Help for Hairdressers!

Hairdressers are known for their ability to create style and panache from behind the chair. But the coordination, skill, and dexterity that we’ve come to expect can take its toll on our beloved stylists. Sore arms, aching backs, and tired feet may be a daily occurrence for your favorite hairdresser. So whether you’re a stylist or have a newfound appreciation for them, please pass these hints along!

Thumb tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis or golfer’s elbow are common conditions that can affect hairdressers. To keep these painful ailments at bay, try these stretches before work, at lunch, and after work. If you can also fit in a stretch or two between clients, that’s even better. Don’t forget to do these stretches on both arms. Hold for 20-30 seconds.



Thumb Stretch: Start with your hand by your side, elbow bent and thumb facing the ceiling. Bend your thumb into your palm and gently close your fingers around it. Then straighten your elbow in front of your body. Gently bend the wrist down towards the floor until you feel a stretch along the thumb or side of the wrist. Back off if you feel pain. This stretch helps to prevent painful DeQuervain’s tendonitis.




Wrist Stretch: Begin by making a light fist. Straighten your elbow with your arm in front of you and the palm facing down. Now use your other hand to gently bend the wrist down towards the floor until a stretch is felt. You may feel it on the top of your forearm close to your elbow or all the way down to your wrist.



Wrist Stretch 2: To combat symptoms of golfer’s elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome, start with your palm facing up. Straighten the elbow in front of you. Using your opposite hand, gently stretch your wrist and fingers towards the floor. You may feel this stretch from your fingertips up into your elbow.



Chest Expansion Stretch: Since most activities are done directly in front of the body, the chest muscles often get tight. To stretch them, clasp your hands together behind your back. Gently lift your arms, with your elbow straight, away from your body to intensify this stretch.


Shoulder Rolls: Begin by gently hike your shoulders up towards your ears, then roll your shoulders back, bringing your shoulder blades together. Next, gently drop your shoulders down. This exercise can help relieve tension in the shoulders and neck and improve posture. Try doing five to ten repetitions a couple of times a day.

We hope this helps prevent injuries, but if you or your stylist have already been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, thumb arthritis, tennis elbow, or golfer’s elbow, Treat Yourself Therapy offers do-it-yourself treatment programs perfect for busy stylists! Each video has helpful hints to decrease pain and prevent re-occurrence and a series of exercises and stretches. Learn more about each video at www.TreatYourselfTherapy.com.


Treat Yourself Therapy, LLC provides innovative and inexpensive do-it-yourself videos for people unable to attend hand therapy. These videos were developed by Jessica Karge, OTR, CHT and Kathleen Papi-Baker, OTR,CHT, both certified hand therapists who have over 40 years of combined clinical experience. To learn more, visit www.TreatYourselfTherapy.com.