Many people suffer from an inability to move their hand and use it as they had in the past, often after a tendon injury, stroke, or other injuries, and sometimes just because of natural aging. People who suffer from this condition occasionally try to use their hands as before and fail, and as a result, lose hope. However, do not despair, because there are some exercises that you can start regularly, starting today, to strengthen and restore your hand, and they are all recommended by occupational therapists. Here are 9 exercises that are divided into 3 levels of difficulty, choose your set based on your hand’s strength level. In the end, you will also see a video that fully demonstrates how each exercise is performed as well as more level 1 exercises that are suitable for everyone.
Level 1 exercises for hand rehabilitation
If you have difficulty performing simple hand movements, these are the exercises you should start with. For them, you will only need a table, and your strong hand to help you work your weak hand until it can do the exercises on its own.
1. Palm up and down
Place your weaker palm on the table facing downward.
Use your stronger hand to flip your palm upward. Use only your stronger hand’s fingers when assisting.
Flip your palm back with your strong hand and repeat 10 times.
2. Bend the wrist up and down
Place your elbow on the table and use your stronger hand to stretch the wrist up and down.
Perform the exercise slowly 5 times.
3. Bend the wrist to the sides
Place the weak palm on the table facing downward.
Use the stronger hand to move the weaker hand from side to side. Make sure the movement is done from the wrist.