Overview

This information shows you how to do hand exercises with putty that your hand therapist has given you.

Your hand therapist explains:

• how many times you need to do each exercise
• how often you need to do each exercise 

The information covers:

• the different types of therapeutic putty exercises
• the arrangements for your follow-up appointments

Different types of exercises

This section lists the different exercises that you can do with putty to improve the strength in your hand and finger.

Mass grip

Make a ball with the putty. Squeeze the putty with all of your fingers.

Hook grip

Bend the top 2 joints of your fingers only to make a hook. As you squeeze the putty in this position, it will involve a small movement.

Key pinch

With your fingers bent, pinch the putty between your thumb and the side of your index finger as if you are holding a key.

Palmar pinch

Pinch the putty between your thumb and fingers, while keeping them as straight as possible.

Tip pinch

Pinch the putty between the tip of your thumb and index finger to make an “O” shape.

Finger adduction

Roll the putty into a long, smooth cylinder shape and wind it between your fingers. Then squeeze your fingers together, while keeping them straight.

Finger abduction

Make a putty ring around your fingers. Open your fingers wide.

Finger extension

Roll the putty into a long cylinder shape from the tips of your fingers to your palm. As you do this, press down slightly through straight fingers.

Thumb adduction

With your hands flat on the table, squeeze the putty between your thumb and the side of your hand.

Thumb abduction

Make a ring of putty around your thumb and index finger. Open your thumb and index finger widely.

Thumb flexion

Make a ball with the putty. Bend your thumb and push it into the putty.

Scratching

Flatten the putty on a table. Start with your fingers open and then scratch the putty while bending your fingers.

Flicking

Flatten the putty on a table. Start with your fingers closed. Then flick the putty to straighten your finger.

Follow-up appointments

If you have a smart phone, you can download our MyChart patient app. This app lets you cancel or change hospital appointments.

Your hand therapist will talk to you about your follow-up appointments and explain how often you may need them. Some injuries or conditions involve more follow-up appointments than others.

You need to book your next appointment before you leave the hand therapy department, unless:

• it is a video appointment
• your hand therapist has told you something different