Therapy putty wrist exercises

Therapy putty

Putty can be used to improve movement and strength of the hand, wrist and forearm. It can be formed into various shapes to complete exercises which will be tailored to you by your therapist. The putty must be used as shown. You will be provided with instructions about the number of times you need to complete each of the exercises. The putty is available in a range of colour-coded strengths which your therapists will explain to you. You will start with softer putty and work up to a stronger one, guided by your therapist.

Advice and precautions

• Wash your hands before and after using the putty to keep it clean and maintain its strength.
• Place the putty on a clean smooth surface when using.
• When the putty is stretched too much, it can break down into small pieces. Care should be taken with these, as they can stick to carpets and clothing. To remove fine bits of putty from the surface you are using, dab the area with a large blob of putty.
• If the putty becomes too warm or sticky, place the putty in its tub and put in the fridge.
• Keep the putty in its tub when not in use.
• Do not allow the putty to come into contact with rugs, fabric, hair or clothes as it can stain these materials.
• Do not eat the putty or leave it near young children or pets.

1 Wrist extension

1a Rest your tickbox please forearm and elbow on a table with your palm facing down towards the floor. Allow your hand to relax over the edge of the table.

1b Grip the putty with your fingertips and place the other end of the putty in the hand that is beneath the table.

1c Pull upwards on the putty, keeping your forearm on the table. Keep your hand beneath the table in the same position. Slowly straighten and extend the wrist. 

2 Alternative wrist extension

2a Flatten the putty into a pancake shape.

2b Rest your forearm on the table with your palm over the pancake shape.

2c Grip the other end of the putty with your fingertips and begin to peel the putty from the table moving your wrist only and keeping your forearm on the table.

2d Raise your wrist upwards as much as possible.

3 Gross finger and wrist extension

3a Roll the putty in a sausage shape.

3b Roll the putty backwards and forwards, stretching your fingers and your wrist upwards and then downwards as you do this.

4 Wrist flexion

4a Rest your tickbox please forearm and elbow on a table with your palm up towards the ceiling. Allow your hand to relax over the edge of the table.

4b Grip the putty in your hand and place the other end of the putty in the hand that is beneath the table.

4c Pull upwards on the putty, keeping your forearm on the table. Keep your hand beneath the table in the same position. Slowly straighten and bend the wrist.

5 Wrist flexion and extension twist

5a Roll the putty into a sausage shape. Hold the putty in both hands.

5b Twist the putty forwards and backwards (like wringing out a cloth) with both hands, with one hand moving forward whilst the other hand moves backwards.

6 Ulnar deviation

6a Roll the putty into a sausage shape. Place both forearms on the table with palms down. Grasp the putty in both hands with a small space in between.

6b Holding your tickbox please hand still, use your tickbox please hand to slowly move your wrist in the direction of your little finger. Repeat on the other side if required.

7 Radial deviation

7a Roll the putty into a sausage shape. Place both forearms on the table with palms down. Grasp the putty in both hands with a small space in between.

7b Holding your tickbox please hand still, use your other hand to slowly move your wrist in the direction your thumb. Repeat on the other side if required.

8 Individual pronation and supination

8a Roll the putty into a sausage shape. Place your tickbox please forearm on the table with the palm facing down towards the floor. The other hand should be on its side with your thumb up. Hold one end of the putty in the palm of each hand.

8b Twist and touch the palm of your tickbox please hand to the table.

8c Then twist the other way and touch the back of your tickbox please hand to the table.

Notes: