Posture Correction | Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Posture Correction Exercise?

This is a dynamic active stretch to correct the top two poor posture habits of forward head and rounded shoulders. Proper posturing of the neck and shoulders opens the vascular and nervous system to replenish nutrients and re-oxygenate upper extremity. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand to prevent common disorders such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle strain.

The first step in the posture correction exercise is to put your hands across your forehead. The next thing I want you to do is take a good deep breath and as you exhale, pull the hands apart away from your head, squeezing the shoulder blades, rotating the palms away, pushing all the way out and down. Be sure to keep your chin tucked in while performing this exercise.

Early Intervention Benefits of this Exercise

The Posture Correction Exercise offers several early intervention health benefits for your posture and upper body:

• Posture Improvement: The shoulder blade squeeze helps counteract the forward rounding of the shoulders, which is a common issue due to poor posture and prolonged sitting. By strengthening the muscles that retract and stabilize the shoulder blades, such as the rhomboids and middle trapezius, this exercise promotes a more upright and aligned posture.
• Upper Back Strengthening: The posture correction stretch targets the muscles of the upper back, including the rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius, and rear deltoids. Regularly performing this exercise can help strengthen these muscles, improving their endurance and overall strength.
• Shoulder Stability: This exercise promotes better shoulder stability by engaging the muscles that control scapular movement. Strong and stable shoulder blades provide a solid foundation for optimal shoulder function, reducing the risk of shoulder injuries and improving overall upper body strength.
• Neck and Upper Back Tension Relief: It helps alleviate tension and discomfort in the neck and upper back region. By retracting the shoulder blades, it counteracts the forward head posture and tightness in the neck and upper trapezius muscles often associated with prolonged sitting or poor posture.
• Improved Breathing Mechanics: When your shoulder blades are properly aligned and engaged, it opens up the chest and allows for better expansion of the ribcage during breathing. This can enhance your breathing mechanics and increase the efficiency of your respiratory system.

It’s important to note that while the posture correction exercise offers these benefits, it should be performed in conjunction with a well-rounded exercise program that addresses overall posture, strength, and flexibility.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health and fitness and reduce injuries.

If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

 

 

 

Passive Flexor Tendon Stretch | Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Passive Flexor Tendon Stretch?

This advanced stretch replenishes the nutrients and re-oxygenates the distal upper extremity. It is a composite stretch that originates at the common wrist flexor tendon of the medial epicondyle and pulls all the way down to the deep and superficial tendons that pass through the annular pulleys of the fingers. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand to prevent common disorders such as golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle strain.

Here’s how to perform the passive flexor tendon stretch:

1. Bend at the elbow and extend your fingers so that they are straight and pointing away from your body.
2. With your other hand, grasp a little bit of your palm and gently pull your hand down into a slight stretch.
3. Slowly start to push your arm out, going as far as you can without pain and hold for 3-5 seconds.
4. Repeat on the other side, feeling a stretch along your flexor muscles.

Early Intervention Benefits

Here are some key early intervention health benefits to this stretch:

• Improved Flexibility: Regularly stretching the wrist flexor tendons can help improve their flexibility and range of motion. This makes it easier to perform various activities that involve flexion and extension of the wrist and fingers.
• Injury Prevention: Tightness or imbalances in the wrist flexor tendons can increase the risk of overuse injuries such as tendonitis or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Stretching these tendons helps maintain their flexibility, reducing the likelihood of developing these types of injuries.
• Reduced Muscle Tension: The repetitive motions and sustained postures involved in many work-related tasks, such as typing or using handheld devices, can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the wrist flexor muscles. Stretching these muscles and tendons can help alleviate this tension, promoting relaxation and reducing the risk of chronic pain or muscle imbalances.
• Improved Blood Circulation: Stretching exercises, including the wrist flexor tendon stretch, can improve blood circulation to the forearm and hand. Adequate blood flow ensures that the muscles and tendons receive essential nutrients and oxygen, promoting their health and recovery.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Incorporating wrist flexor tendon stretches into a regular stretching routine can contribute to better ergonomics in the workplace. Workers may experience improved posture and decreased strain on the wrist and hand during repetitive tasks.
• Stress Relief: Engaging in stretching exercises can have a positive impact on overall stress levels and mental well-being. Taking short breaks to perform wrist flexor tendon stretches can help reduce mental and physical stress associated with prolonged or repetitive work tasks.

