everyday advocacy

Handshaking on the campaign trail

Help your favorite candidate for office—or current legislator—with tips on proper handshaking to avoid injuries.

Grip and Grin—Handshaking on the Campaign Trail is an excellent resource to give candidates and legislators. Running for office or meeting constituents requires lots of handshaking, and this provides tips on avoiding injuries. Use it for your State Hill Day or for a candidate whose campaign you are working on.

Grip and Grin

What is the one thing you probably didn’t prepare for on the campaign trail? Pain from shaking so many hands. This pain may even extend to your arms, neck, and back. The good news is, occupational therapy can help! Try these tips to prevent pain and injury from the repeated motions of a handshake.

Keep in shape

Overall physical fitness can reduce injury from shaking hands.

  • Choose exercises that include your whole body, emphasizing muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
  • Use light weights when traveling.
  • Do neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and back stretches—between speeches—at the end of the day.

Position yourself

Good posture and hand placement while shaking hands can prevent injury.

  • Initiate the handshake so you control the grip.
  • Avoid pressure on your knuckles. Position the webbed space between your thumb and index finger against the same space in the other person’s hand.
  • Hold your wrist straight.
  • Move your arm, not your wrist.
  • Keep the handshake brief.
  • Use two hands. When possible, put your left hand on the back of the person’s hand to distribute the pressure.

Protect your back, neck, and shoulders

  • Keep your elbow at a 90° angle.
  • Keep your arm close to your body.
  • Keep your arms below your shoulders (no reaching!)
  • Turn your entire body, not just your waist.

Strengthen your hand before and during the campaign

  • Flex and extend your wrists and fingers.
  • Squeeze a foam ball or hand gripper.
  • Wrap a thick elastic band around your fingers, then spread them apart while straightening them.
  • Warm up your hand each morning.
    • Slowly make a fist and fully open your hand; repeat 10 times.
    • Gently push your fingers toward your wrist; hold for 10 seconds; repeat 5 times.

Take frequent breaks

  • Lace your fingers behind your head and gently stretch your elbows back. Hold for 10 seconds.
  • Shrug your shoulders and hold for 10 seconds; repeat 3 times.
  • Lace your fingers behind your back and straighten your arms. Hold for 10 seconds.
  • Roll your neck 5 times.

Avoid using your hand

  • Use your other hand.
  • Put your arm around the person’s shoulders before they grab your hand.
  • Hold something you can’t easily put down.
  • Wear an over-the-counter splint or brace on your injured hand.

Address discomfort

  • Rest your hand whenever possible. Use a tape recorder to dictate speeches and notes instead of writing.
  • Gently stretch your hand to increase circulation and relieve tension.
  • Apply ice for up to 5 minutes. Discontinue if you feel numbness.
  • Contact your physician to see an occupational therapist.