How Improving Grip Strength Can Boost Patient Independence
Grip strength is an essential part of a person’s everyday life and it’s an indispensable component of many activities like opening jars, carrying groceries and turning door knobs. Older clients or those with chronic health conditions may lose their grip strength overtime which can adversely impact their independence and quality of life. As physical therapists, we have a crucial role in helping our patients regain and strengthen their hand grip. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of having excellent grip strength and how physical therapists can help their patients achieve it.
Reduce the Risk of Falls
Older adults are at a higher risk of falls due to muscle weakness, balance and coordination problems, and reduced mobility. A robust grip strength can help maintain their balance with a walking aid and help to prevent falls. A study conducted by Dr. Todd Manini, Senior Investigator at the National Institute on Aging, revealed that older women with improved grip strength were less likely to fall than those with weak grip strength. It’s important as a therapist to emphasize the significance of consistent hand exercises to prevent accidents, especially for those experiencing lifestyle changes associated with aging.
Independence in Activities of Daily Living
Everyone wants to feel a sense of independence to some capacity. It helps with confidence and maintaining a good mood. When it comes to daily activities that involve grip strength, there is a lot that involves the use of your hands when carrying, grabbing or moving things around in your home or at work. Practicing grip exercises can enable a more independent lifestyle and help patients perform routine tasks, such as brushing their teeth and hair, without relying on others for help. By maintaining and regaining grip strength through physical therapy, patients can enjoy the little things in life, and show greater independence within their day to day lives.
Enhance Overall Physical Health
Outside of improved hand mobility, grip strength can have a positive impact on an individual’s overall physical health. Studies have shown that strong grip strength is an indicator of cardiovascular health and can predict overall mortality risk. Additionally, a strong grip is associated with improved endurance, cognitive function, and reduced stress levels. As a physical therapist it’s vital to communicate these benefits to your patients so they know they’re not only contributing to their hand health, but experiencing well-rounded programs meant to remediate injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
Enhance Quality of Life
When a person doesn’t feel as independent as they once did, it can be detrimental to one’s mental health and well-being. As a physical therapist, it’s important to help patients stay hopeful and motivated to regain their independence, grow self-esteem and recognize their own self-worth. The more you focus on the confidence a patient is building and the positive milestones they are experiencing, the more happiness they will have, and appreciation they could show for a program that assists in boosting their quality of life.
The importance of grip strength in promoting overall health and function cannot be overstated, especially in individuals with chronic health conditions or older adults. It is essential for physical therapists to incorporate grip-strengthening exercises in their patients’ rehabilitation programs to promote independence, prevent falls, and enhance overall physical and mental health. As a physical therapist, you can make a lasting impact on your patients’ lives by helping them regain their grip strength, improve their quality of life, and foster their independence.
