Professional truck driving is a very rewarding and dynamic occupation. It’s great for people who like hands–on work, traveling, and having new, exciting experiences. And like many jobs with similar qualities, it can take a bit of a toll on your body if you don’t know how to handle its unique pressures and stressors. Bay & Bay Transportation values the health and happiness of its drivers, so when you’re on the road, it’s good to know some easy tips and tricks to keep yourself in tip–top shape. Truck drivers in the Madison, OH area can try out a few of these easy on the road stretches to keep your job and your bod running smoothly.
One of the main body parts that can get a little run down while you’re running around are your wrists. Though small, your wrists are absolutely vital to truck driving. There can be a good amount of lifting and twisting involved in loading and unloading trucks, and if you sustain a wrist injury prior to a driving job, it can make it difficult to perform and maintain certain arm and hand positions for long periods of time. It’s important to recognize that since driving jobs require a good amount of time with your hands on the wheel, wrist pain isn’t uncommon, but a little special attention can help you circumvent it entirely.
First of all, be aware of how you grasp the wheel and where you rest your hands when they’re not in action. Grasping too tightly can strain muscles, but resting your hand limply over the wheel can lead to cramping and prickling fingers. If your fingers are falling asleep, that’s a good sign that it’s time to change positions. The best way to avoid sleepy digits entirely is to frequently change your hand positions and to keep your forearms level with the tilt of your wrist. Avoiding excessive bending and dangling will provide more stability for your entire arm.
So let’s start with some basic wrist stretches. Try these if you’re experiencing any discomfort while you’re on the road.
Shake out your hands one at a time with your arm extended outward and to the side. This can help when your fingers have fallen asleep. A good, firm shake for about ten seconds is a great start.
Hold the wheel at the 10 and 2 position and press your palms forward until you feel a light pull. Hold this position for five seconds or for as long as it feels comfortable.
Keep your hands in the same position as above but this time twist your hand forward around the wheel so the tips of your fingers are pointing at your forearm. Continue until you feel a pull and hold for five seconds or until it becomes uncomfortable.
Check out this page for some more wrist stretching tips and for other types of stretches you can do while you’re on a driving job. You don’t need to make a wrist stretching schedule, but don’t forget about your hand positions as you drive either. Whenever something feels stiff or sleepy, give it a little shake at least.
If you’re a Madison, OH resident interested in more healthy truck driving tips or you’re looking to get involved with professional truck driving, contact Bay & Bay Transportation at 888.801.3026 or visit their website here. In the meantime, keep those wrists strong!