Early in 2024, I noticed I was losing the feeling in my hands and arms. I started to attend therapy at the Hawthorn Clinic in Kentville, Nova Scotia. I didn't need a referral, so I went in to book acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic. Daniel had been going there as he tripped on a PuppiDawg hole on the grounds and hurt his shoulder.
Duncan, Rachel, and Sarah have been overseeing my progress, and I am much better than I was before. One of the exercises I was assigned was to get a squeeze stress ball to put into my hands to fiddle with.
My friend Karen bought me a stress ball to manipulate.
The act of just closing your hand with some tension is really interesting. Though at first you feel like a gym queen, it's actually pretty tough.
Rolling the ball in my hand and squeezing feels interesting. The point is to stretch your hand and fingers in the act of playing with it as you tend to be moving your hand and fingers in a different motion.
I'm not a doctor but it's a great tool to have. So if you are stuck in a conversation that is long-winded, grab your ball and pretend to be choking the crap out of someone as they speak to you. Just tell them your exercising. If you break a sweat doing this, you may be doing it too rough! Just saying!
Rita Williams says
I’ve been using the stress balls for years and they do make a difference. Early this year I started having terrible pain in my hands. I’ve had hand problems for years and thought I would have to give up crocheting. Then I saw on YouTube some videos for exercises for Thumb Arthritis. I had never heard of it so I watched and tried it and it worked so well, I’ve been doing the exercises and crocheting ever since. I know you said your problem is numbness but it seems like a similar enough problem that I decided to put it on here in case it might help someone else.
A Elguindy says
Timely advice. Having some pain/tendon issues when using blanket yarn lately and was going to give up.
Eileen sorensen says
If I leave you my thoughts I wouldn’t have any left, love you Mikey you make me laugh a lot and your crochet helps are the best, thanks Eileen