I had occupational therapy on my wrists many years ago. I think it helped. That place actually made a wrist support for me, which I believe helps more than exercise can. Although a custom-made one might not be necessary. Also, FYI, there are special wide-grip pens for when you need to write, sleeping on hands must be avoided, and there is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome group here that might help even if that disorder isn't involved.

Of course, my joints might react differently then yours do so this is only based on my personal experience. Along with EDS, I've also had issues where my fingers get weak and can't straighten out along with my hands shaking. My work has always required me to work with computers so I've had to find a few adaptations. When I had work that need a mouse a lot, I switched to one that curved to my hand and I also had those gel pads for both the keyboard and mouse. I haven't had occupational therapy specifically, but I'm currently in physical therapy right now and I did get my therapist to touch on some techniques with me. My wrists now click like crazy when you turn rotate them, but not when you move them up and down (something with the tendons rubbing over the joint). She mentioned that it might changing things like how you dismount a keyboard to avoid that motion. I'm not sure what sort of college you attend but I know some universities have scribes you can request for exams that do the writing for the exam based on what you dictate. Also, same goes for disability services and teaching you how do use some of those devices such as Dragon - which might be something to look into.

I've had issues with my wrists getting tired and hands cramping.
I've heard that "hand therapy" may help. I'm researching local providers for this kind of therapy and hope to get some help this next year. Otherwise, I use braces on the wrists some days. That helps some.

Carly

Hello,

The most I got out of Occupational 'Therapy was to use larger pens, more ergonomical positions ect.

You do need physical therapy to keep those areas strong.

Braces can help. I do caution you on how much you use the braces though. Using them all the time will actually weaken you. It doesn't allow you to use your own muscles & makes you rely on the brace. Hence weakening you in the long run.

I know I use an Ipod with siri (voice control), larger pens, physical therapy. And yes, since I have started Immunocal, I have regained strength, less cramping, & it helped tremendously with the muscle fatigue & pain. There is a ton of medical research behind it. Maybe it might help you too. Ask your doctor to research it.

I know my doctor would do a consult if needed, he's from Mayo.

Occupational therapy is when you get assistive devices, and physical therapy is when you get exercise, electrical stimulation, myofascial release, massage, etc to help your body.. two kinds of support.

I got some ring splints and those help a lot of people who overextend fingers and thumbs, and I have wrist braces. I don't use them all the time because it's true that using braces too much make the muscles lazy and atrophy.

If you see a hand specialist, or whoever, try to make sure s/he actually knows something about EDS. Mine didn't. All these therapists can help tremendously if they know what they are doing, or cause further damage if they don't know what they are doing regarding EDS.

and the suggestion of the 'scribe' is a good one too, as well as using a program like Dragon. I know some people who use those on the days when they are unable to do more.

There is what we call a 'toolbox' of various things we can use to help, and it's often a combination that suits that particular day and need.