Beadwork

Take Great Care of Your Hands

by Paula S. Morgan

for About.com

The University of Virginia has a great series of animated pictures that show quick, simple exercises you can do to stretch your hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back.
When you are beading, remember to stop for at least 10 minutes every hour to stretch your hands and arms, refocus your eyes, relax your neck and shoulders and even stand up and stretch for a moment. Use a mug warmer to keep a hot cup of tea or coffee nearby to use as hand therapy. Stopping to sip from the warm mug helps to gently heat and relax your hands and wrists and gives you a moment to stop the pace that can cause cramping or stiffness. I keep a portable, reusable hand warmer with me when I plan to bead outdoors or in the car. I also keep an electric heating pad plugged in at my work area so that I can stop and use it for my hands, arms, neck or low back if those areas begin to feel stiff and sore while I am beading. Another wonderful way to warm and relax your hands is to use a Paraffin Bath, which not only warms and soothes your sore hands, wrists and even elbows, but makes your skin soft and smooth!

More information on RSI treatments can be found in these great books on Repetitive Stress Injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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