The image below shows an aligned, balanced relationship between the elbow, wrist and hand. Follow the line from the little finger along the ulna bone up to the middle of the main elbow joint. As we discussed in the last post, the radius bone allows the forearm to rotate very easily around this line. Here, the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the hand cross the wrist without any twists and turns. Working, moving and performing from this position keeps them more in line.

The next image shows the wrist and hand deviated. This orientation allows us to lead with the thumb side of the hand. The tendons that cross the wrist joint in this orientation have to turn a corner and are more prone to friction and injury over time.

Explore how it feels to move your fingers from both of these orientations. Does one feel easier than the other? Which position do you employ when working on your computer? Do you tend to lead with your thumb or more from the pinky side of your hand? As you know by now, different activities call for different movement options. Lucky for us, our bodies are capable of moving in many different ways. Take some time to observe how you commonly use your forearm, wrist and hands throughout the day. Is there a more efficient way?

Next we’ll look at how the hand, wrist and forearm are designed to bear weight.