For an arthritic client having difficulty separating their fingers, which muscle should be massaged to assist?

Massaging the abductors is beneficial for an arthritic client experiencing difficulty in finger separation. Abductor muscles are responsible for moving the fingers away from the midline of the hand. Their function includes spreading the fingers apart, which can be particularly challenging for someone with arthritis due to stiffness and pain in the joints. By targeting these muscles during a massage, you can help improve the range of motion and ease discomfort, making it easier for the client to perform daily tasks that require finger dexterity.

While the other muscle groups play different roles in hand movement, they do not specifically facilitate the separation of the fingers as effectively as the abductors. Flexors, for example, are involved in curling the fingers towards the palm, while extensors help extend the fingers back out. On the other hand, adductors bring the fingers back towards the midline after abduction, which doesn’t address the issue of difficulty in separating the fingers initially. Focusing on the abductors helps to directly improve the client's ability to separate their fingers, providing the relief and assistance needed for better hand function.