What Is Writer’s Cramp and How Massage Can Help It?

Or have you ever written or typed for some time, until all of a sudden the hand started to cramp up? If so, you probably experienced what’s called a “writer’s cramp.” It was more than just a feeling in the hands. It was serious enough because it was tough to keep on writing or typing for a longer period. I know; it is no fun being in that position. The stiffening of a writer’s cramp is fairly usual among the population, especially among people whose hands are part of their work, not excluding writers, draftsmen, and even the lowly simple typist. Fortunately, there is a silver lining. Massage can ease pain and discomfort attendant to the condition. In the following article, I discuss what a writer’s cramp is and how massage can make all the difference.

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What Is Writer’s Cramp?

The simple explanation for a writer’s cramp is: that muscles in your hand or fingers tighten up or spasm when you try to write. Oftentimes, it just comes out of nowhere, and holding a pen–even typing–is almost impossible. The cramp generally comes after one has been writing for quite some time, though in some, the reaction time can be much quicker. In stiff hands, it can even be painful and difficult to move your fingers the way you want.

People who do much writing, drawing, or typing are at greater risk. That’s because these activities include small movements of the hand and fingers continually. The muscles can fatigue and cramp if overused. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be. If you are anything like me and spend the majority of your time working with your hands, you know writer’s cramp is a problem.

Common Symptoms of Writer’s Cramp

Symptoms of writer’s cramp are quite observable, but they may vary from one individual to another. Sometimes, the spasm appears as slight discomfort; with some being worse in severe conditions. The common symptoms include:

Involuntary movements of the hands
Difficulty holding onto a pen or typing
Stiffness of the fingers, hand or forearm
Painful or awkwardness trying to write or type
Plegic or clenched attitudes of the hands

If any of these ring familiar, then you have probably experienced writer’s cramp. It is frustrating, especially when it upsets your working ability or completion of daily tasks. But do not lose hope, because there is something that can help.

How Massage Can Help Writer’s Cramp

Massage will relax the tension in your hand and fingers. You must be thinking, “Can a simple massage make all the difference?” And my answer is: yes! Massage helps on several factors, and I’ll tell you precisely how.

In massaging the muscles of your hand, you increase blood flow through that portion of your body. This additional blood flow brings much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, thereby allowing those muscles to relax. A good massage relieves tight knots or trigger points that constrict and cause the cramp. I have found even a few minutes of hand massage will bring instant relief.

Massage works by taking the tension out of the muscles; it allows them to heal from overuse. If ever you have noticed that your hand felt tight or tense from a long day of writing, massage can loosen things up. You can even do this yourself at home, which is a nice bonus.

The Benefits of Regular Massage

Now, let’s talk about the long-term benefits of massage regarding writer’s cramp. If you frequently have this problem, the regular massage of your hands will make all the difference. It will keep the muscles flexible if one gets into the habit and reduce the chances of cramping up in the first place.

I always recommend massaging your hand before and after long periods of writing or typing. It’s a simple way to keep the muscles loose. You don’t need any fancy tools or a professional to do this-although a professional massage can work wonders.

You can easily massage your hand using just your fingers. Focus on the palm and base of your fingers, applying gentle pressure to massage. Take your time and never hurry through this process. The more relaxed your hand is, the less likely a cramp will be in your hand.

Self-Massage Techniques for Writer’s Cramp

With that, let me now give you some very simple techniques you could do to yourself or have others do for you at home, now that I’ve shared with you how useful massage can be. These techniques are not time-consuming, yet they can easily make quite a big difference.

1. Finger Press

Use your other hand to reach across and press your thumb into the opposite palm. Rotate in small circles, focusing on any spots that feel tight. Work thumbs down toward each finger base, massaging along the way. This releases tension from the muscles responsible for movement in your hand.

2. Palm Stretch

Bending your wrist backward with your fingers, gently pull your thumb in that direction, holding the stretch for several seconds. Repeat for each of your fingers to nip cramping at its beginning with a great, much-needed stretch for the large number of muscles and tendons in the hand.

3. Wrist Massage

If you do not take thought to your wrist, don’t be surprised if the writer’s cramp starts from there or your forearm. At times, just massage your wrist with your opposite hand by rubbing gently using small circles. You might be surprised at how well this relieves your whole hand.

Preventing Writer’s Cramp

Prevention is always better than trying to deal with the pain afterward. If you are like me and do not want to have writer’s cramp in the future, here are several things you can do.

Take frequent breaks. I know one tends to get caught up in work, but giving your hands a break every 20 to 30 minutes does magic. This can also prevent the muscles from tightening down while taking breaks with this kind of stretch to fingers and wrists.

You should also ensure that you hold your pen, or type, in comfortable positions. If it feels cramped or stiff, adjust the grip on your pen or the angle of your hand. It may also be useful to use ergonomic keyboards and pens designed for comfort.

A final solution is regular exercise and massage of the hands to keep the muscles strong yet supple. Such simple practices can go a long way in preventing writer’s cramps.

When to Seek Help

If you have tried massage and all the other home remedies, but you are still battling your writer’s cramp, then maybe it is time to consult a professional. This may include a physical therapist or a massage therapist who will provide much more particular treatment to the very cause of your cramps. They may also teach you a few more advanced techniques to continue using at home.

Don’t ignore warning signs of chronic symptoms. If your hand is in pain or the cramp significantly impairs your daily functioning, then seeking a consultation would be in order. They can help you determine what is happening and think about a treatment plan that works for you.

Conclusion

Many of us have had to put up with writer’s cramps, but we do not necessarily have to continue doing so. By knowing what it is caused by, you will know how to deal with it through massage and lighten the discomfort, possibly avoiding further cramps. I can personally attest that a simple hand massage makes much difference in writing, typing, or drawing.

Take a minute and massage your hand the next time a cramp is threatening to begin, and note the improvement. One need not suffer from the pain associated with a writer’s cramp. One may take some steps toward relief, and starting with massage is a fine choice. Whether you go about this on your own at home or seek professional assistance, this is a natural remedy that can provide the needed relief. Consistency is what it all comes down to, so make massage a routine practice and be assured of a real difference.

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