Therapy Putty Exercises for Hand Rehabilitation and Strength

What is Therapy Putty?

Therapy putty, also known as therapeutic putty or tactile putty, refers to the soft, malleable substances used for strengthening and rehabilitating hands affected by various medical conditions. This putty is usually made from silicone or cornstarch-based compounds that provide resistance during finger exercises to help build hand strength and dexterity.

Benefits of Using Therapy Putty

Therapy putty delivers the following benefits for hand rehabilitation:

• Improves hand flexibility and range of motion
• Builds finger, hand, and forearm strength
• Enhances dexterity and coordination
• Reduces stiffness and soreness in the hands and fingers
• Improves blood circulation in hands

Who Can Benefit From Therapy Putty?

Here are some examples of individuals who can benefit considerably from exercising and therapy with putty compounds:

• Rheumatoid arthritis patients
• Post-surgery patients
• Stroke survivors
• People with neurological conditions
• Carpal tunnel syndrome patients
• Those with sports injuries related to hands/fingers

How To Use Therapy Putty For Hand Rehabilitation

Therapy putty strengthens the hands through resistance training. Finger and hand movements are performed using the putty, providing rebuilding activity to the tissues. With regular usage, the putty's moldability challenges the hands progressively to enhance functioning.

Types of Exercises

Some helpful therapy putty exercises for the fingers, hands, and wrists include:

• Rolling: Roll the putty into a ball between the palms first. Then, use only the thumb and index finger to roll it back and forth.
• Kneading: To knead the putty, press into it with the fingertips and roll each finger across it from base to tip.
• Squeezing: Squeeze the malleable putty tightly in the palm and release, repeating with gradually firmer presses.
• Stretching: Flatten the putty, then use the fingers and thumbs to stretch it out before shaping it back into a ball.

Treatment Guidelines

To derive the optimum rehabilitative benefits, follow these therapy putty usage guidelines:

• Exercise with putty for 5 to 10 minutes, 2-3 times every day.
• Start gently and progress to more resistance over weeks as hand strength increases.
• Add wrist and forearm exercises by squeezing and flattening putty.
• Use putty throughout day-to-day activities to improve hand flexibility.

Choosing The Right Therapy Putty

Therapy putties have different density and resistance levels. The putty choice depends on the hand strength and rehabilitative requirements.

Key Considerations

Factors to consider when selecting hand therapy putty:

• Soft or Firm: Softer putty for inflamed/sensitive hands, firmer density provides higher resistance.
• Strength Goals: Firmer putties are suited for rebuilding hand strength.
• Dexterity Goals: Lighter density aids flexing fingers to enhance coordination.
• Medical Condition: Putty density must match the medical state and goals.

Ideal Firmness Scale

This firmness scale serves as a guide to picking the right level:

• Extra-soft: Initializes hand mobility after surgery/injury
• Soft: Early hand strengthening and flexibility
• Medium: Moderate density for dexterity
• Firm: Challenging resistance to build grip strength
• Extra-firm: Intense training for hand stamina

Safety Precautions With Therapy Putty

These simple precautions with therapeutic putty enhance rehabilitation progress:

• Consult a hand therapist to demonstrate suitable finger/wrist exercises before beginning.
• Start slowly and increase resistance progressively under guidance.
• Do NOT exercise through pain or strain.
• Stop immediately if swelling, numbness or new pain occurs.
• Ensure to stretch and relax hands after the workout.

Additional Hand Care Tips

Supplement putty exercises by:

• Applying moist heat packs before activity to relax muscles/tendons.
• Icing hands after putty exercises to relieve soreness and inflammation.
• Wearing splints as advised to support and rest painful joints when not exercising.

With consistency, therapy putty facilitates significant strengthening and restoration of hand flexibility impaired by medical conditions. Do consult an occupational hand therapist to personalize the exercise regimen.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.