Things to Remember

It’s important to perform this stretch with control and avoid any jerking or sudden movements. You should feel a gentle pulling sensation in the forearm and wrist area, but the stretch should not be painful. If you experience pain or discomfort, ease off the stretch or consult with a healthcare professional.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health & fitness as well as reduce and prevent work-related injuries.  If you have an injury or illness, please consult with a health care professional before attempting.

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Contact Us About Reducing Workplace Injuries

Healthy Employees are the Bottom Line! – Learn More!

 

 

 

Advanced Nerve Stretch | Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Advanced Nerve Stretch?

The “Advanced Nerve Stretch,” also known as the median nerve stretch, is a composite stretch that originates at the nerve roots in the neck and pulls all the way down to the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Here is how to perform the advanced nerve stretch:

1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Extend both arms straight out to the side at shoulder level, with your palms facing up.
3. Next, point your fingers down toward the floor. You palms should be facing away from you.
4. Gently tilt your head slowly towards your left shoulder, aiming to bring your ear closer to the shoulder.
5. Next, gently tilt your head slowly towards your right shoulder, aiming to bring your ear closer to the shoulder.
6. Proceed to gently go back and forth performing about 5 repetitions each.
7. You should feel the stretch in the opposite arm from where you tilt the head towards the shoulder.

This is an excellent stretch to replenish nutrients and re-oxygenate the distal upper extremity. The advanced nerve stretch combines lateral flexion of the neck with arm extension to stretch the muscles and nerves associated with the median nerve. It can help relieve tension and promote flexibility in the neck, shoulder, and upper limb. However, it’s important to perform the stretch gently and within your pain-free range of motion. If you experience any pain or discomfort, it’s advisable to stop and consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Early Intervention Benefits

The advanced nerve stretch provides several potential early intervention benefits for those workers who perform work-related activities that involve the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.  Here are some of those benefits:

• Relieving Median Nerve Compression: The stretch can help alleviate compression of the median nerve, which runs through the forearm, wrist, and hand. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, may benefit from this stretch.
• Increasing Flexibility: Regularly performing the median nerve stretch can improve flexibility in the wrist, forearm, and hand. This increased flexibility can enhance overall range of motion and function in daily activities.
• Alleviating Symptoms: The stretch may help alleviate symptoms associated with median nerve compression, such as pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. It can provide temporary relief and promote better nerve function.
• Promoting Blood Circulation: Stretching exercises, including the median nerve stretch, can enhance blood circulation in the targeted areas. Improved blood flow aids in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and nerves, promoting their health and recovery.
• Injury Prevention: Engaging in the median nerve stretch, can help prevent injuries to the distal upper extremity. It promotes flexibility and improves the overall range of motion in the wrist, forearm, and hand. Adding this stretch to your morning routine can reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries during workplace activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Things to Remember:

Remember, while the median nerve stretch can offer potential benefits, it’s important to perform it correctly, within your pain-free range of motion. Listen to your body. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the stretch or have specific concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your individual needs.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health & fitness as well as help reduce work-related injuries.

If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

Contact us for more information on how we can help your employees stay safe. Healthy Employees ARE the Bottom Line!

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

 

 

 

Active Extensor Tendon Stretch | Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Active Extensor Tendon Stretch?

The Active Extensor Tendon Stretch is an excellent stretch to replenish nutrients and re-oxygenate the distal upper extremity. This composite stretch originates at the common wrist extensor tendon of the lateral epicondyle and pulls all the way down to the extensor hood mechanism of the fingers. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand to prevent common disorders such as tennis elbow, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle strain.

