Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Forearms, wrists, and fingers are super sore and hurt after working a month (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by seazns
Sorry if none of this makes sense I'm exhausted but does anyone have any tips on how to get my arms to stop hurting? I work 35+ hour weeks and it gets to the point where sometimes grabbing things like water bottles or cups hurt. I started doing stretches as often as I can this past week and put on the hot/ice cream but any other suggestions on what to do? I don't want to develop anything bad.
I also don't know why it's hurting. I googled around and saw that it could be from overuse of my arms but I'm not sure. I've recently been on bar a lot more (it feels like I've only been on bar the past couple weeks and when I ask to switch I can't get switched because everyone else on the floor is new and they need someone reliable). I'm thinking maybe that's it but should I go see a doctor? Do wrist braces help? Should I do wrist exercises? It used to be mild discomfort but this week is extremely bad.
Update: I got work compensation! Went to see the doctor and they said it was a repetitive motion injury. Got wrist braces to wear at work and got a lot of work restrictions- everyone's been super nice and helps me when I need it. I'm going to physical therapy and doing some acupuncture on the side too! (Unfortunately I couldn't get them to cover acupuncture as well but they got everything else which is nice). My wrists feel a lot better and I can rotate them but I don't have strength still but one of our baristas who used to be a bartender told me that they would teach me some tips and tricks to not develop carpel tunnel after I get better 😊
I also don't know why it's hurting. I googled around and saw that it could be from overuse of my arms but I'm not sure. I've recently been on bar a lot more (it feels like I've only been on bar the past couple weeks and when I ask to switch I can't get switched because everyone else on the floor is new and they need someone reliable). I'm thinking maybe that's it but should I go see a doctor? Do wrist braces help? Should I do wrist exercises? It used to be mild discomfort but this week is extremely bad.
Update: I got work compensation! Went to see the doctor and they said it was a repetitive motion injury. Got wrist braces to wear at work and got a lot of work restrictions- everyone's been super nice and helps me when I need it. I'm going to physical therapy and doing some acupuncture on the side too! (Unfortunately I couldn't get them to cover acupuncture as well but they got everything else which is nice). My wrists feel a lot better and I can rotate them but I don't have strength still but one of our baristas who used to be a bartender told me that they would teach me some tips and tricks to not develop carpel tunnel after I get better 😊
rtsneedshelp 13 points 8m ago
Welcome to every baristas favorite: carpal tunnel. Look for wrist/hand stretches for it on YouTube and it’s not a bad idea to wear a brace when you aren’t working.
seazns [OP] 4 points 8m ago
Ill get a wrist brace today after work!
catpants243 11 points 8m ago
The newbies have to be put on bar. Per the handbook, we're really supposed to change positions every two hours to avoid this. It sounds like you're starting to develope the beginnings of carpal tunnel. I would speak to your ssv or manager next shift and tell them you need to either have a break off bar or not be on it for a while.
Also definitely go see a dr.
Also definitely go see a dr.
new_direction_ 6 points 8m ago
The Daily Records Book has an operations checklist in the Assessments section that actually says, I believe, that we should switch every hour, and every half hour during peak times. So even more often than you’re saying.
catpants243 3 points 8m ago
Wow I didn't know that. Crazy how that never happens
new_direction_ 2 points 8m ago
It’s one of those things that no one (at least my area( ever does because it’s so incredibly impractical, and with our staffing, it makes almost no sense in practice. I often have two positions I could switch people between - they’d probably hate me if I made them switch off every hour or more often just because.
seazns [OP] 2 points 8m ago
I'll definitely do that thanks. My health insurance hasn't kicked in yet so I've been trying to push back going to the doctor but i just woke up and my arms are in more pain than last night so I'll schedule an appointment soon.
catpants243 2 points 8m ago
You might be able to report it to sedgwick as a work related injury too. If that's the case, starbucks may cover it. I hope you find relief. It's so unfair when older partners are worked on bar until they're injured. 😔
seazns [OP] 1 points 8m ago
That's a really good idea thanks!
cuterobots 3 points 8m ago
Tell them you can't bar, you pulled your wrist and need a break. Happened to me
seazns [OP] 2 points 8m ago
The bad thing is I've been asking for less time on bar but I somehow always find myself there. I'll use this excuse today to see how it goes!
ReasonableScar6437 2 points 7m ago
Also wonder if strength training when you’re better could help if you end up doing same thing again- position-wise
seazns [OP] 1 points 7m ago
Im doing some strength training now! Its been good!
ReasonableScar6437 2 points 7m ago
Otc roll on stick for pain sparingly could help deal but it’s minty any you’ll feel hot or cold on area
ReasonableScar6437 2 points 7m ago
Make sure you check when ur health insurance kicks in- hope you feel better
brokenleftjoycon 2 points 8m ago
Get ready. The holiday pumps always give me neck pain after a while.
Late_Pomelo_999 2 points 8m ago
Definitely go see a doctor since it definitely seems like work related injury. Always be self aware too on bar and stretch consistently during shifts; getting injured even further is the worst thing possible.
zzid2d21 2 points 8m ago
Repetitive Stress Injury! As every has said, stretch, wear a brace, rotate positions if possible. One thing I didn’t see was “pump from your elbow” as if your wrist is immobile. Good luck!
seazns [OP] 1 points 8m ago
Will pump from my elbow from now on! Thanks!
rusted17 2 points 8m ago
Use ur whole arm (elbow and shoulder) to grab things on bar. Especially the heavy pitchers and while shaking. Don’t just rely on ur fingers and wrists. Shoulder pain is easier to deal w than carpal tunnel
seazns [OP] 1 points 8m ago
This is really smart I'll try to do this from now on. I usually reach for pumps but I'll bring them closer to me from now on
rusted17 2 points 8m ago
Yup! The sauce pumps still hurt esp dark caramel. For Pitchers I keep my wrists neutral and pour by lifting my arm/elbow. And when shaking I do full arm shakes like a bartender. Good luck
seazns [OP] 2 points 8m ago
Thank you for all the tips!
rusted17 2 points 8m ago
Yeah! Np! I work out too much to let pain from work hinder me lol
bestowcurse 2 points 8m ago
Go to a Dr if possible. Hand stretches help but def invest in a brace. Honestly, ask for more time on other positions as well. I don't do well on one position all shift so I communicated that and get rotated frequently esp when covering breaks and that's helped me a lot.
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