Is it possible to ever do a proper handstand with knackered wrist?

[Chezi Booda]

As the title says! Little background - I've broken the thing three times now.  (1 Barton's and 2 scaphoid) and now have chronic synovitis, with a "small" cyst (crystallised ganglion, so can't be aspirated) which enjoys nesting itself between the scaphoid bone and the capitate.  Hand clinic will not remove it due to it's positioning and risk of nerve damage being too likely.  So I'm at a loss.  My left wrist has a great ROM and level of strength, with a doorframe to balance on i can handstand on that alone, however I can only hold a 'normal' handstand for around 3-4 seconds with this hand method (which I regularly get told off by well meaning people who have tried coming up with things that haven't really worked....)

I've already been told I'll dislocate my thumb, I wont, I *can* dislocate my thumbs when I want to, it doesn't hurt, they go back in extremely easily, they're actually rather strong thumbs lol

Anyway, should I just keep practicing like this? Does anyone know of anyone who successfully holds a handstand like this?  Or is it really, really futile and a complete waste of time?  Thank you for reading!  Off to explore the rest of the forum now
I've hid pic in a spoiler thing just because it's massive and i dont know how to resize it! sorry!

 

 

Spoiler

 

Edited November 6, 2016 by Chezi Booda

[Everett Carroll]

Hi Chezi,

Have you spoken with a physio about this issue? A diagnosis from a physio, chiropractor, or other medical professional is the best way to find out about any specific limitations. 

[Julian Aldag]

Like Everett said, ask around and see if you can get some more info. 

In the meantime, have you tried using paralettes?  This will keep the wrist neutral and might be an option for you.

[Chezi Booda]

1 hour ago, Everett Carroll said:

Hi Chezi,

Have you spoken with a physio about this issue? A diagnosis from a physio, chiropractor, or other medical professional is the best way to find out about any specific limitations. 

I did as the last physio I had, who printed off some wrist exercises but then looked at me as if I had horns when I asked about handstands, handsprings and cartwheels then said that maybe I should focus on not breaking it again   however this physio was NHS so her only job was really to get me functional again rather than tell me how to figure out how to modify my handbalancing!  I will see what sports physios are recommended by my gymnastics club actually, hadn't thought of that one.  Diagnosis is unlikely to change though as it's been confirmed through x-ray, ultrasound and MRI scan :/ boooooooo!  Thanks for the physio suggestion! (I avoid chiro's after one cracked my thoracic spine and I spent 6 days with it in acute spasm)

1 hour ago, Julian Aldag said:

Like Everett said, ask around and see if you can get some more info. 

In the meantime, have you tried using paralettes?  This will keep the wrist neutral and might be an option for you.

I've tried with the parallettes a few times but I dont know, it doesn't feel right, the balance doesn't feel right, maybe I need to practice more on them though......I just thought if I managed to get my freestanding handstands stronger with my odd finer positioning (if it's even possible since everyone tells me it's not!) then I'd be able to do handsprings again, and handstands in random places when the upsidedown craving kicks in!  x

[Coach Sommer]

Hi Chezi,

With that severely damaged wrist, you are probably going to be restricted to using paralletes and curved handstand blocks for your handstand work.  

Not what you want to hear, but if you would like to continue pursuing handstand training - it is what it is.  No choice but to make the best of it.  When you are hungry, half a loaf of bread is better than none.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

[Alexander Egebak]

I second what coach Sommer said.

In addition I would go with very gentle wrist work, very controlled. I believe it is important to maintain whatever you may have and make sure you make the best of what you have. I believe that there is a long term potential to improve the wrists in years; maybe not handstand strong ever, but still stronger.

Still, stay on the safe side.

Good luck in your training