This stretch is a type of exercise that targets the extensor muscles in the arms and hands. These muscles are responsible for opening the hand and extending the wrist.

Here’s how to perform an active extensor tendon stretch:

1. Sit or stand with good posture, with your arms at your sides and your palms facing inwards.
2. Slowly raise your arms out to the side, keeping them straight, until they are level with your shoulders.
3. Turn your palms to face the floor, and then slowly extend your wrists so that your fingers point upwards.
4. Hold this position for a few seconds, feeling the stretch in your forearms and hands.
5. Slowly lower your arms back down to your sides, and then repeat the exercise for several repetitions.

It’s important to perform this exercise slowly and carefully, without over-stretching the muscles. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort, and don’t force the stretch beyond your limits. You can perform this exercise as part of a warm-up routine before engaging in any activities that require hand and wrist movement, such as sports or typing.

Early Intervention Benefits of this Stretch

Firstly, the Active Extensor Tendon Stretch can help improve grip strength. By stretching the extensor tendons, you can increase the strength of your grip. Additionally, this exercise can reduce the risk of injuries such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, which can be caused by tight extensor tendons.

Moreover, regular practice of the this stretch can increase your range of motion in your wrist and fingers. This benefit is especially useful for athletes and manual laborers. Lastly, if you experience pain in your forearm or wrist, this exercise can help alleviate the pain by loosening tight muscles and tendons.

Overall, the Active Extensor Tendon Stretch is a simple but powerful exercise that can have a significant impact on your forearm, wrist, and hand health.

These early intervention exercises are to improve health and fitness.
It is important to note, if you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

 

 

 

Easy Nerve Glides  |  Early Intervention Ergonomics

What are Easy Nerve Glides?

Nerve glides, also known as neural glides or nerve flossing, are exercises that help mobilize and stretch the nerves in the body. Nerve glides floss the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and promote healthy neural tension of the nervous system. This composite stretch originates at the nerve roots in the brachial plexus and pulls all the way down to the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. They can be beneficial for individuals experiencing nerve-related pain, tingling, or numbness.  Here is how to perform easy nerve glides:

1. Starting with the right side, bend at the elbow and bend at the wrist like you are holding a baby.
2. Next, slowly glide your arm out and up with your palm facing away as if you are stopping a car.
3. Repeat again with “hold the baby” and “stop the car.”
4. Each stretch should take 3-5 seconds
5. Repeat on the left side.

Early Intervention Benefits

Performing nerve glides offers several early intervention benefits, including improved nerve mobility, reduced pain, enhanced circulation, and injury prevention.

Firstly, engaging in nerve glides helps improve nerve mobility. By gently moving and stretching the nerves, these exercises promote healthy nerve gliding, preventing them from becoming compressed or stuck. This improved mobility can alleviate symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness associated with nerve entrapment or irritation.

Moreover, nerve glides can help reduce pain. The controlled movements involved in nerve glide exercises can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Additionally, by promoting proper nerve function and reducing nerve compression, these exercises can alleviate discomfort caused by conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, or brachial plexopathy.

Furthermore, nerve glides contribute to enhanced circulation. As the nerves are gently stretched and mobilized, blood flow to the surrounding tissues increases. Improved circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the nerves, aiding in their healing and overall health.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, performing nerve glides can also play a preventive role in injury management. By maintaining optimal nerve mobility, individuals are less prone to developing chronic nerve-related conditions or experiencing further injury. Regularly incorporating these exercises into a comprehensive rehabilitation or wellness routine can help safeguard against future nerve entrapments or injuries.

Things to Remember

Remember, it’s crucial to perform nerve glide exercises gently and within your comfort level. If you experience increased pain or discomfort during the exercises, it’s best to stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.

