As a lash tech, you spend a significant amount of time using your hands, which can result in hand pain and discomfort. The repetitive motions involved in applying lashes can cause strain on your hands, fingers, and wrists, leading to pain and discomfort. However, there are exercises that you can do to help alleviate hand pain and keep your hands healthy. In this article, we'll explore some of the best exercises that you can do as a lash tech to relieve hand pain.
Why Hand Pain Happens to Lash Techs
Before we get into the exercises, let's take a closer look at why hand pain is so common among lash techs. When you're applying lashes, you're using your hands and fingers to manipulate small objects for an extended period. This can cause strain on your hands and fingers, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. Additionally, poor posture, lack of breaks, and holding tension in your hands and arms can exacerbate these symptoms.
Exercises for Hand Pain Relief
The following exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of hand pain and improve hand strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help reduce hand pain and prevent future injuries.
Wrist Flexor Stretch
The wrist flexor stretch is an excellent exercise for relieving pain in the wrist and forearm muscles. To do this exercise, follow these steps:
Extend your right arm in front of you with your palm facing down.
Use your left hand to gently pull your right hand toward you until you feel a stretch in your wrist and forearm muscles.
Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Finger Flexor Stretch
The finger flexor stretch targets the muscles in your fingers and can help alleviate pain and stiffness. Here's how to do it:
Extend your right arm in front of you with your palm facing up.
Use your left hand to gently press down on your right hand, pushing your fingers toward your wrist until you feel a stretch in your finger muscles.
Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other hand.
Fist Squeeze
The fist squeeze exercise can help strengthen your hand muscles and improve grip strength. Here's how to do it:
Make a fist with your right hand, squeezing your fingers as tightly as you can.
Hold the squeeze for 5-10 seconds and then release.
Repeat the exercise for 10-15 reps and then switch to the other hand.
Finger Abduction
The finger abduction exercise can help improve finger flexibility and range of motion. Here's how to do it:
Hold your right hand out in front of you with your palm facing up.
Spread your fingers apart as far as you can and hold for 5-10 seconds.
Bring your fingers back together and repeat the exercise for 10-15 reps, then switch to the other hand.
Wrist Rotation
Wrist rotation exercises can help improve wrist flexibility and reduce pain and stiffness. Here's how to do it:
Hold your right arm out in front of you with your palm facing down.
Rotate your wrist clockwise, making small circles with your hand.
After 10-15 rotations, switch to counterclockwise rotations.
Repeat the exercise for 1-2 minutes on each hand.
Hand Massage
Finally, don't underestimate the power of a good hand massage! Massaging your hands can help improve blood flow, reduce tension, and alleviate pain and stiffness. Here's how to do it:
Use your left hand to massage your right hand, starting at the base of your wrist and working your way up to your fingertips.
Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to your muscles, focusing on areas where you feel tension or pain.
Repeat on the other hand.
Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help alleviate hand pain and improve hand health. Remember to take breaks during your lash appointments and practice good posture to prevent future injuries. Additionally, using ergonomic tools and equipment can also help reduce strain on your hands and wrists. With these exercises and practices, you can keep your hands healthy and pain-free, allowing you to continue doing what you love as a lash tech.