Self-Care for the Forearms
If you are having discomfort in your forearms, these tips may help reduce
your pain and prevent further injury. Try them out, then choose one or
two to focus on for several weeks before adding more.
1. Support your forearms when you can, but do not rest them or your
wrists on anything while typing.
2. Don’t pound on the keys; use a light touch.
3. Hold the mouse lightly as if you were cradling a small bird; don’t
grip it hard.
4. When typing, keep all your fingers and your thumb softly curved. If
you tend to keep your pinkie finger raised or stiff, begin trying to
relax it to avoid injury.
5. Take mini-breaks every few minutes. Stop, let your arms hang to
your side, shake them out, and take several full breaths.
6. Stretch frequently. Hold your arms out in front of you, and bend your
wrists one way and then another. Ask your massage therapist for
specific stretches and self-massage techniques for the forearms and
wrists.