8 Simple Hand Stretches for Handymen

Being a handyman could mean working with your hands for long periods daily. And people who work with their hands often suffer from repetitive stress injuries when those repetitive actions are done improperly.

In many cases, these injuries can lead to permanent disabilities if care is not taken during everyday activities.

In this article, learn how to prevent these injuries, enhance your hand strength and power, and maximize your grip strength by doing these 8 simple hand stretches.

Why hand stretches are important

Stretching the muscles in your hand is one of the best ways to keep them healthy. Not only do they keep your fingers flexible, but they also help to strengthen the muscles around your joints, especially if you already have arthritis or any other debilitating condition.

1. Open Hand Finger Stretch

• Put your hand in front of you.

• Spread your fingers as wide as they can go.

• Hold for 20 seconds.

2. Claw Stretch

• Put your hand in front of you.

• Bend your fingertips down to touch the base of each finger.

• Hold for 20 seconds and release.

3. Individual Finger Lift

• Place your hands palm down on a flat surface.

• Gently lift one finger off the table as high as you can.

• Hold for 5 seconds and then lower.

• Move to the next finger.

4. Thumb Flex

• Start with an open palm.

• Bend your thumb across your palm until it touches the base of your little finger.

• Hold for 20 seconds.

5. Prayer Stretch

• Put your palms together in front of your chest.

• Slowly lower your hands towards your waist while keeping your palms pressed together.

• Hold for 20 seconds

6. Wrist Flexor Stretch

• Extend your arm in front of you, palm up.

• Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.

• Using your other hand, extend the stretch until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.

• Hold for 20 seconds

7. Wrist Extensor Stretch

• Extend your arm in front of you, palm down.

• Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.

• Using your other hand, extend the stretch until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.

• Hold for 20 seconds

8. Thumb in Fist Stretch

• Start with your arm in front of you.

• Make a fist, keeping your thumb inside of it.

• Hold for 20 seconds.

Takeaway

Your hands are in constant motion and if you don’t take care of them, you may experience stiffness, soreness, aching joints, and other overuse injuries.

Hand stretches are very easy to do and can help them stay healthy and strong. Use these hand stretches to maintain your hand strength and prevent injuries.

Disclaimer: Although the information is gathered with great care, please note that the tips given on this website by no means substitute medical advice. If you're experiencing pain, consult your healthcare professional immediately and follow his advice regardless of what you've learned on this website.