Therapy putty is a specially formulated silicone-based material used in Hand Therapy to rebuild strength, improve movement and develop dexterity in the hand and fingers. It comes in a range of resistances and is one of the most versatile tools available for home programmes. Used correctly and consistently, it can make a significant difference to your recovery.
Understanding the resistance levels
Therapy putty is colour-coded by resistance. The exact colours vary between manufacturers, but the general progression from softest to firmest is:
- Tan / beige — extra soft, used after surgery or for very weak hands
- Yellow — soft, for early rehabilitation and gentle strengthening
- Red — medium, the most commonly prescribed resistance for general hand strengthening
- Green — firm, for more advanced strengthening
- Blue — extra firm, for patients with high baseline strength or in the later stages of rehabilitation
- Black — maximum resistance, used for grip and pinch strength in working hands
Your therapist will prescribe a specific resistance based on your current strength and the stage of your recovery. Start with the resistance you have been given, even if it feels easy at first. Progressing too quickly to a harder putty before the tissue is ready can aggravate your condition.
How to use therapy putty
Warming up the putty
Therapy putty performs best when warm. Before you begin your exercises, knead the putty gently in both hands for a minute or two to warm it up. This makes it easier to work with and reduces the effort required at the start of your session.
General principles
- Work through the full range of motion available to you at each repetition
- Move slowly and with control — fast, forceful movements are less effective than slow, deliberate ones
- Rest for a few seconds between repititions if your hand feels fatigued
- Stop if you experience sharp pain — mild muscle tiredness is expected but pain is not
Recommended exercises
Your therapist will prescribe the exercises most appropriate for your condition. Follow their direct instructions to get the most out of each activity.
How often should I exercise?
Your therapist will have given you a specific programme with sets and repetitions. As a general guide, most home programmes involve two to three short sessions per day rather than one long session. Frequent, shorter sessions are more effective than occasional long ones for building strength and motor patterns.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Ten minutes twice a day, every day, will produce better results than an hour once a week.
Caring for your putty
Therapy putty lasts well if looked after. Keep it in its original container or a sealed bag when not in use, as exposure to air over time can dry it out slightly. Keep it away from hair, fabric, carpet or sofas, as putty can be difficult to remove from fibres. Wash your hands before and after use.
Do not mix different resistance levels together, as this changes the resistance unpredictably.
If the therapy putty becomes hard, dry or crumbly, it will be time to replace it. Contact the clinic if you need a new supply.
When to progress
Your therapist will advise you when to move to the next resistance level. As a general guide, you are ready to progress when you can complete your full programme comfortably and without fatigue at your current resistance. Do not progress without checking with your therapist first, particularly if you are in the early stages of recovery after surgery or a significant injury.
If you have any questions about your therapy putty programme or are unsure whether you are doing the activities and exercises correctly, raise them at your next appointment or contact the clinic.