Finger Exercises

[Steve Harrison]

As I've aged, I've found that the suppleness in my fingers has lessened which affects the speed at which I can play.  I spoke with a local physiotherapist a few days ago and she told me that this was to be expected and showed me a simple exercise which, after only a short time, has definitely helped.  Hold both hands out in front with the palms facing and the slowly roll the fingers into the palm, hold for a few seconds and open the hands as far as you can, stretching the open fingers until you feel the muscles and tendons tighten. Hold for 5 seconds and then repeat up to ten times.  I've been doing this as often as I can during the day and the improvement is very noticeable.  Well worth trying for those of you in my situation.

[Steve Harrison]

For the more technically minded..this is an interesting and informative link..http://www.drkochno.com/mattes_method.htm

[thereallyniceman]

Thank you Steve,

Quote:

"Proprioneuromuscular facilitation or PNF is a technique commonly associated with contract-relax stretching (hold-relax) and contract-relax agonist contraction methods. PNF stretching techniques use volitional contractions in an attempt to achieve increased range of motion by minimizing the active component of resistance attributed to spinal reflex of pathways. Many therapists who do not have access to objective measuring methods rely on Sherrington Principle of Reciprocal Inhibition to explain their stretching techniques."

 

Obvious really! That should make it clear to us all!

 

 

 

[Steve Harrison]

Did you read the section on wrists and fingers? It reinforces the efficacy of the stretching exercises.

thereallyniceman said:

Thank you Steve,

Quote:

"Proprioneuromuscular facilitation or PNF is a technique commonly associated with contract-relax stretching (hold-relax) and contract-relax agonist contraction methods. PNF stretching techniques use volitional contractions in an attempt to achieve increased range of motion by minimizing the active component of resistance attributed to spinal reflex of pathways. Many therapists who do not have access to objective measuring methods rely on Sherrington Principle of Reciprocal Inhibition to explain their stretching techniques."

 

Obvious really! That should make it clear to us all!