How do I help my clients do push-ups when they complain that it hurts their wrists?
I like a lot of these previous posts- modifying the movement, myofascial release, wraps, etc. are sometimes helpful in preventing wrist pain and if it persists the client should consult a health professional.
One thing I will add that helped me with several clients is to make sure the client’s palm is in the proper position. Their weight should be distributed evenly through all “4 corners” of the palm. In my experience women (and some men) often lift the portion of their palm directly below their pointer finger and/or at the base of the thumb. This increases strain on their wrist joint as well as their forearms.
Another pushup modification I’ve used (if wrist strain is the only issue) is having the client do the pushup on a Bosu (on the floor) or a stability ball (against the wall). With either piece of equipment they can turn their fingertips outward and reduce wrist strain. It’s also a softer surface on which to rest their hands, which sometimes helps. They can still modify a full-body pushup to their knees or put the ball/Bosu higher on the wall to reduce the percentage of their body weight being used for the exercise.
Good luck!