Stretching the Wrist Flexors
Wrist Flexors
Wrist Flexor Trigger Points - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner
The wrist flexors definitely tend to fall into that category of important muscle that most of us tend to take for granted.
The wrist flexors are busy working, not just at the gym, but when we are performing common daily tasks such as using mobile phones, gripping a steering wheel or even when we are doing the laundry.
Trigger points build up over time, and may be the precursor to more complex injuries when left untreated. Simple daily stretching may help to prevent the activation of latent trigger points.
Here's a simple stretch that we often recommend. Start by allocating just a minute each day to this stretch.
Try to perform the stretch at least once a day, at the end of a long drive, or perhaps when you get up to take a break from your desk.
Build up from there but, as always, don't push too hard or over-stretch.
If you happen to be a manual therapists, you should be performing this stretch in between each client!
TECHNIQUE
MUSCLES BEING STRETCHED
Primary muscles: Brachialis. Brachioradialis. Pronator teres. Flexor carpi radialis. Flexor carpi ulnaris. Palmaris longus.
Secondary muscles: Flexor digitorum superficialis. Flexor digitorum profundus. Flexor pollicis longus.
INJURY WHERE STRETCH MAY BE USEFUL
Tennis elbow. Golfer’s elbow. Thrower’s elbow. Wrist sprain. Wrist dislocation. Wrist tendonitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Ulnar tunnel syndrome.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PERFORMING THIS STRETCH CORRECTLY
The forearms, wrists, and fingers comprise a multitude of small muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Do not overstretch this area by applying too much force too quickly.
Links
Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area
More Articles About Elbow Pain
Dry Needling for Trigger Points
Certify as a Trigger Point Therapist
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes within the context of continuing education for massage therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reflect current understanding at the time of publication, practitioners must always work within the legal scope of their professional practice and follow all regional regulatory guidelines.
Hands-on techniques and clinical applications described in this material should only be performed by appropriately trained and licensed professionals. Individuals experiencing pain or symptoms should be referred to a qualified healthcare provider for assessment. Niel Asher Education is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this content.
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