Hands and fingers in knots - Tiki Carving

V vintagegirl Tiki Socialite Los Angeles Joined: Jun 12, 2002 Posts: 542	V vintagegirl Posted posted on Mon, Mar 15, 2004 6:27 PM Benzart, Susane and Atomic are right. Although I'm not a carver myself, I did suffer from carpel tunnel/tendonitis of the wrists and hands. Those tricks are all things I learned in physical therapy. Essentially: Warm up yours hands, by exercise, moist heating pad or warm soak. Stretch the tendons (using specific stretches for rehabilitation). Strengthen the arm and hand muscles with either isometric exercises and/or weight training. IMPORTANT: Remember to start small and build up. Do not try to be a hero by lifting the heaviest weight you can. If your hands/arms are already in pain this can cause serious injury! Reduce swelling by icing afterwards. Remember to keep up your cardiovascular fitness too as it will help with the circulation to your hands which will speed healing. And lastly, (I also had to go through ergonomics training, so) make sure your workstations are at a proper level for your height. Wrists should be keep as straight as possible, elbows at 90 degrees or lower. Remember to take breaks to give your muscles a rest (set a timer if necessary). Or at least loosen your grip once in a while and stretch for a few seconds. The pain won't be gone overnight, but it can improve significantly. Also, if your pain is directly caused by your work, you may be able to get temporary physical therapy paid for through insurance. And even if it's not, it's still worth it not to have to end up with surgery. By the way, the name of the homeopathic cream is spelled "Traumeel" made by Heel a German company. You can find it in any store that sells homeopathic medicine. I just used it on my lower back (too much hula dancing) and it worked for that too. http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/browse/sku_detail.jhtml?SkuID=10367&BreadCrumbType=SearchResult Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also helpful in proper doses to relieve pain. (Consult a nutritionist or homeopath for the proper dose for your individual condition.) Usually it's best to consult a professional occupational or physical therapist for the most complete info on rehabilitation, but this is what worked for me. Hopefully, it will help others in pain who are just trying to earn a living. Your Friendly Nurse Trixie [ Edited by: vintagegirl on 2004-03-15 19:59 ]

Benzart, Susane and Atomic are right. Although I'm not a carver myself, I did suffer from carpel tunnel/tendonitis of the wrists and hands. Those tricks are all things I learned in physical therapy.

Essentially:

Warm up yours hands, by exercise, moist heating pad or warm soak.
Stretch the tendons (using specific stretches for rehabilitation).
Strengthen the arm and hand muscles with either isometric exercises and/or weight training.

IMPORTANT: Remember to start small and build up. Do not try to be a hero by lifting the heaviest weight you can. If your hands/arms are already in pain this can cause serious injury!

Reduce swelling by icing afterwards.

Remember to keep up your cardiovascular fitness too as it will help with the circulation to your hands which will speed healing.

And lastly, (I also had to go through ergonomics training, so) make sure your workstations are at a proper level for your height. Wrists should be keep as straight as possible, elbows at 90 degrees or lower.

Remember to take breaks to give your muscles a rest (set a timer if necessary). Or at least loosen your grip once in a while and stretch for a few seconds.

The pain won't be gone overnight, but it can improve significantly. Also, if your pain is directly caused by your work, you may be able to get temporary physical therapy paid for through insurance. And even if it's not, it's still worth it not to have to end up with surgery.

By the way, the name of the homeopathic cream is spelled "Traumeel" made by Heel a German company. You can find it in any store that sells homeopathic medicine. I just used it on my lower back (too much hula dancing) and it worked for that too.
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/browse/sku_detail.jhtml?SkuID=10367&BreadCrumbType=SearchResult
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also helpful in proper doses to relieve pain. (Consult a nutritionist or homeopath for the proper dose for your individual condition.)

Usually it's best to consult a professional occupational or physical therapist for the most complete info on rehabilitation, but this is what worked for me. Hopefully, it will help others in pain who are just trying to earn a living.

Your Friendly Nurse Trixie

[ Edited by: vintagegirl on 2004-03-15 19:59 ]

Post #81040 by vintagegirl on Mon, Mar 15, 2004 6:27 PM