These stretching exercises are to improve overall health & fitness as well as reduce work-related injuries.
If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

Contact us for more information on how we can help your employees stay safe. Healthy Employees ARE the Bottom Line!

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Contact Us About Reducing Workplace Injuries

Healthy Employees are the Bottom Line! – Learn More!

 

 

 

Grip Putty  |  Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is Grip Putty? How do I use it?

Grip putty is a malleable substance similar to clay or putty that can be squeezed, stretched, or molded to exercise the muscles in your hands and fingers. Also known as hand therapy putty, it is commonly used as a rehabilitation tool to improve hand strength and dexterity.

Here’s a simple grip putty exercise you can try:

1. Start by warming up your hands with some light stretching exercises.
2. Take a small amount of grip putty and roll it into a ball.
3. Squeeze the grip putty ball as hard as you can, using all your fingers and thumb.
4. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds and then release.
5. Repeat the squeezing and releasing motion for a set of repetitions, gradually increasing the number as your hand strength improves.
6. You can also try different variations such as pinching the putty between your fingers, rolling it into thin ropes, or using it to strengthen individual fingers.
7. Perform these exercises regularly to improve grip strength and finger dexterity.

Early Intervention Benefits

Using grip putty as an exercise and rehabilitation tool offers several early intervention benefits. Its malleable nature allows for targeted hand and finger movements, promoting strength, flexibility, and dexterity. Incorporating these exercises into your morning routine can be beneficial for workers who perform activities involving forceful or repetitive gripping.

• Improved Hand Strength: these exercises engage the muscles in your hands, fingers, and forearms, leading to enhanced grip strength. Regular use can strengthen these muscles, making daily activities that require a strong grip easier to perform.
• Increased Finger Dexterity: Manipulating the grip putty challenges your finger coordination and control. Engaging in activities that require precise finger movements, such as playing a musical instrument or performing delicate tasks, can particularly benefit individuals.
• Injury Prevention: grip putty is commonly used in hand therapy and rehabilitation settings to aid in the recovery of hand injuries or surgeries. It promotes circulation, reduces stiffness, and assists in regaining range of motion. Additionally, using it as a preventive measure can help reduce the risk of hand and wrist injuries by improving overall hand strength and flexibility.
• Stress Relief: Engaging in these exercises can provide a therapeutic effect, serving as a stress-relieving activity. The repetitive squeezing and releasing motions can help relax the muscles and relieve tension in the hands and forearms. This makes it an excellent tool for individuals looking to unwind and alleviate stress.
• Versatility and Convenience: Grip putty is a versatile tool that can be used virtually anywhere, making it highly convenient for individuals with busy schedules. It is portable and lightweight, allowing for on-the-go use, whether at home, in the office, or while traveling.

Things to Remember

Incorporating grip putty exercises into your routine offers a range of health benefits, including improved hand strength, increased finger dexterity, rehabilitation and injury prevention, stress relief, and convenient usability.

Remember to start with appropriate resistance levels and gradually increase the intensity as your hand strength and flexibility improve. If you have any underlying hand or wrist conditions, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting grip putty exercises to ensure safety and proper guidance.

Remember, if you have any pre-existing hand or wrist conditions or if you experience pain during the exercises, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before proceeding. They can provide you with specific recommendations and guidance based on your individual needs.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health & fitness as well as reduce work-related injuries.

If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

Contact us for more information on how we can help your employees stay safe.

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Contact Us About Reducing Workplace Injuries

Healthy Employees are the Bottom Line! – Learn More!

 

 

 

Tendon Glides for Healthy Hands

Tendon Glides Explained

Tendon Glides are range-of-motion exercises that are often used to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the fingers and hands. These exercises are particularly helpful for people who are recovering from injuries or surgeries that have affected their hand or wrist mobility.

