Neutral Grip, Padded Tools and Other Tips for our Hands and Wrists!

Earlier this April, BAACG hosted Part 3 in our Self-Preservation series: This time we were focusing on hand and wrist health for Conservators. Those of us on the West Coast enjoyed the presentation over our morning coffee, while the virtual format brought together an international audience... a good reminder that these concerns are shared across the field!

The session focused on a simple but critical idea: the way we use our bodies—including our hands and wrists—has long-term impacts. Emphasis was placed on maintaining neutral positions in a range of everyday scenarios, from standing at a bench to sitting for detailed work to how we grip our tools. These subtle habits can either support or strain the body over time. The webinar centered on practical, achievable adjustments. Small changes—like refining grip, adjusting work height, or being more intentional about hand and wrist alignment—can significantly reduce wear and tear. The use of braces and supports was also discussed as a proactive strategy, helping to prevent chronic strain and conditions like arthritis before they develop.

The overall message was encouraging: thoughtful, incremental changes can have a meaningful impact on long-term health.

Many thanks to Occupational Therapist Jean Baumgartel for sharing her expertise and offering such clear, practical guidance!

Some specific tips that the speaker shared or that came up in the Q&A included:

• Neutral Grasp Position was described as a C or O shape, with Neutral Pinch Position a similar shape, with all three joints of the thumb slightly bent.

• take rest breaks or alternate activities

• maintain strength and range of motion with exercise and stretches

• avoid postures of deformity

• reduce effort and force by using larger/stronger joints and more joints

• respect pain when it arrives

• when lifting heavy items, use handles that allow for proper grip, lift with a functional squat, bend your knees,

  keep the weight close to your body, and buddy lift

• adjust workstation heights to allow neutral posture, using platforms if needed and avoiding

  leaning on edges

• avoid vibratory tools – or use shock absorbent gloves, handles, or wraps. One mentioned by a participant was  https://www.impacto.ca/products/orthex-tool-wrap/

• use padded nonslip tools or use Dycem nonslip material to assist with neutral grasping. A tape for wrapping scalpel handles mentioned by one participant was https://www.performancehealth.com/elastack-tape?srsltid=AfmBOop_qDaMDEv1v-lBvA-s8LKpASK1r-Zfum3sPm5Eu1Er-jY_KWl4. An ergonomic scalpel brand recommended by another was Swann Morton

• paraffin baths are helpful for pain relief

• cold is good for inflammation and swelling

• consider adaptive devices like neck lights, snake weights, pillow supports, carpet blocks, and non-slip

  sandy nitrile gloves

• splints (orthosis), braces, and supports can help support the joint in a neutral position. Used when resting the hands and even sleeping, they can help decrease inflammation and improve pain from carpel tunnel. When doing activities they can help improve function with less pain. One example discussed was the Push Metagrip CMC thumb brace.