Hand Stretches for Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of function in your joints. It's the most common form of chronic joint inflammation and affects about one in five adults by age 45.

But what exactly is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes pain or discomfort affecting at least one joint; more than 100 different types exist. Although arthritis can affect any joint, it often develops in the hands (which are used constantly), knees (the largest weight-bearing joints), and lower spine (where bending occurs).

Today, we’re focusing on stretches that you can do to reduce arthritis pain in your hands.

1. Pull and Twist Joint Release - begin by wrapping your hand around one finger and pull outwards to separate the joint while maintaining a strong grip. Once the joints are separated, twist the finger and quickly pull your hand off the end of the finger.

Watch the full video demonstration here.

2. Ball Massage - using a ball on a hard surface, gently roll the ball in a clockwise and counterclockwise motion. Control the intensity by applying more or less downward pressure. You can also manage the intensity by using a more or less dense ball.

Watch the full video demonstration here.

3. O-Shape Mobility - begin with your hand in an upright posture. Slowly curl the fingers in an O-shape, bringing the fingers as close together as possible.

Watch the full video demonstration here.

Whether you’ve been living with arthritis for years or are just starting to feel the effects, there are stretches that can help ease your pain. If you're looking for a safe space to move your body without worrying about worsening symptoms, click here to learn more about the classes we offer!

The RTWS Team.