To perform one of the Tendon Glides, follow these steps:

1. Begin by holding your hand out in front of you with your palm facing down.
2. Slowly bend your fingers down towards your palm, keeping your thumb straight.
3. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly straighten your fingers back out.
4. Next, bend your fingers down towards your palm again, but this time, keep your fingers straight and only bend at the knuckles.
5. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly straighten your fingers back out.
6. Finally, make a fist with your hand, then slowly open your hand back up and stretch your fingers out.
7. Repeat this exercise several times a day, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as your hand becomes stronger and more flexible.

Tendon Glides help to stretch and strengthen the tendons in the fingers and hands, improving overall flexibility and range of motion. It is a simple and effective exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime, and does not require any special equipment.

Early Intervention Benefits

The Tendon Glide exercise has several early intervention health benefits for the hands and fingers. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improves flexibility: The Tendon Glide exercise is an excellent way to increase the flexibility of the tendons in your fingers and hands. By performing this exercise regularly, you can help reduce stiffness and improve your range of motion.
2. Increases strength: The Tendon Glide exercise also helps to strengthen the tendons in your fingers and hands. This can be especially helpful for people who are recovering from injuries or surgeries and need to rebuild their strength.
3. Reduces pain: People with conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain and discomfort in their hands and fingers. The Tendon Glide exercise can help reduce pain by improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.
4. Prevents injuries: By keeping your hands and fingers flexible and strong, the Tendon Glide exercise can help prevent injuries like strains, sprains, and repetitive stress injuries.
5. Improves dexterity: The Tendon Glide exercise can also improve your dexterity and fine motor skills. This can be especially beneficial for people who work with their hands, such as musicians or artists.

Overall, the Tendon Glide exercise is a simple and effective way to improve the health and function of your hands and fingers. It is easy to perform and can be done anywhere, making it a great addition to any exercise routine.

These early intervention exercises are to improve health and fitness.
If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

 

 

 

Passive Extensor Tendon Stretch  |  Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Passive Extensor Tendon Stretch?

This advanced stretch replenishes nutrients and re-oxygenates the distal upper extremity. It’s a composite stretch that originates at the common wrist extensor tendon of the lateral epicondyle and pulls all the way down to the extensor hood mechanism of the fingers. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when engaging in forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, or awkward and sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. By doing so, you can effectively prevent common disorders such as tennis elbow, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle strain.

Here’s how to perform the passive extensor tendon stretch:

1. Bring one arm straight out in front of you, and make a gentle fist.
2. Using your opposite hand, gently pull your fist downward so that you feel the stretch in your forearm with no pain in the wrist.
3. Hold the stretch for approximately 5 seconds, then relax.
4. Repeat the stretch on the opposite hand feeling the stretch in your forearm with no pain in the wrist.

Early Intervention Benefits

Stretching the wrist extensor tendons offers several early intervention benefits, including injury prevention. Here are some advantages of stretching these tendons:

• Enhanced Flexibility: Regular stretching of the wrist extensor tendons improves their flexibility and range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial for factory workers, construction workers, and anyone involved in activities that require repetitive wrist movements.
• Injury Prevention: Stretching the wrist extensor tendons helps to prevent injuries such as wrist sprains, strains, and tendonitis. By maintaining flexibility in these tendons, you reduce the risk of overuse injuries and potential damage caused by repetitive or forceful wrist motions.
• Reduced Muscle Tension: Stretching helps to relieve muscle tension and tightness in the wrist extensor tendons. This can be especially helpful for individuals who spend long hours performing tasks that strain the wrists, such as typing or using handheld devices.
• Improved Circulation: Stretching promotes blood flow to the wrist extensor tendons, which helps to nourish the tissues and remove metabolic waste products. As a result of this enhanced circulation, the overall health and function of the tendons are supported, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and promoting faster recovery.
• Alleviation of Discomfort: Stretching exercises for the wrist extensor tendons can help alleviate discomfort or pain caused by conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or repetitive strain injuries. Stretching increases flexibility, which can reduce tension and stress on the tendons, providing relief from symptoms.
• Improved Work Performance: Flexible wrist extensor tendons allow for smoother and more efficient movement of the wrist joint. This can improve performance with workplace activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist motions.

