Failure in the Forearms

By Ross Ashcraft

Carpal Tunnel, aching wrists, numb fingers, or sore arms.  Do any of these apply to you?  Many of us suffer from the overuse of our wrist and forearms.  In the modern society many working adults are required to use their fingers and wrists to type or hold things all day.  Maybe you’re a massage therapist, typist, administrator, waiter, truck driver, secretary, or any profession that requires sustained use of the wrist, forearm, and fingers.

The Problem:

1.  When we hold our arms and hands in specific ways all day long the body “learns” to hold that grip even when we sleep.

2.  When we never fully use our wrists or put them through what is called their full range of motion our muscles develop in improper ways.  As a consequence they don’t acquire the flexibility that is necessary for good joint health.

The Solution:

Our bodies “fix” themselves while we sleep.  So if we deliberately relax/stretch our muscles before you go to sleep then they are equipped to repair themselves while you rest.

Technique:

1.  Place one arm palm up, down on a table in front of you.  Place your second forearm on top the first forearm and right below the elbow.

2.  Press your second arm deeply into the original forearm and glide toward your wrist.  Do this 3X.

3.  Turn your forearm over and repeat the gliding motion along the other side.  Do this 3X.

4.  Grab your original forearm with your second hand, right below the elbow, with firm pressure.

5.  While grasping, flex and extend the wrist on your original arm.  Move second hand down (or distal) away from the elbow.  Repeat the flexion and extension until you have worked all the way to the wrist.

6.  Stretch the wrist for 20 seconds in both main directions.

7.  Repeat the whole treatment along the second arm.

8.  After treatment on both arms has been completed do some wrist circles (R.O.M.)

This treatment is designed to slowly repair the wrist and forearm.  Use caution when beginning this treatment.  If you feel you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, do not put a lot of pressure or dig into the forearm at the beginning.  Try the treatment and then gradually increase your pressure over time.  If you feel an increase in pain or develop weakness after the treatments, consult a doctor.

If this treatment does not change your wrist pain consult our installments on Whip Lash and anterior neck treatments.