Got Weak Grip???

We often have patients coming into the office complaining of a weak grip or even pain while gripping. As you can imagine this can easily make daily activities that we take for granted everyday seem very difficult. Symptoms such as a weak grip, pain near the elbow, and pain on either side of the forearm can be a result of hypertonicity in the muscles and soft tissue. Overuse and/or miss use of both the flexors and extensors in your forearm can lead to symptoms like these. 

We don't normally think that the small repetitive movements we do everyday affect us but I assure you, they do. Office workers clicking a mouse, mechanics wrenching on cars, and even massage therapist using their hands constantly day after day takes it's toll. A weakened grip can not only stem from hypertonicity in the tissue but can also be a result of nerve entrapment in the forearm. You have three common impingement areas in your forearm from three common muscles. The Supinator, Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Pronator teres, and your Flexor Carpi Ulnaris can entrap your Radial, Median, and Ulnar nerves that send impulses to the hands. Entrapment of these nerves leave the muscles weak and unresponsive despite how hard we may try to squeeze.

Try these stretches after a long days work to help keep the soft tissue in your forearms pliable and help reduce any excess tension you may have gathered throughout the day. 


Stretch 1:Pulling the fingers and hand into extension will stretch the muscles through the hand and the flexors in your forearm (bottom of the arm). Hold for 8-15 seconds.
Stretch 2: Pull the hand downward you can get a good stretch through your extensors (the back of the arm). Hold for 8-15 seconds.

Hopefully this will help some of you that use your hands a lot throughout the day and those of us who continue to do repetitive exercises every day. If your pain or weakened grip continues please seek and Neurosomatic Therapist in your area for a full  postural assessment to identify your source of pain. You man also call to schedule your appointment at (941)-735-0205


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