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.

Active extensor tendon stretch is a type of stretching 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.

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.

This video promotes the strength of the distal upper extremity.

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

This exercise promotes the strength of the distal upper extremity.

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

This exercise promotes the strength of the distal upper extremity.

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

This exercise promotes the strength of the distal upper extremity and helps to prevent tennis elbow.

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

Education:

Tennis and Golfer’s elbow are similar; they are just on opposite sides of the elbow. Tennis elbow occurs on the outside or lateral epicondyle. The lateral epicondyle anchors the common wrist extensor tendon; which branches into four muscles that extend the wrist, extend the long digit and supinate (palm up) the forearm. Golfers elbow occurs on the inside or medial epicondyle. The medial epicondyle anchors the common wrist flexor tendon; which branches into four muscles that flex the fingers and the wrist together and pronate (palm down) the forearm. Since the finger flexors automatically flex the wrist, the wrist extensors are required to activate to counterbalance the wrist. Forceful and repetitive gripping in an awkward posture can strain the tendon and cause microscopic tearing of the tissue. This creates an inflammation, which classifies as tendinitis. Treatment includes rest, ice & anti-inflammatories. Scar tissue generates to mend the torn tissue, which takes 21 days to attain 10% of the normal strength and can take several months to return to normal strength. Many times, the scar tissue repeatedly tears, and the tendon fails to heal. This problem classifies as tendinosis and treatment include heat, massage, and exercise. Anti-inflammatories may impede healing and so we recommend using Tylenol. Always read and follow the direction on the bottle before taking any medication.

Prevention:

• It is important for handles to have a good grip, 1 ½ “diameter with at least 5” length with good friction.
• Use power tools instead of manual tools.
• Use jigs and fixtures to hold work.
• Perform gripping activities with elbow at 90° with palms facing each other and wrists straight.
• Frequently perform stretching to reduce fatigue.

Self-Care: Acute Tendinitis:

• Ice 15 minutes, 4 times per day.
• NSAID’s – Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin. Read and follow directions on the bottle.
• Rest: avoid repetitive or forceful gripping.
• Wear a forearm strap during the day to help the tendon rest and heal.
• Wear a wrist splint while sleeping to help the tendon rest and heal.

Chronic Tendinosis:

• Moist heat 15 minutes, 4 x day
• Deep tissue massage 5 minutes 2 x day
• Gradual progression of stretching
• Gradual progression of strengthening
• Wear a forearm strap during the day to help the tendon rest and heal.
• Wear a wrist splint while sleeping to help the tendon rest and heal.
• Avoid NSAID’s such as ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin. Use Tylenol for pain relief. Read and follow directions on the bottle.