We are always looking for ways of the intrinsic hand strengthening. It is easy to overlook the importance of these small but mighty muscles. They are essential to performing functional grasps patterns. They can become weak in a short period of time due to their small size.
So, How does intrinsic strengthening work?!
The Basics – We typically start with a large 5-pound blob of yellow or tan putty because this is the easiest and softest.
“Functional grasp patterns require the use of the intrinsics.”
Special Rules – To keep the patient from cheating and meet the task’s purpose, we have a few special rules.
- Make sure the patient’s shoulder is relaxed! We do not want to create shoulder problems!
- Check to make sure there is no compensation of the long flexors and extensors.
- The most important part of these exercises is TECHNIQUE
Make it fit – This task is scalable and can be adjusted by using different putties. Also, it can be modified by how deep you dig the putty tools into the putty.
Time to get to work!
Using the small cylinder knob, place it between digits 2 and 3. While holding the knob tight between the digits, turn the knob in the putty. Repeat the same step above and rotate the knob to between digits 3 and 4 and then digits 4 and 5.
Next, push the T end of the putty tool into the putty. Hold the hand in the intrinsic plus position and practice turning the knob.
Lastly, Intrinsic Pull. Place one side of the key tool into the putty, hold the tool between any two digits and pull through putty.
Warning – Make sure the patient removes their watch or bracelet, along with making sure their phones do not get near the putty. The putty tends to stick to rubbery surfaces and can be very difficult to remove.
If you don’t have Puttycise tools, you can make your own out of scrap splinting material.
1 Comments
Leave a Comment
More To Read
Article Review: Relative Motion for Extensor Tendon Repair zone V-VI? Is a night-time resting hand orthosis beneficial?
Hirth, M. J., Hunt, I., Briody, K., Milner, Z., Sleep, K., Chu, A., Donovan, E. & O’Brien, L. (2021). Comparison of two relative motion extension orthotic programs following surgical repair of finger extensor tendons in zones V-VI: A randomized equivalence trial. Journal of Hand Therapy-to be published. The Skinny: Following a zone V-VI tendon repair,…
Read More
3 Household Objects for 9 different Hand Therapy Activities
Do you struggle to develop new treatment ideas or even ideas for your virtual hand therapy visits? Thinking of unique ways to use objects your clients have in their homes can be half the battle. This blog post presents 3 different ways to use 3 everyday items. Item number 1: A tennis ball (hand therapy…
Read More
Pros and Cons of Cortisone Injections
By: Shruti Jani Patients will often times ask the therapist their opinion on cortisone injections. Cortisone injections can be very helpful and significantly reduce inflammation, however, some therapists feel this can mask the pain not treating the true root cause of the problem. This is often debated among therapists. A short synopsis of the pros…
Read More
6 of our Favorite Adaptive Equipment Tools for CMC Osteoarthritis
Individuals struggling with osteoarthritis of the 1st CMC joint usually have difficulty with daily activities and it can become very frustrating. Everyday tasks such as cutting food, opening containers, and donning a button up shirt can become painful and slow. The largest contributor to the overall function of our hand is the thumb. If the…
Read More
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.
Great ideas. Thanks. Theraputty is one of the best hand exercises mediums/tools I have come across.