rainbowsstars started this discussion ·
I have a recurring tendonitis problem with my wrists which flares up from time to time. I am currently resting again so it recovers, but just wondered if any of you could recommend any wrist supports which can be used while poling to help prevent the problem once I've recovered again?
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Hey Rainbowsstars! Wrist problems and pole dancing is usually a symptom of something preventable: whether it may just be a slight adjustment to the wrist while putting weight on it, or varying your moves more. It could also be a problem agitated by some other part of your life, as with myself and my boyfriend. We both get tendinitis pretty strongly in our wrists, he more than I, due to computer use. We're both gamers, and he also has a lot of his work on the computer (he does repairs, as well as web design and such). I've also had my tendinitis flare up from a particularly repetitive job. All of these factors, and potentially more, can cause your wrist to get angry! Good support is only a small part of the recovery process. I don't use any, pain or not, and my boyfriend only uses it when things have gotten extremely bad (the pressure helps dull the pain a bit, and it keeps his wrist in proper line so he doesn't use it). Tensor bandages are what we've both found to be best. It's tricky for use with pole, however, as a large part of wrist movement has to do with interactions with the hand, and so to "discourage" those movements, usually the hand also must have some of the bandage on it (especially around the palm). Recovery from a tendon issue is often a lot of rest- for example, my shoulder (rotator cuff tendinitis) has taken well over six months, and I'm only beginning to see it getting better now. And, by "getting better," I mean able to handle the very lightest of weights when I attempt to exercise it. And, exercise it I must. Tendinitis is an issue with a weakened muscle that is being asked to do something it shouldn't have to, or just isn't strong enough to do, and the strain is placed on the tendon itself. Being that tendons don't work like muscles, they get angry, and then you have tendinitis. Thus, the needed step between less pain and actual, more long-term recovery is very SLOW and consistent exercise. For the wrist, Veena actually does have all the necessary exercises here in her lessons (same ones the physiotherapist gave my boyfriend), and I'm sure you can find them around the internet. The most important part is to listen to your body- if it doesn't like the exercises, it needs more rest! And don't push it. That's how the pain happens in the first place. I've been working my wrists each time I dance now, but I still have to watch what else I do... especially with the computer. Best of luck!
Syren ·
I have RSI in my wrists and can't put any weight on them (ever!) in certain positions eg cartwheels. I've had it consistently for about 5 years and I've learnt to live with it. When I pole I just use simple hand wraps designed for boxing. £2 from eBay. They come 3m long but I just cut mine shorter. They are great because you can wrap them as tightly or loosely as you want and they don't affect your grip at all because you just put them round the wrist, not the hand. PLUS they are super cheap and come in every colour under the sun. I don't let my RSI stop me from doing anything on the pole. In fact, since I started poling my wrists have felt better than ever. Good luck :) xx
Strengthwraps!!!!! Strengthwraps.com (I also think mightygrip has a wrist wrap but I haven't used that). Strengthwraps were made for crossfit but they have been a godsend in pole for my wrist issues. They've helped support during my warmups/conditioning and full pole/dance practice. My flare ups would be so bad I wouldn't even attempt a push up or a handstand type of dismount (which was very frustrating since I knew I could DO the actual move) but these wraps helped me do those things and get BETTER to where I can now go without them through a full practice. I was worried I'd use it as a type of crutch or it was "cheating" but no way it's just helping me get stronger and stay safe without the pain! There are also different fabric thicknesses to choose if you need more or less support. Good luck :) PS I think there is also polewraps.com same idea
Veena ·
Definitely rest as you mentioned, the. When ready start conditioning, avoid static spins and split grips until you become stronger. 💜
I also suffer from wrist tendonitis and carpal tunnel(had surgery on left hand last October). I use the Strength wraps as well. They are awesome! The most important thing though, is to listen to your body. It will tell you what moves work, and what moves aggravate it!
Thank you for all the advice. It's not caused by pole as such, usually the flare ups are caused by other activities, but sometimes it niggles when I do pole, and I'd like to prevent problems where I can rather than like I am now waiting for them to recover :( I have ordered some of the wrap style supports, so I will give those ago when they arrive. They look like they can go on when I'm poling, whereas all my other supports wouldn't allow me to grip the pole when they're on. Fingers crossed :)