Things to Remember

When engaging in stretching exercises, it is crucial to approach them with proper technique and avoid overstretching. This is because excessive force or incorrect form can result in injury. If you experience pain or discomfort, ease off the stretch or consult with a healthcare professional.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health and fitness as well as reduce work related injuries.
If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Contact Us About Reducing Workplace Injuries

Healthy Employees are the Bottom Line! – Learn More!

 

 

 

Prevention and First Aid for Common Hand Problems

Work:

Perform your work activity so that your wrists stay as straight as possible. Avoid putting pressure or contact stress at the middle bottom of your palm or the base of your fingers. If you are doing a lot of repetitive work with that hand, then try using the other hand more often. Minimize forceful gripping and pinching as much as possible. Power tools should have a diameter of 1.5″ and pinch tools should have a diameter of 0.5″ with good friction. If you are exposed to vibration or contact stress, then use a padded sleeve.

Sleeping:

Awkward sleeping posture can cause hand disorders. Sleep in a wrist splint to protect hand and wrist while sleeping.
Ice: Apply cold gel sleeve to wrist/hand for 20 minutes after hand-intensive work.

Driving:

Over-gripping the steering wheel, bearing weight down into the steering wheel or resting your hand on the gear shifter for more than a few minutes can decrease proper circulation. Gently maintain your grasp of the steering wheel and change hand position every few minutes.

Hobbies:

Hand intensive hobbies like playing the guitar, sewing or video gaming should be kept to a minimum if you also perform hand-intensive work.
Healthy Lifestyle: Nicotine and caffeine cause blood vessels to constrict which reduces blood flow into the hand. One cigarette restricts blood flow to the hand for one hour. The more fat that is inside a person’s body, the less space there is inside the wrist. Thirty minutes of walking per day and healthy weight control will greatly help. Avoid high salt intake, which causes fluid retention. Diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and many other diseases contribute to hand problems.

Active Flexor Tendon Stretch | Early Intervention Ergonomics

What is the Active Flexor Tendon Stretch?

This is an excellent stretch to replenish nutrients and re-oxygenate the distal upper extremity. This composite stretch originates at the common wrist flexor tendon of the medial epicondyle. It pulls all the way down to the deep and superficial tendons that pass through the annular pulleys of the fingers. Perform this stretch to give your body rest when performing forceful gripping, repetitive gripping, awkward or sustained postures of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Also, used to prevent common disorders such as golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle strain.

Active flexor tendon stretch is a type of stretching exercise that targets the flexor tendons in the hands and wrists. This stretch involves extending the arm with the palm facing down. Then use the other hand to gently pull the fingers back towards the wrist until you feel a stretch in the palm and wrist area.

Early Intervention Benefits

The early intervention benefits of doing the active flexor tendon stretch include:

• Improved flexibility and range of motion in the hand and wrist. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes, musicians, and individuals who perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Increased circulation to the hand and wrist area, which can help to reduce pain and stiffness.
• Reduced risk of developing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other hand and wrist injuries.
• Improved grip strength, which can be helpful for individuals who perform tasks that require a strong grip, such as weightlifting, manual labor, or rock climbing.

Things to Remember

Overall, incorporating the active flexor tendon stretch into your regular exercise routine can help to improve your life. More specifically, the health and function of your hands and wrists, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your overall physical performance. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program. This is especially important if you have a history of hand or wrist injuries or medical conditions.

If you experience any pain or discomfort during the stretch or have specific concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your individual needs.

These early intervention exercises are to improve overall health & fitness as well as help reduce work-related injuries.

If you have an injury or illness, consult with a health care professional before attempting.

Contact us for more information on how we can help your employees stay safe. Healthy Employees ARE the Bottom Line!

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics