards you until resistance forms.
• Finger Curls – For this exercise, you will need a small cup or paper bowl, something with a fairly small circumference so that you can easily curl your fingers around it. Fill the bowl with rice or dry beans, whatever you have available to make the exercise more challenging. Begin by sitting in a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg and your palm facing up. Place the small cup at one end of your hand and use your fingers to curl around it. Squeeze as hard as you can for 10 seconds, then release and relax your fingers completely. Continue this motion for 30-60 seconds before switching arms.
• Wrist Rolls – Begin this exercise by sitting on a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg, palm facing up. Roll your wrist gently in a circular motion, beginning with small circles and gradually increasing to large ones. Continue this motion for 30-60 seconds before stopping to rest at the bottom position for one minute. Repeat five times.
• Finger Stretch – This exercise is a great way to stretch and strengthen your fingers and hands. Begin by sitting in a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg, palm facing up. Flex your fingers so that the tips of your thumbs touch each other and stretch them outward until you feel tension but no pain. Hold this position for five seconds before relaxing for 10 seconds: repeat ten times, three times per day.

East End Occupational Therapy

When you’re ready to begin a new exercise routine, always do so slowly and carefully. Start with movements that you can complete easily and only increase the intensity of your workouts as your strength improves. While specific exercises for hand pain might not be necessary after an initial period of recovery from an injury, they are vital in maintaining flexibility and strength in your hands. If you’re looking for more great exercises, check out this website.

East End OT – Hand Specialist Long Island

This is a great set of exercises that are designed to strengthen the hands. While they are not necessarily meant for treating hand injuries, they can help prevent damage and increase hand health. Exercises should always be done carefully to avoid further pain or aggravation of an existing injury. If you have chronic hand pain, you are probably best served by consulting a doctor for more specific treatment options. However, these exercises can be done safely at home to strengthen the hands and maintain general flexibility. Visit East End Occupational Therapy, our hand specialist long island, today!