Hands On
Strathfield Thai Massage
Just about every occupation and hobby requires us to use our hands. We would be literally be unable to operate without them. But overuse or incorrect use of our hands can cause us problems, perhaps leaving us unable to perform the very tasks that cause the problems. Massage therapists understand this as well as anybody. They use their hands all day, so they need to make sure that their hands stay in good condition, capable of performing well.
Common hand complaints:
• Trigger thumb/finger – Pain and stiffness in a finger because of overuse. This is irritation/inflammation in the tendon sheath.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) – where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing itching, tingling, pain, numbness or just lack or strength in the hand.
• Saddle joint injury – pain in the area where the thumb joins the wrist, typically from overuse.
• Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the lining that covers the tendon in the hands or wrists.
Some beneficial exercises.
These can prevent and at least partially reverse damage and pain in the hands.
• Shake the hands at chest level. Do for at least 10 seconds.
• Massage each individual knuckle and part of the finger, right to the fingertip.
• Make a fist, hold the hands at chest levels, and rotate clockwise for ten seconds. Then rotate anticlockwise for 10 seconds.
• Make a fist with one hand and press it into the other hand for 10 seconds. Then swap hands.
• Squeeze a foam/rubber ball between the thumb and each individual finger for about 10 seconds. Do not bend the thumb backwards.
• Clasp your hands behind your lower back, and then raise them up behind you back. Do this for 10 seconds.
• Whist standing, put the fingers of one hand flat against the wall, facing upwards, bending your hand back and upwards. Hold for 20 seconds, then do the other hand.
• Now do the same exercise as above, but with the fingers pointing down.
• Whilst sitting, put your arm flat on a table with you palm down. Now curl one finger under the hand and hold for 20 seconds. Do this for all the fingers, including the thumb.
• Partly close both hands and rub the fingernails of your opposing hands together.
If we use the same muscles in the same manner over and over again we risk problems. Using your hands in unusual ways, in any manner that did not cause the initial injury, can exercise the other muscles, so you hand gets a more balanced experience.
Heat, from hot water bottles or microwave heated wheat packs, can help. Do this before using your hands. Even warm gloves can help.
Thai massage Strathfield
Regular massage helps us operate in better condition. Take the massage therapist about any reoccurring pains or problems.