29
August
2020
|
18:05 PM
America/New_York

How to Approach Exercise When You Have Hand Pain, According to a Physical Therapist

POPSUGAR discusses how to approach exercise when experiencing hand pain or injury according to HSS physical therapist and certified hand therapist Lucy McLeod B. Physio, DPT,CHT.

McLeod explained it is crucial to understand your injury before exercising or modifying your routine. "Hands, wrists, fingers, and thumbs are a complex part of the body!" she said. "There are a lot of different types of injury, or causes of pain, that need completely different types of treatment. Some injuries need rest, some injuries do better with exercise.” A certified hand therapist will be able to work with you to give you the best advice for your specific injury and workout preferences, added McLeod.

McLeod noted some modification examples include doing push-ups on a closed fist or push-up bar instead of your palms, and using resistance bands or machines to replace free weights. Easing up on intensive also falls under the category of modification. "If you haven't worked out in a while, be sure to pace yourself!" she advised. "If you've had an injury, you probably won't be able to lift the same weights as before. Start with a weight and a workout intensity that feels a little challenging but still manageable. Then, gradually build up."

McLeod also suggested cardio exercise with the permission from a medical expert. "Walking, jogging, and running are generally safe after most hand injuries. You might want to avoid running out on trails or at night — in these situations, sometimes you're more likely to trip over something, which can affect your hands."

Read the full article at Popsugar.com.