After receiving many questions on our previous barbers health article on wrist pain, Carpel tunnel and RSI. Our resident health advisor Doc Robert Dunsdon BA, BSc, MMCA is looking at what you as the barber can do to prevent symptoms of wrist pain before it starts.
Ergonomic scissors : How can they help?
Tools have now been designed and have been proven to reduce repetitive strain on the wrists. These are called ergonomically designed and you can see some examples below from our friends at Spencer Scissors.
Scissors are an essential hand tool for any Barber or hairdresser. Standard Scissors are straight or have only a slight curve in their design and require the barber to continually bend the wrist. The repetitive use of the fingers and forearm places a great deal of stress in the tendons that run hrough the Carpel tunnel of the wrist.
Traditional Scissors by their design cause the wrist to be bent aggravating tendons and causing inflammation.
Ergonomically designed Scissors prevent this and reduce the chance if a repetitive motion injury .
Regular wrist exercises will help keep you in good condition that will prevent any downtime.
Hand clench
Clenching and unclenching your hand is one repetition.
Instruction:
With the side of your hand rested on a table, and your fingers and wrist straight, clench your hand into a loose fist
Hold for 2 seconds then unclench and straighten your fingers
Side to side wrist bend
Bending your wrist from left to right is one repetition.
Instruction:
With your palm rested on a table, and your fingers and wrist straight, bend your wrist to the left as far as is comfortable
Hold for 2 seconds then bend your wrist back to centre
Bend your wrist to the right as far as is comfortable
Hold for 2 seconds then bend your wrist back to centre
Finger and thumb touch
You could do this exercise while sitting and may find it easier if you support your elbow on a table.
One set back and forth is one repetition.
Instruction:
With your palm facing you, and your hand relaxed and open, touch your thumb to each finger in turn
After touching your pinkie, reverse the order
STRESS BALL EXERCISES
