When people think about healthy aging, they often focus on staying active, maintaining mobility, or protecting heart health. But according to Dr. Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, one often-overlooked factor can reveal much more about long-term health and independence: grip strength.
Recently featured in Fit&Well, Devin shared expert insights on why maintaining hand and grip strength is critical for aging well and preserving everyday function.
Devin serves as Clinic Director at Physical Therapy Central in West Edmond, where she works with patients across orthopaedics, sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, and functional recovery.
In the article, Devin explains that grip strength is about much more than opening jars or carrying groceries.
“Strong hands help us stay independent and continue doing the things that make daily life feel normal and enjoyable,” Devin shared.
As people age, grip strength can impact everything from using utensils and buttoning clothing to safely using walkers or canes. Declining hand strength may also signal broader changes happening throughout the body.
According to Devin, physical therapists often use grip strength as a clinical indicator because it is closely connected to overall muscle strength, coordination, functional ability, and long-term health outcomes.
The article also highlights how grip strength can provide early warning signs of frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced resilience after illness or injury.
Importantly, Devin emphasizes that declining grip strength is not simply an unavoidable part of aging. Through targeted exercises and consistent movement, patients can improve strength and maintain independence over time.
In the feature, Devin shares several simple, accessible exercises people can perform at home to help strengthen their grip, including:
- Towel squeeze holds
- Rubber band finger extensions
- Seated dumbbell holds
These exercises are designed to be approachable and joint-friendly, even for individuals already experiencing reduced hand strength.
Devin also discussed some of the everyday signs that may indicate declining grip strength, including:
- Frequently dropping objects
- Difficulty opening jars or packaging
- Hand fatigue during simple tasks
- Challenges with writing, turning doorknobs, or buttoning clothes
“Over time, these changes can begin to affect confidence, safety, and day-to-day independence,” Devin explained in the article.
At Physical Therapy Central, clinicians work closely with patients to identify functional limitations early and develop personalized treatment plans that support strength, mobility, and long-term wellness at every stage of life. Find a clinic near you and take the next step toward rebuilding strength, endurance, and confidence.
