Getting a Grip on Your Disability

If you have an injury, neuromuscular disability, arthritis, stroke or carpal tunnel syndrome, you are among the tens of thousands of people living in North America with diminished hand strength and dexterity. The main problem with diminished strength and dexterity in your hands is the lack of grip strength. There are many great products on the market which you can buy to help with your grip -grip gloves, braces, powders, grip sprays etc. all designed with getting a better grip in mind. All of these products are certified and guaranteed by their respective companies to do what they were designed for. However, there seems to be an area where people have to be more creative in finding grip aids – personal grooming. Most find tips and tricks over the internet or talking to their physiotherapists. These tips and tricks could save you time, energy and money, all things which are very important to anyone’s life, not only the disabled.

Tip # 1- Grip sleeves for tools are about $3-$4 each. It can really add up if you consider everything which you consider a tool. They are helpful and function well, however they can be bulky causing fatigue and cramping over time. A simpler idea would be to use foam rubber shelf paper, available everywhere including dollar stores. It is used by physiotherapists as an inexpensive method of adapting everyday items into an easy to grip item. Just cut out a piece of foam the size of the tool, wrap it around the handle, and secure it with rubber bands. The rubber adds an extra dimension for gripping without slipping, and will cut down on nasty vibrations.

Tip # 2 – Squeezing is an area which grip can be painful. Buy toothpaste and other products which are available in ‘pump’ dispensers. It may be more expensive (around a dollar more) but it will be worth every penny. You can also buy pump dispensers from your local pharmacy and transfer your favorite products into them. If pumps are still painful, try blocks of soap and shampoo. They can be bought at most ‘natural’ shops like The Body Shop or Lush. These products also work for people with chemical sensitivity problems.

Tip # 3 – In the shower, always have a chair or stool to sit on. There are many different products on the market today to help but if you are frugal, you can use a stool or chair from a hardware store with rubber feet. Also, a rubber mat will help with slipping, and rails are always indispensable. Having a shelf next to, or in the shower will allow you to do more without bending or stretching. An adjustable shower head will be helpful for washing your hair or shaving your legs without the exhaustion. Some people have problems with heat or cold. Having the fan on while you shower or bathe will help with the heat and having a large towel next to the bath will help with cold. Try sewing the towel together to form a tube, this will be easier to keep it on, and help with drying your back without extra effort.

Tip # 4 – To style hair without pain or exhaustion, use a long handled brush or comb. Adding a long stick to the handle can elongate the brush or comb, once again wrap it in rubber for extra grip. Buying a stand up hairdryer will be the best purchase you may buy in your life. You can sit under it and read while the dryer does all the work.

Saving energy and avoiding pain from a lack of grip strength is very important for people who suffer from an injury, neuromuscular disability, arthritis, stroke or carpal tunnel syndrome. Finding products to help with everyday functions will make your life much easier and less stressful. There are many companies who provide these products for every special need. Check online and at your local pharmacy to find these products, and talk to your physiotherapist for more tips and tricks. There is a wealth of information you can access without exerting any energy at all.