Therapy putty is a silicone-based resistive material. This non-toxic, odorless compound is used to improve muscle strength, increase range of motion, and enhance dexterity following injury, surgery, or due to conditions like arthritis. By providing a graded resistance, the putty allows users to perform targeted exercises that restore functional grip and fine motor control.
Selecting the Appropriate Resistance Level
Therapy putty resistance levels are categorized using a standardized color-coding system, which is crucial for establishing an effective exercise program. The progression typically begins with very low resistance colors, like Tan or Peach for extra-soft, moving through Yellow or Orange for soft, and Red or Lime Green for medium. Firmness continues to increase with Green or Blue, and then to the highest resistances, which are often Blue, Plum, or Gray for extra-firm. A therapist determines the correct starting color based on an individual’s current strength, diagnosis, and rehabilitation goals, beginning with the lowest level that still provides a mild challenge.
Users should start with a resistance that allows them to complete prescribed repetitions with proper form, feeling muscle fatigue only toward the end of the set. If the putty is too difficult, the user may compensate with improper movements, which can hinder recovery. When completing sets becomes easy without noticeable strain, it is time to progress to the next color resistance to ensure continued muscle adaptation and strength gains. Temperature can also affect putty consistency, as warmer conditions may cause lower resistance putties to feel stickier or softer.
Fundamental Hand and Finger Exercises
Exercises with therapy putty are designed to target the major actions of the hand: gripping, pinching, and fine motor coordination. To build Grip Strength, roll the putty into a large ball or cylindrical shape that fits comfortably in your palm. Squeeze the putty with your entire hand, attempting to make a full fist while holding the contraction for a few seconds.
Form the putty into a thick log or ball to work on Pinch Strength. The Fingertip Pinch is performed by bringing the tips of the thumb, index, and middle fingers together to press into the putty. Alternatively, the Tip-to-Tip Pinch focuses on opposing the tip of the thumb against the tip of a single finger, such as the index finger, to form a small ‘O’ shape within the material.
The Flat Pinch involves flattening the putty and pressing down with all four fingertips while the thumb provides resistance from below. For general finger and hand Coordination, try the Finger Scissoring exercise by placing a small ball of putty between two adjacent fingers and squeezing them together to “cut” the material. Dexterity can be improved by manipulating the putty into various shapes, such as rolling it into a long, thin “snake” or reforming it into a perfect sphere using only one hand.
For all exercises, aim for three sets of 10 repetitions unless a healthcare professional advises a different frequency or duration.
Care and Storage Guidelines
Before handling the putty, wash and thoroughly dry your hands to prevent the transfer of dirt, oils, or lotions, which can degrade the material and alter its consistency. For hygiene purposes, each container of putty should only be used by one person to prevent cross-contamination.
The putty should generally not be washed or immersed in water, as it can absorb liquids and become very sticky. When not in use, store the material in its original, air-tight plastic container at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight, open flames, or excessive heat sources, which can cause it to melt or become overly soft. Avoid letting the putty come into contact with porous surfaces like fabric, carpet, or unfinished wood, as it can embed itself into the fibers or stain the material.