If you spend a lot of time at a computer, you already know your hands can hurt and ache after long hours of work. Here are some easy stretches you can do at your desk to alleviate wrist and hand pain.
This routine focuses on opening up the wrists and stretching your muscles in a different way than when you type or use your mouse. You can see the whole ten-minute routine in the video above, but if you can’t watch it, here are a few key exercises to get you started.
Put your hands in front of you with fingers spread wide. Close them into gentle fists (don’t clench) and open them up again. Repeat five times.
Start with your hands open, then rotate your thumbs in small circles. Do five circles and then switch directions.
Bring your hands together in front of your heart (prayer position) with palms and fingers flat against each other. Press your hands together to stretch your wrists. Hold for five to ten seconds.
Lace your fingers together, extend your arms out in front of you and then bring them up and over your head. Your palms should be facing away from you. Hold for ten seconds.
If you don’t have time for the whole routine, do one or two exercises that feel best to you. Repeat the exercises as many times as feels comfortable.
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