As Nail Technicians using your hands is an integral part of your working day, it’s important to stretch out your hands after a long, or particularly intricate nail art to minimise cramps, tightness and the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (or RSI).

It’s important to note that if you are experiencing consistent pain in your knuckles, wrists or back you should consult your doctor to rule out anything serious.

Stretch only until you feel tightness. You shouldn't feel pain. Start with this simple stretch:

• Make a gentle fist, with your thumb wrapping around your fingers
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and spread your fingers wide.
• Repeat with both hands at least four times.

Stretching your hands can increase your range of motion, strengthen your hands and relieve tightness.

Want to take it to the next stretching step? Try these:

Try these two stretches for your thumb joints:

Hold your hand out, palm facing you. Gently bend the tip of your thumb down toward the base of your index finger. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. 

Hold your hand out, palm facing you. Gently stretch your thumb across your palm using just your lower thumb joint.

Wrist rotations

To do this stretch:

Stretch your arm out in front of you.

Slowly, point the fingers down until you feel a stretch. Use the other hand to gently pull the raised hand toward the body. Hold this position for 3–5 seconds.

Point the fingers toward the ceiling until you feel a stretch. Use the other hand to gently pull the raised hand toward the body. Hold this position for 3–5 seconds.

Repeat this three times.

Prayer position

To do this stretch:

Sit with your palms together and your elbows on the table in a prayer position.

Lower the sides of the hands toward the table until you feel a stretch. Keep your palms together. Hold this position for 5–7 seconds.

Relax.

Repeat this three times.