Therapy Putty is a material ideal for strengthening fine motor skills and hand strength, particularly after sustaining a hand or finger injury. Almost all brands are available in various resistances and their corresponding colours, making it perfect for providing individually graded strengthening programs to those who want to improve their hand movement and strength. Begin with x-soft or soft putties for weaker hands and progress with firmer putties as your strength develops.
What is therapy putty made of?
Our Secure brand therapy hand strengthening putty is a latex-free, non toxic silicone, making it safe for almost all clients to use.
Why perform putty exercises?
There are many benefits to performing therapy putty exercises that aren’t limited to hand. Other benefits include: improved circulation, and dexterity or developing fine motor skills, particularly in children. Performing these putty exercises can reduce swelling or stiffness resulting from arthritis or post-surgery conditions, as the exercises promote blood flow in the hands (see activity A in particular). Hand dexterity is also improved due to actions such as pinching or pressing (seen in activities B and H) which simulate daily functional activities that require control and coordination.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the eight theraputty hand exercises we think everyone should know.
a) Full Hand Squeezes
Roll the into a large ball. Hold in the palm of your hand. Squeeze, exerting as much pressure as possible, holding for 1-2 seconds, before rolling it around in the hand.
b) Finger Pinching
Roll the therapy putty into a long tube. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch along the tube, starting at one end and progressing to the other. Reroll out the putty and repeat with other fingers.
c) Finger Scissors
Start with a smaller amount of therapy putty than you use for full hand squeezes. Roll the putty into a ball, and hold between the second knuckles of your index and middle fingers. Squeeze fingers together until they meet. This can be done between other fingers.
d) Flat Pinch
Start with the original amount of putty. Roll the therapy putty into a ball. Hold between your thumb and other four fingers in a “chatterbox” gesture. Pinch thumb and other fingers together, exerting as much pressure as possible.
e) Finger Spread
Also called a ‘Doughnut Stretch.’ Roll the therapy putty into a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Place your index finger and middle finger in the hole and stretch outwards, widening the loop of putty. This can also be done with your whole hand, placing all fingers in the hole and opening your hand.
f) Finger Extension
Use a smaller amount of therapy putty and form a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Wrap over your index finger and gather the rest of the loop in the palm of your other hand. Lift your index finger upwards, stretching the loop of putty wide. Repeat with other fingers.
g) Thumb Extension
Use the same amount of therapy putty for a Finger Extension exercise. Form a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Wrap over your thumb, and gather the rest of the loop in the palm of the same hand. Extend your thumb upwards, stretching the loop of putty.
h) Finger Press
Start with a smaller amount of therapy putty than you use for full hand squeezes. Roll the putty into a ball, and hold in the palm of your hand. Press your thumb down into the ball of putty, towards your pinky. Repeat with other fingers, rerolling into a ball as necessary.
Trying to get kids interested?
Kids in particular can struggle with their fine motor skills and hand dexterity as they are developing. Try out these activities with your kids or younger patients to keep them entertained while practicing.
- Can you spell your name by making the letters out of putty?
- Try and make your favourite animal out of putty!
- Let’s do a treasure hunt: ask someone to hide beads or small toys in a ball of putty for you to find.
- Become head chef at your own restaurant: how many different kinds of food can you make out of therapy putty?
- Let’s make some bead art! Make a flat shape out of your putty and arrange beads in it to create a picture.
Caring for your SecurPutty:
For best results, keep therapy putty in its plastic container while not in use. Store at room temperature; extreme temperatures may make product tacky. Wash hands prior to use. We recommend using on a clean, hard surface such as a table top. Avoid carpet and clothing! Avoid adding any colour or oil scents to the putty to avoid colour bleeding.
Please note that this post is not a therapeutic intervention program - we recommend seeking advice from your hand therapist who may incorporate these into your personally tailored program.