HOW YOU CAN PRACTICE HAND THERAPY ON YOUR OWN
Your therapist will provide you with the necessary stretches and exercises needed to keep up with the progress you made during your sessions. It is important to make sure you complete these stretches and exercises on your own, so your arthritis doesn’t worsen. For upper extremity arthritis, there is a quick exercise you can do every day to instantly relieve your pain. This technique assists the natural flow of lymphatic fluid out of your hands and arms: 1. Bring your affected arm out to the side slightly. Open and close your hand, feeling for any stiffness or discomfort in the finger or wrist joints. 2. With your other hand, gently place your open palm on your rib cage, high up into the underarm area. 3. Gently press into the skin and move your hand in clockwise circles, moving the skin on the rib cage underneath. You should feel no discomfort while you do this. If you do, then you are pressing too hard.
4. Perform this motion for 2-3 minutes.
5. Test your hand again by opening and closing it. It should feel lighter and with less discomfort.
6. Repeat this procedure multiple times a day for best results.
Contact REHABILITY! At REHABILITY, we are equipped in providing specialized treatments and therapies for any pain or discomfort your arthritis may be causing you. To learn more about how our physical and occupational services can benefit you, and specifically how hand therapy can relieve your upper extremity arthritis, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team will work closely with you to determine which course of treatment will be best for your specific needs. Get back to living your life comfortably by calling us today!
Exercise Essentials
Exercises copyright of
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Helps with Weakness & Pain
HAND TENDON GLIDES 1. Hold your hand up with fingers straight. 2. Curl finger tips as shown. 3. Straighten fingers and thumb to make a “duck- bill.” 4. Curl fingers at middle joints as shown. 5. Curl finger tips into palm. At each interval, hold for 5 seconds. Repeat the entire exercise 10 times.
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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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