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Stretching exercises for the wrists
These are general stretches for the wrists and arms. Stretching may help prevent arm problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Do not do any stretch or movement that is uncomfortable or painful.
Warm-up stretches
- Rotate your wrist up, down, and from side to side. Repeat 4 times.
- Stretch your fingers far apart, relax them, then stretch them again. Repeat 4 times.
- Stretch your thumb by pulling it back gently, holding it, and then releasing it. Repeat 4 times.
Prayer stretch
slide 1 of 3
slide 1 of 3, Prayer stretch,
- Start with your palms together in front of your chest just below your chin.
- Slowly lower your hands toward your waistline, keeping your hands close to your stomach and your palms together, until you feel a mild to moderate stretch under your forearms.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Wrist flexor stretch
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slide 2 of 3, Wrist flexor stretch,
- Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up.
- Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Wrist extensor stretch
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slide 3 of 3, Wrist extensor stretch,
- Extend your arm in front of you with your palm down.
- Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Herbert von Schroeder MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery
