Dexterity Drills
Do you feel it is getting difficult to type on a keyboard or pick up hardware from your latest DIY project? Hand dexterity is an integral part of everyone’s daily life. Dexterity is the ability to make coordinated, precise movements in the hand and fingers. Dexterity is needed for tasks such as typing, writing, working with tools, and much more. When individuals are unable to perform fine motor tasks that require dexterity, it can be a detriment to their quality of life. This is due to being unable to perform the tasks as effectively as they want or need to.
To help improve dexterity, there are a few simple drills you can do in the comfort of your own home. Listed below are 4 drills you can do with supplies that you can find around your house.
- Finger Taps: The first drill is to lay your palm flat on a table. Then lift one finger at a time and hold the finger up for 1 to 2 seconds. Once you go through the drill with one hand you will switch to the other hand. Complete this drill 8-10 times for each hand.
- Pencil Wrapping: This drill you will need a pencil and 2-3 rubber bands. Hold the pencil in one hand and wrap the rubber band around it. Once there is no more slack, you will unwrap the rubber band. To make this more or less difficult, you can use thinner or thicker rubber bands.
- Change Pickup: This exercise you will need loose change or marbles and a table top. Spread out the change on the table and pick up a coin with your fingertips. Then work the coin into your palm and keep it there as you pick up each of the coins. At the end you should have all of the coins you picked up during this drill. Lastly, switch and complete the drill with the other hand.
- Tennis Ball Manipulation: The last exercise you will need is a tennis ball or a ball of similar size. Using one hand, move the ball around using your fingertips only. You can make a game out of it by having your thumb tap different areas on the ball like the logo or seams on the ball. Once you have tapped 10 areas on the ball switch the ball to your other hand and repeat the drill.
These drills help to improve dexterity and fine motor movements in your hand. These drills can be completed once a day. Improvement can be seen over time and help you get back to activities you want and need to do in your daily life. ProTailored Physical Therapy can help target more specific muscles in the hand during therapeutic exercises including the intrinsic muscles of the hand and other muscle groups to enhance and improve dexterity.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of decreased dexterity, ProTailored Physical Therapy can help! Call us at (260) 739-0300 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.