The Benefits of Using Rolyan Therapy Putty for Hand Exercises and Arthritis Relief

What is Rolyan Therapy Putty?

Rolyan therapy putty, also known as therapeutic putty or hand exercise putty, is a malleable substance used for hand strengthening exercises and occupational therapy. It is made from materials like silicone, latex, or plastic polymers that create a soft, pliable texture similar to clay or chewing gum.

Therapy putty improves hand and finger dexterity through resistance exercises. Squeezing, stretching, rolling, and kneading the putty can help build strength and flexibility in the hands and fingers. This is especially beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or hand injuries.

Benefits of Using Rolyan Therapy Putty

Here are some of the main benefits of using Rolyan or therapeutic putty for hand and finger exercises:

Improves Grip Strength

Regularly squeezing and manipulating putty can help increase grip strength in the hands and fingers. Stronger grip strength allows for improved performance of daily tasks like opening jars, using tools, or carrying objects.

Increases Flexibility

Stretching and working the putty helps enhance flexibility in the tendons and ligaments of the hands and fingers. Better flexibility reduces stiffness and makes the joints more mobile.

Builds Finger Dexterity

Kneading, rolling, and molding the putty in different ways challenges finger coordination. This helps rebuild fine motor skills and dexterity for precise finger movements.

Reduces Joint Pain

Gentle exercises with therapy putty can help ease pain and stiffness in arthritic hand and finger joints. The putty's warmth and malleable texture provides soothing sensory feedback.

Improves Blood Flow

Putty exercises involve repeated hand motions that boost circulation to the hands and fingers. Improved blood flow reduces swelling and delivers oxygen and nutrients.

How to Use Rolyan Therapy Putty

Therapy putty is easy to use. Here are some examples of simple putty exercises to try:

Squeeze and Release

Squeeze a piece of putty by making a fist, holding for 5 seconds, then releasing and spreading the fingers. Repeat with both hands to build grip strength.

Roll into a Ball

Roll and squeeze the putty between the palms of the hands to form it into a ball shape. Flatten it and repeat. This improves dexterity.

Press into Putty

Use finger tips to press into the putty and make indents. Smooth out the putty and repeat. This increases finger flexibility and strength.

Stretch and Pull

Grasp opposite ends of the putty and gently stretch and pull it apart before bringing hands back together. Continue stretching and releasing.

Finger Presses

Make impressions in the putty with individual fingers, one by one. Target each finger for added dexterity.

Aim for at least 15 minutes of exercises per day. Focus on slow, controlled motions rather than speed to get the most benefit. Proper hand positioning is also important.

Rolyan Therapy Putty Options

Rolyan offers a wide selection of putty in different resistance levels, textures, and colors:

Soft Putty

For minimal resistance during early hand therapy exercises or for children.

Medium Putty

All-purpose putty with moderate resistance for basic strengthening.

Firm Putty

Provides heavy resistance to build finger strength after injury recovery.

X-Soft Putty

Super light putty for gentle mobility exercises following surgery.

Tan Putty

Texture helps warm up stiff, arthritic joints to reduce pain.

Rainbow Putty

Fun, colorful putty to increase compliance with therapy exercises.

The type recommended depends on your needs and prescribed exercises. A healthcare professional can help select appropriate putty.

Rolyan Therapy Putty for Arthritis

Therapy putty is especially beneficial for people with hand and finger arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). It helps in the following ways:

Relieves Pain

Gentle exercises can ease arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints. The warm, pliable texture of the putty feels soothing.

Prevents Deformities

Putty exercises keep the joints mobile and flexible, preventing locked, bent fingers and other deformities common with arthritis.

Builds Strength

Weak grip and muscle atrophy are problems with arthritis. Putty strengthens the hands to improve function.

Improves Coordination

Finger swelling impacts dexterity in arthritis. Putty retrains fine motor skills and coordination.

Work closely with an occupational therapist to learn the best putty exercises for your type of arthritis and problem areas.

Other Hand Therapy Exercises

While therapy putty is beneficial, combining it with other hand exercises can further improve arthritis symptoms and hand function. Additional hand therapy exercises include:

Stretching

Gently stretching the joints and tendons keeps the hands flexible and mobile.

Range of Motion

Practicing moving the wrists and fingers through their full range of motion prevents stiffness.

Strengthening

Exercises like squeezing a soft ball or putty build hand and finger strength.

Massage

Massaging sore joints brings pain relief and improved circulation.

Cold Therapy

Applying cold packs can reduce joint inflammation and swelling.

A comprehensive home exercise program is key for managing arthritis. Your doctor or therapist can provide guidance on creating a routine using therapy putty and other hand exercises.

Rolyan Therapy Putty Precautions

Therapy putty is safe when used correctly, but keep these precautions in mind:

• Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program if you have an injury or medical condition affecting your hands or fingers.
• Start with putty that offers less resistance if you are new to hand exercises.
• Stop exercising if you feel sharp joint pain. Discomfort is OK, but sharp pain may indicate injury.
• Avoid excessive stretching or pulling of the putty.
• Take care when exercising if you have sensitive skin since some putty contains latex.
• Check the putty regularly for cracks or leaks and replace old, dried out putty.

With some common sense precautions, therapy putty is generally very safe. Proper hand positioning during exercises prevents injury or strain.

Rolyan Therapy Putty vs. Resistance Bands

Along with therapy putty, resistance bands are another option for building hand and finger strength. Heres how they compare:

• Resistance level - Bands offer consistent resistance whereas putty resistance depends on how it is kneaded and squeezed.
• Grip work - Putty is better for enhancing different grips and dexterity. Bands focus more on finger isolation.
• Joint protection - Putty provides cushioning to reduce joint strain. Bands can irritate tender joints.
• Pain relief - Puttys warmth and texture have a soothing effect on arthritic hands.
• Portability - Bands are more compact and easier to transport.

Many therapists recommend using putty and bands together as a complementary approach depending on your needs and prescribed exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own therapy putty at home?

While homemade putty recipes exist, its best to use purpose-made therapeutic putty for hand exercises. Homemade versions often dont provide the right textures or precisely graded resistance levels for safety and effectiveness.

How often should I use therapy putty?

Aim for at least 15 minutes of hand exercises with putty daily, or as often as recommended by your doctor or therapist. Little and often is best for building strength and mobility.

Is therapy putty effective for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes, gentle exercises with therapy putty combined with wrist splinting can help ease carpal tunnel symptoms and improve hand function.

Can children use therapy putty?

Yes, putty is safe for kids and often used in pediatric occupational therapy. Supervise use and select soft, easy to manipulate putty.

Where can I buy therapy putty?

Many pharmacies and medical supply stores sell therapy putty. Rolyan is a top brand available online and in therapy clinics. Prices range from $5-$20 depending on size and type.

The Takeaway

Rolyan therapy putty provides and easy yet effective way to improve hand strength, dexterity, and flexibility through targeted exercises. Used regularly, it can help manage hand arthritis and pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Pair putty exercises with other hand therapy techniques like stretching and cold therapy for optimal results. Always check with your doctor or occupational therapist before starting a new program.

With routine use, therapy putty can help restore mobility and function, allowing you to complete daily tasks with greater comfort and ease.

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.