Serious question, how do you handle wrist pain from all that trowel work?

I've been seeing a lot of talk about wrist issues lately, and it's starting to worry me. It makes sense with how much we use our wrists for spreading mortar and laying bricks. My own wrist gets so sore sometimes that I can't even twist a jar open after work, lol. I tried using a lighter trowel and taking more breaks, but it only helps a little. Has anyone found a good way to strengthen their wrists or maybe a different technique that helps? I'm thinking about trying those compression sleeves I see some guys wear. Would be great to hear what actually works for you all.

3 comments

3 Comments

fiona_murphy1mo ago

Read a good tip in an old masonry book about using your whole arm, not just your wrist. The idea is to let your shoulder and elbow do more of the moving when you spread mortar. It feels weird at first, like you're not in control, but it really takes the strain off. Try holding the trowel handle more in your palm, not pinched in your fingers, and push from your elbow. It made a big difference for me once I got the hang of it.

joseph_ellis851mo ago

Hold up, does this actually work for spreading mortar on vertical surfaces too? I get how the shoulder thing helps on a flat bed joint, but trying to butter a brick while moving from the elbow seems like it would throw off your accuracy. How many bricks did you have to lay before it stopped feeling weird and started feeling natural?

barnes.skyler1mo ago

Yeah, that tip is spot on. I had the same issue with my wrist hurting after laying bricks all day. I mean, it felt really awkward at first to move from the shoulder. But once I stopped gripping the trowel so tight and let my elbow lead, it got easier. Idk, maybe it's just me but that change made a huge difference in how tired my arm felt. Now I can work longer without that sharp pain in my wrist.