EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
Try these excercises to relieve hand pain!
One of the biggest concerns regarding pain in the shoulder, elbow, and hand is that it is difficult to impossible to actually allow these parts of the body time to rest. Everymovement and action requires these body parts — and when the pain develops in both arms, as it often does, treating the pain becomes even more complicated. It is impossible to care for your basic needs without involving your shoulder or wrist, let alone get through a day at the office. This iswhy so many issues regarding pain in the shoulder, elbows, wrists, and hands typically become chronic. Since it is difficult to allow these body parts time to properly rest, they continue being overused and the pain can actually worsen. Treating Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain. Addressing the pain earlyon is the bestway to prevent an issue frombecoming chronic. Turning tomedication and braces for painmanagement is not a long-termsolution andwill onlypush off the inevitable truth — that you need to find a solution for the problem that is causing you pain. Occupational therapy is the ideal tool for support in this regard.Workingwith an occupational therapistwill provide youwith an opportunity to understandwhat movementsmaybe causing further discomfort, and can help you to strengthen the surrounding muscles while improving range ofmotion,which togetherwill likelyalleviate some of the pain associatedwithyour injury. Don’t assume that pain in your shoulder, elbows, wrists, and hands will go away on its own. It is more common for the pain to worsen, and compensating for the pain by overusing the opposite arm can cause further injury to develop. For support with learning how to manage the pain, and to learn exercises and techniques that can help you overcome the injury and restore proper strength and functionality to your shoulders, elbows, andwrists, contact your occupational therapist. 1. Call 516.333.1481 (Long Island) or 212.472.1000 (Manhattan) to talk with your occupational therapist and discuss your pain and symptoms. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? GIVE CHRONIC PAIN THE COLD SHOULDER!
THUMB IP EXTENSION STRETCH (Helps Thumb with Weakness & Pain) Grasp the affected thumb below the last knuckle and gently stretch it into a more straightened position. Hold for 6-10 seconds.
Wrist Extension Stretch Rest your forearm on a surface for support so that your wrist hangs over the edge. Hold your palm and knuckles with your other hand and relax the tips of your fingers. Gently bend the wrist of the grasped hand upwards using your other hand. Your fingers can remain bent while doing so. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat 3 times.
2. Your occupational therapist may suggest exercises or precautionary measures to relieve or avoid pain.
3. If further assessment is needed to find the cause of your pain, your therapist can schedule an appointment with you.
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