Love Your Wrist, Even If Your Computer Doesn't
Top Ways to Stretch and Strengthen
Out of nowhere, you feel it — a sudden sharp pain in your wrist. It's agony. You actually drop the mouse. But, you're only half-way through the presentation thatís due tomorrow! This time the culprit is not writer's block, but Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a tingling, swelling and loss of strength that can be caused by an overuse of the tendons in the wrist and hands.
Slowly step away from the computer. They may seem like innocuous movements, but according to a nationwide survey conducted by Harris Interactive® for Wellgate for Women, nearly one in five employed adults who work in an office setting experience wrist pain during (17%) or after (15%) typing or mousing at the computer. That's right; these small, repetitive motions actually take a big toll on your physical health!
"Whether you are typing or mousing on your computer, repetitive finger motions performed with a bent wrist can cause stress to tendons," says Megan Barclay M.S., P.T. "Strengthening exercises, along with a wrist support, like Wellgate for Women's Slimfit Wrist Support®, which provides great comfort throughout the day and into the night, can help reduce the symptoms often associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome," adds Barclay.
Taking breaks throughout the day in the workplace is critical for your mind. So the next time you have a few minutes, also take some time for your body. Try these wrist exercises from physical therapist Megan Barclay to help develop wrist flexibility, strength and increase range of motion right at your desk.
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Wrist Flexion Stretch: Stand facing your desk with
your arms at your side. Then rotate your arm so
that your palm is facing away from you. Next, place
your palm flat on the desk by extending your wrist
and elbow. Your fingers should be pointing at your
body. Gently, lean back without lifting your palms
off the desk. Hold for 30 seconds. Do three
repetitions before switching hands. -
Wrist and Finger Stretch: Open your hands fully
by spreading your fingers as far apart from each
other as possible. Hold this position for five
seconds and then relax your hand. Do 15
repetitions every hour at the computer. -
Wrist Extensions Exercise: Take a seat and rest
your forearm along the edge of your desk (or a
table), allowing your hand to hang off the end. Grab
a bottle of water and curl your wrist back, making
sure your forearm stays on the desk. Hold this for
three seconds and lower slowly. Do three sets of 20
repetitions.
Now that you've learned how to love your wrist, learn how to evaluate and improve the relationship you have with your computer.