What is Therapy Putty?
Therapy putty, also known as theraputty or sensory putty, is a rehabilitation tool used in treating finger, hand, and wrist injuries, particularly in grip strengthening and movement post recovery. Therapy putty can also benefit patients with increased blood flow, improved fine motor skills, as well as stress relief.
Our theraputty comes in a variety of colours, each representing a different resistance level, for the benefit of therapists and patients undertaking an individually graded hand strengthening program. Our two ranges of therapy putty are Secur Spectra and SecurLite, and come in the below colours.
| Company | |
|---|---|
| Colour | Resistance |
| Yellow | Soft |
| Red | Medium-Soft |
| Green | Medium |
| Blue | Firm |
| Purple | X-Firm |
| Dark Green | XX-Firm |
| Lite | |
|---|---|
| Colour | Resistance |
| Yellow | X-Soft |
| Lime | Soft |
| Green | Medium |
| Blue | Firm |
Our Secur brand therapy putty is made of a latex-free, non toxic silicone, meaning it is safe for almost all clients to use. It is unscented and we recommend not adding scents to avoid colour bleeding.
Why can’t I just use playdough?
Though therapy putty and playdough are visually very similar, playdough does not have the same qualities and as such will not provide the same results. Playdough is a softer and more pliable material, not specifically formulated for hand strengthening exercises, and will typically not provide the necessary resistance needed by therapy patients. However, playdough can be great for stress relief or fine motor skills development for little kids!
Theraputty Benefits & Who should use therapy putty?
Because therapy putty has so many uses, it can be of benefit to patients with a variety of needs. Anyone who is currently experiencing any of the below may benefit from the use of therapy putty:
- Arthritis in the hand/wrist - While the use of theraputty won’t necessarily reverse the effects of arthritis, it is possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and protect your range of motion and function with therapeutic hand exercises.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome - When the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist, a feeling of pain or numbness in the hand may occur. The right theraputty exercises can help to relieve the pressure placed on the median nerve to in turn reduce the painful effects of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Weakness or limited range of motion in the hand, wrist, or fingers - Theraputty exercises are particularly effective in improving range of motion, as the putty provides a resistance for the hand muscles to work against, forcing motion. Moving up resistance levels as your hands become more comfortable will increase the natural range of motion in your hands and fingers.
- A recent hand, wrist, or finger injury - Following a hand injury, it is important to start regaining your previous strength and range of motion to ensure a full recovery and return to your quality of life.
- Circulatory issues - Numbness, tingling, or cold hands are all possible results of poor hand circulation. Performing some common theraputty exercises can get the blood flowing through your hands to reduce these effects.
- Symptoms of ADHD or similar needs for fidgeting - Using theraputty in everyday situations can promote focus, self regulation, and meet sensory needs.
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Stress or anxiety - Rhythmic, repetitive actions of stretching or kneading the therapy putty allows for relaxation, distraction, or releasing built-up stress.
How should I get started?
If you think you could benefit from using therapy putty but are unsure where to start, we recommend seeking advice from your GP or hand therapist who can help guide you through a hand grip strengthening program. We have also put together a short guide to some basic theraputty exercises that anyone can do. Please note that this is not a therapeutic intervention program and we recommend always seeking advice from a medical professional for treatment.
How do I care for my therapy putty?
For keeping the putty in its optimal state, store the therapy putty in its plastic container while not in use. Alternative airtight containers may be used if the original is broken or lost. 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 contact with
carpet, hair and clothing!