WAGs - Wrist Assured Gloves

(Click image to enlarge)

Comfort:
The pad is thicker at the heel of the hand to provide you with a cushion similar to the fat pad on the heel of the foot.

Ergonomic Design:
Wedge shaped gel pad slightly decreases the angle of wrist extension – eliminating strain on the soft tissues of the wrist.

Arch Support:
The pad is contoured to the palm with a built in arch support to cradle and hold your hand in place.

V-Cut Out:
The V shaped cut out eliminates pressure on the median nerve where it crosses the wrist.

WAGs Ergonomics — The Science Behind Our Gloves

Our hands by design were not intended for weight bearing, so it’s no wonder that many of us experience pain or discomfort when assuming those yoga asanas or Pilates positions that require us to do just that — bear body weight on our hands.

Putting full or partial body weight on the wrist in full range of extension then adding several repetitions of a Sun Salutations or holding weight bearing poses for a prolonged duration can result in pain or discomfort.

Let’s look a little closer at the anatomy of the hand to understand why.

The hand is designed more for mobility than stability. It is composed of 27 small bones, muscles and ligaments that allow for a large amount of movement and dexterity, enabling us to perform a multitude of daily activities requiring fine precision and coordination. The two bones of the lower arm, the radius and ulna, meet at the carpal bones of the hand to form the wrist. Unlike the foot the hand does not have a large bone cushioned with a fat pad for bearing weight, but has small bones surrounded by soft tissue, including the nerve and blood supply. The median nerve crosses the wrist through the carpal tunnel. These soft tissues of the wrist including the ligaments and tendons are subject to strain when we are weight bearing on a fully extended wrist. The contoured gel pad for Wrist Assured™ Gloves was designed with these anatomical considerations in mind, to provide joint protection and comfort.

Important Consideration:

There are many reasons for wrist pain and discomfort. Discomfort may be a result of mild limitations in wrist range of motion, improper alignment of shoulders, arms and hands or reduced core and arm strength. Gentle and gradual stretching and strengthening exercises, along with proper body alignment and weight distribution is recommended to reduce your wrist discomfort and improve your practice.

If you have significant wrist pain resulting from a more serious issue such as joint inflammation, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, previous fractures or surgeries of the wrist, it is essential that you consult your health care practitioner prior to beginning Pilates, a yoga practice or a wrist exercise program

Wrist Assured™ Gloves are not intended as treatment for medical conditions. JPP is not liable for any injury resulting from improper usage.

Suggested Reading:

To learn more about the complexities of the wrist joint, suggestions for improving form, or modifying weight bearing poses refer to the following articles:

Wrist Remedy -by Dr. Timothy McCall MD
www.yogajournal.com/health/2488

Bearing Up Under Pressure –by Julie Gudmestad PT & CYT (Iyengar)
www.yogajournal.com/practice/1247_1.cfm

Yoga for Wrist Pain –by Dr. Baxter Bell MD & CYT
www.yogajournal.com/practice/962

Working with Students who have Yoga Injuries, Part 3 –by Dr. Timothy McCall MD
www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2654

Hands Down –by Julie Gudmestad PT
www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2460?page=2