8 Stringy Ball Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist, the arm, and the hand because of swelling around the carpal tunnel that presses on the median nerve. This results in pain, a tingling feeling, numbness, and limitation in movement of the arms and hands, which reduces your ability to perform any manual tasks.

The common course of treatment for this condition involves medication with corticosteroids in mild cases and surgery in extremes. However, research shows that exercises work like magic on carpel tunnel syndrome reversing and curing the condition. These exercises should however be performed under the supervision of a physical therapist to avoid further injuries.

Some of these supervised exercises include:

1. The Pinch

This is an effective exercise for your fingers. It involves holding the ball between your fingers, at the tips with the thumb and the index finger holding the ball. Once the ball is in position, it is squeezed continuously for about 10 seconds, then held in the same position for 10 more seconds. You can then repeat these moves as directed by your therapist.

2. Ball grip – Wrist down

Carpal tunnel syndrome weakens your hands and the grip of your hand and arm. To restore or to rebuild a strong grip, you will have the Stringyball in your palm with your hand facing inwards such that the fingers holding the ball against your palm face down.

Squeeze the ball for a few minutes then hold for a few more minutes. Repeat this move a few more times in the frequency stipulated by your physical therapist.

3. Wrist up

This is the opposite of the above mentioned move. Firmly grip the ball in your palm with your hand out so that your fingers face up. Hold and squeeze as above.

4. Finger bend

The strength of your fingers reduces significantly in individuals with carpal tunnel. If you have the condition and your fingers have been affected, your therapist will recommend this exercise.

Though it may seem tough in the beginning, you will get better with time. The moves involve placing the ball in your palm then pressing your fingers into the ball. You should then push your fingers gently into the ball with the fingers in a bendy-fashion. Hold and squeeze concurrently for a few seconds or as directed.

5. Opposition

This involves exercises between the StringyBall, your thumb, and the pinky (little) finger. With the ball in the palm of your hand, you should be able to hold it in place using the two fingers aforementioned. When in position, squeeze the ball with the pinky finger and the thumb for a few seconds and hold for a few more seconds.

6. The size squeeze

This is a rather hard move for persons with carpal tunnel syndrome. It involves holding the stress ball between two fingers, then squeezing and holding alternatively with a few seconds between every move.

7. Extend out

With the ball on the table, place your finger tips on the ball then roll the ball back and forth repeatedly for a few seconds.

8. Thumb extend

This move works on your thumb. With the ball placed between the bent thumb and two fingers, all of the same hand, roll out the ball while extending and straightening the thumb. Repeat the move a few more times.

In conclusion, these moves have been shown to be effective for management and treatment of carpal tunnel. As a patient, be sure to talk to a therapist before getting started. The balls are of different densities (soft, medium, or hard) and the doctor will recommend the best for you. You should also stop exercising if in pain.

Charlie Brown is a freelance content writer. He has written many articles on different categories like Technology, fashion, finance, travel, health, etc. To know more about him, please his blog.