After dialysis access surgery, hand-grip exercise can help the access mature sooner, so that it can be used earlier and stays more open.
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How hand-grip exercise works
Hand-grip exercise is an isometric exercise: the forearm muscles contract while the length of the wrist and elbow stays the same.
Increases blood flow
Increased blood flow helps the vessel dilate, thickens the vessel wall and enlarges its diameter, so that the vessel can withstand the higher flow demanded by dialysis.
Muscle fiber hypertrophy
Squeezing a ball enlarges the muscle fibers and pushes the superficial veins toward the skin, making the veins more visible.
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How to do hand-grip exercises
Technique: hold a ball in your palm, squeeze for 5 seconds, then relax. Over a day you can practice 500 or more repetitions.
If your hand feels any discomfort, do not force yourself to finish 500 repetitions; rest as appropriate to avoid injury.
A hand grip strengthener can also be used in place of a ball and gives the same isometric-training effect.
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Hand-grip exercise is a simple and effective way to promote fistula maturation, thereby improving the success and effectiveness of dialysis.
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