The Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults
Protect Your Hands from Digital Distress
Too much typing, texting or playing video games
can lead to overuse injuries creating pain, soreness and inflammation.
To prevent injury
take a few moments each day to stretch your hands and arms to release tension and ease strained muscles.
The American Society of Hand Therapists suggests these simple stretches to keep digital distress at bay:
1. Full Extension Stretch:
Clasp hands together & turn your palms away from your body as you extend your arms forward. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 10 times. Repeat the exercise with arms extended overhead. Hold 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.
2. Cross Body Shoulder Stretch:
Place your hand just above the back of the elbow and gently push your elbow across your chest toward the opposite shoulder. Hold 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.
3. Finger stretch:
Open hands and spread the fingers as far apart as possible. Hold 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.
Upper extremity strengthening exercises may be used to complement these stretches to rebalance the muscles in the hands, arms and shoulders to prevent problems. Consult with an Occupational Therapist for appropriate exercises or if you are having a problem.
