Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Thumb going numb?? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by just_pig3on
So I heard that there can be some affects on your hands and such from working here due to doing the same motion over and over but I've only been working here for a few months so idk if maybe I should get this looked at or if it's just gunna be a problem of the job. And was pouring some steamed milk and my thumb like popped?? But it felt like when you hit your funny bone and then it just went numb for a while. Makes me wonder if it was a nerve thing. If this continues to happen should I get it checked out or is it inevitable.
bleacw 7 points 1y ago
Ex-Starbucks Barista here. It’s definitely real, I got diagnosed with repetitive strain injury in my elbow from the steam wand after 6 months😕
just_pig3on [OP] 2 points 1y ago
👁👁 well, I'll definitely keep a note of when it happens and if it becomes frequent ill get it checked out thank you. I hope your elbow is doing fine now
sero5074 5 points 1y ago
Yeah… make sure ur stretching out your hands, legs, arms, wrists, everything multiple times a day
just_pig3on [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Thanks for the tip I'll try and do that more often. I'm in online school now so usually after sitting around doing work all day I go do a closing shift so I can get how my bones aren't happy lol
sero5074 2 points 1y ago
Oh yeah haha. Just some light static stretches while you’re doing school, and before work some dynamic stretches or yoga. While working do some small hand stretches or massages in between everything here and there. Hope this helps!
spookyboi13 2 points 1y ago
YO OKAY SO:
i started doing like a ten minute stretch before each shift, a quick like one to two min stretch on my ten and another on my lunch (if i work that long) + small stretching throughout the day (likw my back, arms, hands, etc.… wtf night and day difference. i have chronic pain that will act up inevitably but just warming up my muscles has REALLY helped.
google warm up stretches and stretches for artists (im an artist so i fear carpal tunnel more than my own death) and just go from there!
my family has also been plagued by debilitating injuries from neglecting to take care of ones self while young so im like super invested in this type of stuff too lol
i started doing like a ten minute stretch before each shift, a quick like one to two min stretch on my ten and another on my lunch (if i work that long) + small stretching throughout the day (likw my back, arms, hands, etc.… wtf night and day difference. i have chronic pain that will act up inevitably but just warming up my muscles has REALLY helped.
google warm up stretches and stretches for artists (im an artist so i fear carpal tunnel more than my own death) and just go from there!
my family has also been plagued by debilitating injuries from neglecting to take care of ones self while young so im like super invested in this type of stuff too lol
just_pig3on [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I am planning on doing stretches n stuff before going in! I feel like I tend to undermine just how physical being a barista can be. I tend to do a lot of repetitive things with my hands since I'm still in online school and typing and writing all day but I look over how stagnant I am. I'm going to stretch more frequently now. Rule #18 limber up
glo-frog 1 points 1y ago
Yes, this definitely happens :( I actually experienced another injury that’s apparently common among baristas, which is a ganglion cyst on my inner right wrist from strain and overuse… it hurts for me to be on bar for too long or carry full pitchers or ice buckets. A couple other shifts and baristas at my store have gotten them as well and they are no fun…
Downtown_Asparagus71 1 points 1y ago
Avoid getting sani all over your hands - like when your cleaning. Much less the other disinfectant products.
glo-frog 1 points 1y ago
I have eczema, and it’s never happened to me before, but as soon as I transferred stores the sanitizer and hand soap started giving me blistering rashes on my hands!! And to find out it’s happening to 4 other baristas who all get put on CS more than I do :((
Brief_Coat6526 1 points 1y ago
Nope has never happened to me
justtimingthepast 1 points 1y ago
This sounds a bit different than just a repetitive motion, you may have sproinged something in your thumb. Be mindful of it and let your SSVs and SM know it happened just in case!
just_pig3on [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Haha sproinged. I'm definitely going to keep note on if it happens again and if it becomes repetitive I will take more action about it and will definitely let them know thank you:)
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