Hand & Wrist Health

Quick and Dirty:

1.       Regular, daily stretching of fingers, wrist, arm, and chest outside of gaming session

2.       Always start gaming session with finger and wrist stretching

3.       Always stretch fingers and wrist at least once every 30 minutes; Stand up and stretch at least once ever 90 minutes (more often is better)

4.       Ensure you comply with standard posture and ergonomics of head and wrist positioning (chair and monitor too)

Basics of stretching:

1.       Stretch should be applied to a comfortable amount of tension. No pain should be felt

2.       Stretch off each muscle should be applied for at least 15 seconds

3.       Deep belly breathing (Diaphragmatic breathing) should be employed during stretching. The exhale allows for the muscles to relax and therefore stretch further without intensification of stretch

A little Deeper:

     Problems within the musculoskeletal system arise largely, only when one of three things happen.

1.       Force exerted is too great for bodily tissues

2.       Force is overly repeated with bodily tissues in compromised position

3.       Bodily tissues have insufficient nutrients to perform task and repair themselves

How to Correct Issue #1:

You are playing video games. If you exert forces greater than your bodily tissues can handle, then you need to quit raging. Stop punching the wall or throwing your chair. We do not need to worry about this problem in our chosen passion.

How to Correct Issue #2:

Two-pronged attack here. 1st, you need to properly position yourself and follow standard posture and ergonomics advice. Next you must ensure that your pain threshold is above your daily activity requirements. This can be done two ways: strengthen the structures and make it so they can withstand more (correct choice) or game less.

How to Correct Issue #3:

A.      Exercise cardiovascular system (nutrient delivery system)

B.      Exercise musculoskeletal system (allows proper balance and minimizes impingements of nerves and arteries)

C.      Eat a balanced diet (nutrients available)

D.      Drink sufficient amount of water (literally important for all life on Earth)