Therapy putty is a non-greasy, silicone-based compound widely used as a tool for hand rehabilitation and strengthening. This pliable material provides resistive exercise to help improve grip strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills following an injury, surgery, or due to chronic conditions like arthritis.
Understanding Therapy Putty Resistance Levels
Selecting the appropriate putty resistance level is the most important step before making a purchase, a choice that should ideally be made with guidance from a physical or occupational therapist. The industry uses a standardized color-coding system to denote resistance, ensuring consistency across major manufacturers. The general progression moves from very soft to extremely firm, allowing for gradual strengthening as rehabilitation progresses.
The initial levels typically include tan or yellow, representing XX-Soft and X-Soft, which are suitable for early rehabilitation or for individuals with very limited hand strength. The middle range involves red (Soft) and green (Medium), which are often used for general strengthening and for progressing from the softer levels. The highest resistance is usually found in blue (Firm) and black (X-Firm), which provide the maximum challenge for advanced users or those needing to build significant grip power.
Online Retailers and Specialized Vendors
Online purchasing is the most common and convenient method for acquiring therapy putty, offering a broad selection of brands and volume options. Specialized medical and rehabilitation supply vendors, such as Rehabmart, Performance Health, and Vitality Medical, stock a comprehensive range of putty from manufacturers like CanDo and Sammons Preston. These dedicated sites often provide detailed product specifications and are reliable sources for clinical-grade material.
Beyond specialized sites, large general e-commerce platforms also carry numerous therapy putty options, providing competitive pricing and rapid shipping. When purchasing online, you have the option to buy single containers, which are typically available in 2-ounce or 4-ounce tubs for individual use. Alternatively, many vendors offer kits that include a small amount of putty in each of the color-coded resistance levels, which is helpful for users who anticipate progressing through several strengths. Bulk options, such as 1-pound or 5-pound buckets, are also widely available and tend to be more cost-effective for long-term or continuous use.
Local Acquisition Options
For those who require therapy putty immediately or prefer to inspect the product before buying, several local options exist outside of online marketplaces. Many major pharmacy chains and large retailers with extensive health and wellness sections often stock basic therapy putty kits or single tubs. Checking the medical supplies or rehabilitation aids aisle at a store like CVS or Walmart may yield a quick solution for immediate needs.
Dedicated local medical equipment supply stores are another excellent resource, as they focus on rehabilitation products and usually carry various resistance levels and container sizes. The most direct local option is often through a physical therapy or occupational therapy clinic itself, as many clinics sell the putty directly to their patients. While local purchases offer the advantage of immediate fulfillment and the ability to feel the texture, the selection of specific colors and the pricing may be less competitive than those found through large online vendors.