3 answers
krystal
Student
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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How to keep a steady hand during surgeries. #Spring25?
What type of exercises are there or ways to practice getting and keeping a steady hand during surgeries. #Spring25
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3 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi there,
Keeping a steady hand during surgery takes practice, but there are plenty of ways to train for it. Start with fine motor exercises like using suture practice kits, tying knots on boards, and threading needles, which all build precision. Strengthening your grip with hand exercisers or doing finger push-ups can help too. Activities like playing musical instruments, drawing, or even stacking cards improve dexterity. You can also work on hand-eye coordination by playing games like Jenga or using a laser pointer to practice holding steady. Breathing exercises and meditation can help calm your nerves and reduce shakiness. Finally, practicing on realistic surgical models or using VR simulators can build confidence and technique. Stay consistent, and over time your hands will become steadier and more controlled.
Keeping a steady hand during surgery takes practice, but there are plenty of ways to train for it. Start with fine motor exercises like using suture practice kits, tying knots on boards, and threading needles, which all build precision. Strengthening your grip with hand exercisers or doing finger push-ups can help too. Activities like playing musical instruments, drawing, or even stacking cards improve dexterity. You can also work on hand-eye coordination by playing games like Jenga or using a laser pointer to practice holding steady. Breathing exercises and meditation can help calm your nerves and reduce shakiness. Finally, practicing on realistic surgical models or using VR simulators can build confidence and technique. Stay consistent, and over time your hands will become steadier and more controlled.
Toyosi Akinyosoye
Pharmacy technician assistant
1
Answer
Akure, Nigeria
Updated
Toyosi’s Answer
Practicing a steady hand for surgery involves exercises that improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and precision. These include suturing on practice models, microsurgical tasks under magnification, grip-strengthening exercises, and even precision-based activities like drawing or using VR simulators. Regular, focused practice helps build the control and confidence needed for surgical performance.
Fine motor skill drills – e.g., threading needles, tying knots with tweezers.
Video game training – especially ones requiring precision and timing.
Drawing or coloring inside lines – improves control and precision.
Microsurgery practice – under a microscope with tiny instruments.
Toyosi recommends the following next steps:
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Krystal, that is a great question!
Keeping a steady hand during surgeries takes time, training, and a lot of intentional practice, I can totally tell from my own mom who is a specialist surgeon, but the good news is, it can be trained!
1. Practice with tools like forceps, tweezers, or even chopsticks. Try picking up small objects like beads or rice, sounds simple, but it works.
2. Even if you're not in the OR yet, practicing suturing on foam, bananas, or synthetic skin pads helps build precision. Focus on smooth, controlled movements.
3.Use stress balls, therapy putty, or finger grip trainers. Strong, stable muscles support steady hands.
4. A lot of shakiness comes from tension. Practicing deep breathing, yoga, or meditation helps keep your body and mind calm — especially under pressure.
5. If you have access to surgical simulation software or VR tools, they’re amazing for real-time practice and feedback.
And lastly, don’t worry if you're not perfect right away. Even experienced surgeons still work on this daily. It’s all about muscle memory, mindset, and consistency.
Keep asking and keep going, if you need help along the way feel free to reach out, we are here for you buddy and hope this helped a little.
Keeping a steady hand during surgeries takes time, training, and a lot of intentional practice, I can totally tell from my own mom who is a specialist surgeon, but the good news is, it can be trained!
1. Practice with tools like forceps, tweezers, or even chopsticks. Try picking up small objects like beads or rice, sounds simple, but it works.
2. Even if you're not in the OR yet, practicing suturing on foam, bananas, or synthetic skin pads helps build precision. Focus on smooth, controlled movements.
3.Use stress balls, therapy putty, or finger grip trainers. Strong, stable muscles support steady hands.
4. A lot of shakiness comes from tension. Practicing deep breathing, yoga, or meditation helps keep your body and mind calm — especially under pressure.
5. If you have access to surgical simulation software or VR tools, they’re amazing for real-time practice and feedback.
And lastly, don’t worry if you're not perfect right away. Even experienced surgeons still work on this daily. It’s all about muscle memory, mindset, and consistency.
Keep asking and keep going, if you need help along the way feel free to reach out, we are here for you buddy and hope this helped a little.