Can you imagine accomplishing your daily tasks and activities without hands and fingers? The obvious answer is No. Sometimes we do not even realise the importance of hands, fingers, and thumbs. But the fact is that it is impossible to live a normal life if hands and fingers do not work judiciously. Yes, people do experience problems in the mobility of the hands and fingers due to several causes.
Degenerative conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis impact the mobility of your hands and fingers. Accidents or trauma can also result in restrictions of hand and finger movement. Painful joints can make life difficult. Hence, it is important to be careful and incorporate an exercise regime that can help to combat degenerative conditions or trauma causing immobility of the hand and fingers.
Here is a list of 10 exercises to strengthen hands and fingers:
Make a fist
This is an anytime and anywhere exercise that requires you to make a fist and then release. For better execution, you can also use MySquegg smart ball and do the exercise by holding the ball and squeezing it and then releasing the pressure.
Stretch Claws
This is one of the easiest exercises and it helps to stretch the tendons to ease mobility. Finger joints are also engaged. Hold the hands out and close the fingers to touch the base of each finger joint. Hold and release in 30 seconds and keep repeating till you feel comfortable.
Stretch Fingers
Lay your hands palm-down on the table with your fingers stretched. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times.
Finger Walking
For this exercise also, you have to place your hands palm-down on the table. You will have to engage each finger one by one. Start with your index finger. Move it to reach the thumb and stop. Follow the same with Middle, Ring, and Little finger. Repeat the exercise 2-3 times with both hands.
Grip Strengthener
For this exercise, you have to keep MySquegg smart ball handy with you. Holding the ball in your palm, squeeze it with your fingers. Keep the position for 10 seconds and then repeat. You can do it 2-3 times a week or as you feel comfortable with your hand grip trainer.
Finger Lift
In this exercise, you have to lay your hand palm-down on the table and then stretch each finger by lifting one by one. First, you lift each finger one by one and then you can repeat with all the fingers and thumb. You can do this exercise 8-10 times.
Thumb Extension
For this exercise, you can easily place your hands palm-down on the table. Then keep all fingers together and stretch your thumb out, away from the fingers. Hold the position for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat it with both hands 10 times.
Thumb Flex
Place your hand in front of you. Stretch your fingers and then gently take your thumb away from the fingers and bend it to touch the base of your little finger. Repeat with the other hand. Hold the position for 30 seconds and then release. You can keep repeating the exercise 10-15 times.
Use an Elastic / Rubber Band
For this exercise, you can use an elastic band. Use the band first by placing it around the thumb and index finger. Stretch the fingers away. Then repeat the exercise by engaging your thumb and other fingers. Keep stretching and repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
Finger Bends
Place your hand out, palm-facing sideways. Now bend your thumb to touch your palm. Hold the position for 5 seconds and then straighten your thumb. Now, repeat the same exercise with all the fingers. You can do the exercise 10-12 times with both hands.
Final Thoughts
All the exercises are simple and easy to perform. Moreover, these can improve the mobility of your hands and help you to achieve flexibility. It is better to seek expert advice before starting the exercise regime so that the best results are yielded.