Therapeutic putty exercises
Last edited: 08/09/2026
This leaflet explains more about therapeutic putty exercises for patients with wrist, hand or finger conditions and injuries under the care of Medway Community Healthcare Hand Therapy team. Please ensure that only exercises marked by your therapist are completed. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your therapist during your appointment or by contacting us by telephone or email, details can be found at the end of this sheet.
Why should putty be used for exercise?
As your hand recovers from injury or surgery, or as you learn to manage your arthritis, you may need to exercise the muscles to get back to being able to use the hand normally day-to-day. Therapeutic
putty can help you exercise each muscle separately for as good a recovery as possible and to increase strength.
How often should I do my exercises?
The following exercises should be done _______ times each.
You should hold each exercise for __________ seconds.
Repeat _______ times each day.
Which exercises should I do?
Your therapist will let you know which exercises to complete - only do the ones that are ticked
Gross grip
Form a ball with the putty. Squeeze the putty with all your fingers.
Thumb flexion
Grasp the putty. Push your thumb tip into the putty and slowly pull out your thumb
Key pinch
Pinch the putty between your thumb tip and the side of your index finger.
Flat/table pinch
Squeeze the putty between
your thumb and flat, fully straight
fingers.
Tip pinch
Pinch the putty between your thumb tip and the tip of each finger in turn.
Hook fist
Make a hook fist by bending just the finger joints. Squeeze the putty. Make sure to keep the knuckles straight.
Two-handed grasp
Grasp the putty with both hands. Pull the putty apart.
Finger adduction
Make a putty rope. Wind the rope
between your fingers. Squeeze the fingers together.
Finger abduction
Wrap the putty around your fingers and thumb with your fingers together.
Finger abduction
Place a tight ring of putty around a pair of fingers. Spread your fingers apart. Repeat for each pair of fingers
Finger adduction
Pinch the putty between two finger, Repeat for each pair of fingers
Finger extension
Roll the putty into a rope/sausage shape while lifting your straightened fingers.
Finger claw Finger extension
Form the putty into a pancake shape. Using your fingertips, claw the putty towards you by bending your fingers rather than moving your arm.
Finger spread
Form the putty into a pancake shape. Place your fingers together in the putty. Spread your fingers apart while keeping your arm still. Continue spreading your fingers to widen the putty shape.
Thumb abductor pinch
Lay your hand flat on a table. Pinch the putty between your thumb and the side of your index finger. Squeeze the putty firmly.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your therapist at your next appointment.
For urgent queries, please contact the team.
Your therapist's name: __________________________________
Contact us
0300 123 3444
medch.cccadults@nhs.net
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
www.kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
Donate today, and help the NHS go above and beyond. Visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/icare
If you need communication support or this information in another format, please ask a member of staff or contact PALS using the details above.
