Manual dexterity, hand strength and finger flexibility are crucial to daily functional activities. An injured hand may be unable to to type, cook, hold a pocketbook or even sign a signature. Because the injured hand may be unable to lift a traditional free weight, exercise bands provide a suitable alternative for physical therapy.
Identification
Hand injuries may include hand or finger sprains, finger dislocation and hand fracture. Sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the fingers or hands are stretched beyond their range of motion. An injured ligament may also cause the bones to separate, thereby affecting the finger alignment and causing dislocation. Fractures involve a break of one of the bones in the hand. Band exercises that involve securing the band to a stable object and flexing and extending your wrists may be used as therapy for hand fractures and sprains. Finger sprains and dislocations require a thinner band, similar to those used to to hold a bundle of vegetables at the supermarket. The therapist places the band around her patient's fingers, and has him open his fingers against the band's resistance.
Time Frame
Use the P.R.I. C.E. principal before attempting any therapeutic band exercises, warns certified athletic trainer and kinesiology instructor Terry Ziegle. In an article on the Sports MD website, she explains that the hand should be splinted for protection, rested to avoid further injuries and iced and elevated to reduce inflammation. Once the ice is removed, use an all cotton elastic bandage to compress the area. Exercises begin when the swelling subsides, and when you regain pain free wrist flexion and extension.
Function
While stretching the muscles may be part of hand and wrist therapy, band exercises are strictly for strengthening. In some cases, if the therapist sees a hand muscle imbalance that she suspects caused the injury, she may prescribe band exercises that correct that imbalance.
Types
Bands used for hand exercise may include wide, flat bands, tubes with handles and small thin bands. Some hand exercisers support finger flexion strength with a series of adjustable rubber bands. Others combine the benefits of squeeze balls and resistance bands by wrapping the bands around the fingers and attaching the ball to the band. As you bend your fingers to squeeze the ball, they work against the band's resistance.
Warning
Despite their use in hand physical therapy, improper use of exercise bands may actually cause injuries. The wide, flat bands, which do not have handles, may cause an unnatural hand position. Instead of simply gripping the band, lay it band flat on your palm, with the end toward your little finger. Wrap the long end of the band around the back of your hand as many times as needed. It should feel secure, but it should not cut off circulation.
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