Helping Hands Heal since 2008
From Dr. Z - Carpal tunnel syndrome specialist
1) Thumb stretch
2) "Stop" stretch
3) "Prayer" stretch
4) Finger interlace stretch
5) OPTIONAL: Individual wrist massage
This article describes hand exercises for artists or anyone else who requires fine dexterity in their work. Keeping your fingers limber helps prevent fatigue and maintains productivity. It can also help avoid hand pain - particularly pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Read further to explore effective techniques to keep your hand and fingers limber. Then you can create art with comfort and confidence.
The thumb is the most affected finger when it comes to fatigue. Therefore, pay special attention to it so pain don't occur there.
Grab your thumb and gently bend it backward. Then twirl it around like a helicopter blade, slowly but firmly. Twirl several times, and then switch direction.
This hand exercise for artists helps lubricate the tendons in your wrist and hand. It's a crucial component to maintain healthy wrists.
Point your fingers up and stretch your arm straight out in front of you. It should look like you’re saying, “Stop!” Use your other hand and pull all of your upturned fingers gently backward. Maintain this position for count of 5. Switch hands, and repeat one more time.
This hand exercise promotes circulation and tendon lubrication from the elbows to the wrists.
Put both hands together with your fingers pointing up, as if praying. Keep both hands close to your chest with both palms pressed together. Now slowly raise both elbows while keeping both hands at the same level. Hold it for a count of 5, and repeat once again.
This stretch is the one that most people do without any instruction. It's almost a "natural stretch" we do when we have tired hands.
Interlace you fingers. Then rotate your wrists so you palms face forward. Straighten out your elbows. Hold the straightened out position for a count of 5, then relax. Repeat once.
Use this technique only if you already have hand pain.
You can drain excess fluid from your wrist joint by yourself with this short routine. It’s an abbreviated version of myofascial release massage used to relieve severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
First, press your thumb into your opposite wrist joint, palm side, just below your wrist crease. You can feel the rope-like tendons below. Using circular motions, rub over each tendon deeply for a total count of 20. Then do the same on your other wrist.
Together, these hand exercises for artists are quick and effective. Together, the exercises break up limber up fingers and promote blood circulation in your hand. If you’re concerned about hand pain or fatigue, incorporate these stretching exercises into your daily routine. Doing so will insure you never suffer from hand problems.
Dr. Maik Zannakis (Dr. Z)
Medical Director at the CarpalRx
Dr. Z is an acclaimed medical scientist renowned for his expertise in carpal tunnel syndrome and soft tissue disorders. With over 40 years of experience, he is credited with hundreds of medical journal publications and hundreds more web articles about carpal tunnel syndrome. After inventing the CarpalRx, Dr. Z became the go-to expert for carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis. His opinions, inventions, and personalized care have distinguished Dr. Z as a trusted leader in this growing field. Read full Bio
Email: dr.z@carplarx.com
Phone: 800-450-6118
