Must-Have Hand Savers for Pet Grooming Professionals

The Importance of Hand Savers for Pet Groomers

As a professional pet groomer, taking care of your hands should be a top priority. The repetitive motions of brushing, clipping, scissoring and bathing dogs and cats can take a major toll over time. Hand savers are an essential tool that every groomer needs to help prevent painful hand, wrist and arm injuries.

What Are Hand Savers?

Hand savers, sometimes called carpal tunnel gloves, are specially designed gloves that provide comfortable support to the wrists and hands during grooming. They are made from flexible, breathable materials and feature open fingers or finger holes so groomers can still easily work with tools and accessories.

Key Benefits of Using Hand Savers

There are many benefits to making hand savers part of your daily grooming routine:

• Prevent Overuse Injuries - Hand savers provide essential support to help prevent repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
• Reduce Hand Fatigue - The compression and stabilization they provide helps fight fatigue so hands don't get sore and tired as quickly.
• Improve Grip & Control - Hand savers give a better grip, which leads to more control, precision and efficiency with grooming tools.
• Supports Proper Technique - They gently remind you not to overflex wrists and grip tools too tightly, encouraging better technique.
• All Day Comfort - Breathable, flexible materials make hand savers comfortable for extended wear throughout long grooming days.

What Can You Fit Inside Hand Savers?

The slim, form-fitting design of most hand saver gloves allows groomers to easily slide in additional padding, support or tools to further aid their work.

Extra Padding & Braces

Many groomers will insert extra:

• Gel pads - For additional shock absorption and cushioning.
• Finger splints or braces - To immobilize sore or injured fingers.
• Wrist braces - To provide stabilization and support for wrist injuries.
• Massage balls - Placing finger tip massagers inside can relieve tension.

Essential Tools

Hand savers with open fingers or holes also conveniently allow easy access to must-have small grooming tools like:

• Nail clippers or nail files
• Ear cleaners
• Tooth brushes or tooth scrapers
• Dematting rakes or combs
• Flea combs
• Bottle brushes
• Hemostats for pulling ear hair

Having these frequently used tools right inside the gloves means they are always close at hand when needed.

Choosing the Best Hand Savers

With so many options available, it can be tricky finding the perfect hand savers for your unique needs. Here are top factors savvy groomers consider:

Size & Fit

Look for hand savers with multiple size options and an adjustable wrist strap so you can dial in the perfect custom fit. The gloves should be snug but not uncomfortable.

Padding & Protection

Prioritize gloves with ample padding and support built into areas that see the most repetitive motion like palms, wrists and knuckles.

Breathability

The gloves must be breathable and moisture-wicking so hands stay cool and dry, even during marathon grooming sessions.

Dexterity & Sensitivity

Make sure to choose gloves with open fingers or fingertip holes so you don't lose feel and precision with important grooming tools.

Easy Care Fabric

Look for hand savers made of durable fabrics that won't fray, pill or rip and can be easily washed to keep them fresh.

Give Your Hands the VIP Treatment

As a pet groomer, your hands truly are your livelihood. Make giving them the support they deserve by wearing high quality hand savers a top priority. This one simple step can add years of healthy, pain-free grooming while preventing catastrophic injuries.

Invest in yourself, your comfort and your career success by picking up a pair of top-rated grooming gloves today! Your hands will thank you.

FAQs

What injuries can hand savers help prevent?

Hand savers help prevent and manage painful repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, and general hand and wrist soreness/fatigue.

Are hand savers machine washable?

Look for hand saver gloves made from durable, easy-care fabrics that can handle regular machine washing. This keeps them fresh in between uses.

Can hand savers be worn all day long?

Quality hand saving gloves are designed for comfortable, breathable all-day wear. But any excessively tight gloves can irritate nerves and restrict circulation if worn too long.

Do hand savers work for groomers with small hands?

Yes, many top hand saver brands offer size options including small/medium to ensure a proper fit for groomers with smaller hands. Adjustable wrist straps also help customize the fit.