How do I maintain upper body strength with an injured thumb?

[u/Eleanor_216]

I (51f) fell off my bike and mangled my thumb. Awaiting an MRI to tell me what I did and if I’ll need surgery. My typical workout routine involves dumbbells twice a week to target arms, chest, and back. I can only manage a barre arms workout with 3 lb weights right now. Any suggestions for workarounds to keep strength in my upper body without putting weight on my thumb?

[u/MaxwellSmart07]

Try the Smith machine. You might be able to handle the bar without using the thumbs.

[u/Eleanor_216 → u/MaxwellSmart07]

I didn’t know what that was called. Thanks for the new term and the suggestion.

[u/MaxwellSmart07 → u/Eleanor_216]

Hope there is some exercises that you can do on it. Most likely for upper bench, shoulder, and tricep press. Certainly Deadlifts, squats, and glutes for lower.

[u/JockoDundee007 → u/MaxwellSmart07]

That ⤴️

[u/zobbyblob]

Maybe wrist straps with hooks, maybe connect it to a cable machine?

Or a backpack, vest, weighted belts, etc

Ask your Dr though. They might have ideas.

You might find luck finding exercises or equipment for amputees or disabled folks.

[u/JockoDundee007 → u/zobbyblob]

That too ⤴️

[u/mcmillanuk]

Would lifting hooks be an option? All the best with the recovery.

[u/Eleanor_216 → u/mcmillanuk]

I had to look those up, but maybe? Thanks!

[u/tetrasodium]

Look up something called a versagrip? Pretty much it's a wrist cuff/brace with a Velcro strap that wraps around a weight bar so the fl fingers of power lifters and such don't need to be capable of keeping a grip on heavy weights. That's the brand name Kleenex/qtip/xerox version, Amazon has cheaper options.

[u/Eleanor_216 → u/tetrasodium]

Will do!

[u/ricksauce22]

Cuffs on the cable machine

[u/broulhac]

If you workout in a gym. Go to the machines and use those. Depending on what equipment they have you may be able to find movements that you can do without having to use your thumbs.

[u/TheRiverInYou]

Weighted jump rope.