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Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind

Full History - 2022 - 11 - 28 - ID#z6nqtw
9
Starbucks is giving me arthritis?!?!? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by Jadedatnoon
I’ve been a partner for almost two years now and I’ve noticed over the past few months increased pain in my hands when gripping/squeezing and holding heavy objects. I’m 21 so it’s a little unsettling to me to be having these issues so early. I’ve asked a few of my partners and they say they have the same issues. Sometimes when unscrewing the whip cream canisters I get a painful tingling sensation in my thumb and it’s affecting my life outside of work as well. I’m hoping this job isn’t causing irreversible damage to my hands. Is anyone else finding themselves with a similar issue?
testingaurora 12 points 7m ago
Carpal tunnel from repetitive movement. Wrist braces at home and icy/hot can help but it's unfortunately not gonna get better until there's a break from the repetitive movements.
mem0ry_l3akkx 5 points 7m ago
I can attest to this. I have similar issues from being a bar workhorse during peak. It's my favorite position and I love just getting into the zone drink sequencing during the morning rush. I had to take a week off from bar to recoup my hands and was put on drive thru while I recovered. My best friend introduced me into something called a "gyroball" which looks like a toy but is apparently a workout tool designed specifically to work out your forearm muscles. I play with it a couple times (super entertaining to do while watching TV) a week and noticed an improvement.

I remember a supervisor telling me that they're supposed to switch people's positions periodically throughout the day to prevent injuries/fatigue associated with repetitive motions which I think is really cool Starbucks takes that sort of employee well being into account.
Jadedatnoon [OP] 2 points 7m ago
I will look into getting one of those, thank you!!
bitexualthespian 3 points 7m ago
Barista wrist is definitely a thing. I've found that wrist stretches for carpal tunnel are helpful.
laura4584 2 points 7m ago
You should see a doctor. I have tendonitis, and it's really important to stretch your hands and arms regularly, also let your manager/ssv know, hopefully, they'll put you on lighter duty. (I always try to accommodate if someone tells me they have a problem).
underdoglush 2 points 7m ago
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