Hi and welcome to this week's stretch of the week. Previously we have discussed the wrist flexor stretch which is used to increase wrist extension, well this stretch is the opposite. We will be dicussing the wrist exentsor stretch designed to increase wrist and finger flexion and proved relief from such conditions as tennis elbow and tendinitis of the forearm which is found in many racket sports. This stretch uses the same muscles as the wrist flexor stretch, the carpi radialis longus and brevis and the carpi ulnaris.

To do this stretch the stretcher lies face up with their elbow, wrist and fingers fully stretched out with their palm facing down, then they should make a fist. If the stretcher makes a fist before extending their arm they will not reach the end of range point for the muscles being stretched that is required for optimal stretching. The partner should wrap their hand around the stretchers hand, matching finger to finger and thumb to thumb. The partners other hand should be stabilizing the stretchers wrist and forearm. The stretcher should then try and open their hand and extend their wrist, not forgetting to include the thumb. After this push the stretcher should inhale deeply and on the exhale contract their flexors to deepen the stretch.

Always remember that while stretching may be recommended to aid recovery out of injury, you should always be very careful when stretching through rehabilitation.  Your soft tissues are likely to be more vulnerable to re-injury if you stretch too much or too hard during this time.  Always check with your Health Care Professional who is guiding you through your recovery to make sure it is appropriate to start stretching, and please - ALWAYS FOLLOW THE RULES FOR SAFE STRETCHING (blog #50).

Information obtained from McAtee, R. & Charland, J. (1993) Facilitated Stretching
Images from www.wikipedia.com