My Personal Experience: A Yoga Coach’s Guide to Overcoming Wrist Pain
Hey there 👋 Today, I want to review about something that recently caught me off guard—wrist pain. Yep, even yoga coaches deal with this stuff!
My Wrist Wake-Up Call
Picture this: I'm about to start a private yoga session over Zoom, and my client notices my wrist is bandaged up. Busted! 😅 I had to come clean—my wrist had been hurting that week, especially during my resistance training at the gym.
Now, here's the kicker—as someone with a background in kinesiology, I initially thought this was a classic case of Repetitive Motion Syndrome from too much computer work. But here's the thing: repetitive movement issues don't just come from typing away at your desk.
What Is Repetitive Motion/Movement Syndrome?
Repetitive Motion/Movement Syndrome, also known as Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), represents one of the most common injury types in the US. It arises from the repetitive actions of our daily lives, which can stress the body over time.
Understanding the Impact
This condition gradually develops and can affect various parts of the body, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Commonly impacted areas range from the neck, shoulders, and back to the hips, elbows, wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles.
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of RSI include tenderness, numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain. It is particularly prevalent among athletes, accounting for over 50% of sports-related injuries.
Specific Types of Treatment
Treatment for RSI may involve several approaches, depending on the severity and location of the injury:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Targeted exercises for strength and flexibility
- Wrapping or splinting affected areas
- Steroid injections for severe cases
Given that my symptoms were not severe, I opted for strengthening exercises to see if they would provide relief.
The Sneaky Nature of Repetitive Movements
Repetitive movement syndrome can sneak up on you from a variety of activities, not just the obvious ones like typing or using a mouse. Here are a few examples:
- Weightlifting or resistance training
- Playing musical instruments
- Sports activities, such as tennis (often leading to conditions like tennis elbow)
- Daily chores like chopping vegetables or washing dishes
The Takeaway
Our bodies are constantly sending us messages, indicating when they need some extra care and attention. No matter how fit or cautious we perceive ourselves to be, it's crucial to listen and respond to these signals. Regular adjustments to our activities and incorporating preventive measures can help maintain our health and prevent the progression of repetitive motion injuries.
The Silver Lining
Here's where it gets interesting. When I shared this with my dear client, she said something that really struck me. She appreciated knowing about my wrist issue because it made me seem more "normal" and relatable. She usually sees me as this pinnacle of skill and performance (which, I'll admit, was nice to hear! 😊).
It was a powerful reminder that being transparent (vs hiding them) about our challenges can actually strengthen our connections with others. We're all human, after all!
Your Wrist Wellness Toolkit
So, what can we do to keep our wrists happy and healthy? I've put together a series of wrist strengthening exercises that have really helped me. From wrist mobilization, finger and forearm strengthening to exercises using light weight dumbbells. You can try any or all of the drills to help you feel better sooner. (BTW, my wrist feels so much better now!) You can find them on my YouTube Channel.
These exercises, showcased in a detailed 22-minute video, are designed to be simple and adaptable. You can choose which parts to practice based on your schedule and specific needs. Whether you perform a quick segment or engage in the full routine, each exercise is straightforward and can be done in any setting. This makes it ideal for anyone—whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or a desk-bound professional. Your wrists will thank you for the attention and care you provide them!
Wrapping It Up (pun intended)
Remember, taking care of our bodies isn't about being perfect—it's about being attentive and responsive. Listen to your body, mix up your activities, and don't be afraid to share your experiences. You never know who might benefit from your story!
Now, I'd love to hear from you! Have you dealt with unexpected aches and pains? How did you handle it? Drop a comment below and let's chat!
Stay well and keep those wrists happy! 💪✨
xo, Janel
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