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Hand Exercises to Manage Parkinson’s Tremors

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Published at: November 28, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. Other Causes of Hand Tremors

  • Best Hand Tremor Exercises

  • Finger Taps

    1. Wrist Flex and Extension

  • Wrist Rotation

  • Ball Squeeze

  • Finger Extensions

  • Hand Clenches

  • Fine Motor Exercises

  • Palm Press

  • Adapting to Life With Parkinson’s

    • Parkinson’s disease is characterized by ganglia deterioration in the brain, leading to a reduced production of dopamine. Along with stiffness and slow movements, tremors are among the most common symptoms of the disease. 

    Tremors can make everyday life more difficult, particularly when they affect the hands, as they can make it more challenging to carry out tasks.

    Other Causes of Hand Tremors

    While our primary focus in this article is on Parkinson’s disease tremors and how you can manage them using exercises, it is important to be aware that tremors in the hands can have other causes as well. Here are some prominent ones.

    • MS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that can produce hand tremors. 
    • Essential Tremors: This is a benign condition that causes tremors, usually in the hands, during activity. 
    • Physiological Tremors: This is the low-amplitude tremor that everybody has. It stands out the most when someone is trying to do a precision task, like shooting a photo. 
    • Psychogenic Tremors: Also called functional tremors, these are tremors that are not caused by a brain disorder, but rather by psychological conditions.

    Best Hand Tremor Exercises

    Performing hand exercises may help you to maintain and improve dexterity, flexibility and strength in your hands if you have Parkinson’s disease. Here are some to try. 

    Finger Taps

    1. Put your hand down on a flat surface.

    2. Tap your index finger to your thumb.

    3. Tap your middle finger to your thumb.

    4. Tap your ring finger to your thumb.

    5. Tap your pinky to your thumb. 

    Repeat 10-15x per hand.

    How it helps: This exercise can improve dexterity.

    Wrist Flex and Extension

    1. Hold a small, lightweight object in your hand, with your palm facing up. 

    2. Slowly raise and lower your wrist. 

    Repeat 10x per hand.

    How it helps: You can strengthen your wrists by performing this exercise.


    Wrist Rotation

    1. Hold any small, lightweight object.

    2. Rotate your wrist in small circles clockwise 10 times.

    3. Rotate your wrist in small circles counterclockwise 10 times. 

    How it helps: This exercise can also help to improve wrist and hand strength.

    Ball Squeeze

    1. Squeeze a stress ball. Hold the squeeze for 5 seconds before you release it. 

    Repeat 10-15x per hand.

    How it helps: This is a good strengthening exercise. Many people also find it reduces their stress.

    Finger Extensions

    Close up photo of a hand holding a dumbbell

    Nov 27, 2024

    1. Put your thumb and fingers together, with a rubber band around them that offers some resistance.

    2. Try to pry your fingers apart against the resistance.

    Repeat 10x per hand.

    How it helps: This exercise can improve your strength in your palm and fingers.

    Hand Clenches

    1. Clench a fist. Hold it for 5 seconds.

    2. Release your fist gradually.

    Repeat 10-15x per hand.

    How it helps: Similar to squeezing, hand clenches can improve whole-hand strength.

    Fine Motor Exercises

    1. Empty out some beads or other small objects on a surface.

    2. Practice picking them up for 5-10 minutes.

    How it helps: You can improve your dexterity and eye-hand coordination with this exercise.

    Palm Press

    1. Put your palms together and hold them in front of you like you are praying.

    2. Apply pressure for 10 seconds.

    3. Release. 

    Repeat 5x.

    How it helps: You will feel a stretch in your wrists, palms and fingers when you do this exercise, improving flexibility.

    Adapting to Life With Parkinson’s

    Parkinson’s diagnoses are most common around age 60, with a life expectancy of 14.5. years.

    If you were susceptible to risk factors and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you will need to collaborate with your doctor on a treatment plan. You also will need to make some adaptations in your daily life.

    Along with causing hand tremors, Parkinson’s can also make walking more challenging.

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    FAQ

    Does squeezing a ball help hand tremors?

    Yes, this can be an effective exercise for helping with hand tremors.

    How to reduce hand tremors in Parkinson's?

    Along with exercise, hand tremors can be reduced in Parkinson’s by taking Levodopa. Some patients also use assistive devices or try deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound.

    Is hand massage good for Parkinson's?

    Yes, massage can help patients manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

    What is the two finger test for Parkinson's?

    This refers to a test where the patient tries to bring their thumb and index finger apart and together widely, quickly and repeatedly. It should be performed on both hands.

    How to stop shaking hands with home remedies?

    Along with exercising the hands and following your doctor’s recommendations, you could try relaxation exercises (as stress can worsen tremors). Also make sure you are getting the nutrients you need to avoid deficiencies that could cause shaking.

    Posted by: Johannes Sauer

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