Do you have trouble opening jars or pill bottles? Research shows grip strength says a lot about how healthy you are and can also be a warning sign for having a higher risk of chronic diseases – even a shorter life expectancy.
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“Some might think grip strength is only a physical performance measure,” says Karlie Titus, an SSM Health occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. “However, research shows that grip strength has a predictive power in relation to a range of health conditions. This includes brain health or cognition, cardiovascular disease or heart attack, and strokes. It is shown that a higher grip strength for your age and gender is associated with better health.”
Until you start to lose strength in your hands, you probably never really think about how important your grip strength is. There are several diagnoses associated with hand weakness including strokes, hand arthritis, tendonitis, or nerve related symptoms like carpal tunnel syndrome.
“Our hands are critical for so many of our daily tasks,” says Titus. “If you want to button your shirt, eat with a fork, write with a pen, the hand has to perform with a certain amount of strength and dexterity. You need at least 30 to 35 pounds of pressure to be functional with your daily tasks like opening jars or doors and even pulling up your pants.”
So, how do occupational therapists measure hand strength? They use a device called a dynamometer and patients say it feels like they’re squeezing a rock. As it’s squeezed, a dial on the device moves and shows how many pounds of pressure are exerted in the grip.
“There are lots of ways we can strengthen the hand including exercises using putty. You can also use gyro balls which are small, handheld devices that use centrifugal force to generate resistance and build wrist and forearm strength.”
Hand therapy addresses impairments such as weakness, pain, stiffness, wounds and dexterity that can limit the use of your hands. If you’re concerned about your grip strength, talk to your doctor to see if hand therapy is appropriate for you.
Karlie Titus also appeared on Madison, Wisconsin’s WKOW to talk more about grip strength. Watch the segment.
