At Therapy Expo and other events, our hand putty is one of the products people stop to try. This World Arthritis Day, we're bringing that hands-on moment into a guide you can use in practice.
Three putty movements, a colour-by-colour resistance guide and space to write an individual plan. Print it for a patient, talk through the options and agree what fits their goals.
Download the printable hand-putty guide
Start with an everyday goal
Doing up a button, holding cutlery or turning a key can be useful starting points for a conversation. Write down the task that matters, then agree an appropriate exercise plan.
Three movements to discuss
These are options to select with a therapist, rather than a routine everyone should complete. The colours shown in the photos are examples, not a resistance recommendation.
Pad pinch
Press the putty between the thumb pad and finger pads. The downloadable guide shows the movement and provides space to record your plan.
Tip pinch
Make a rounded O with the thumb and index finger. The downloadable guide shows the movement and provides space to record your plan.
Finger opening
Open the hand against a loose loop of putty. The downloadable guide shows the movement and provides space to record your plan.
Which resistance?
The five colours run from pink (extra extra soft), through yellow (extra soft), red (soft) and green (medium), to blue (firm). Choose the resistance that fits the individual plan. Firmer is not automatically better.
When to pause
If you have arthritis, persistent pain, an injury or recent surgery, check with your therapist before using resistance. Avoid resisted exercise when joints are hot, red, swollen or actively painful. Stop if pain is sharp or symptoms worsen.
Find your putty
Choose hand therapy putty or explore the five-pack.
Sources
- Guy's and St Thomas': therapeutic putty exercises
- University Hospitals Sussex: hand osteoarthritis exercises
- Cambridge University Hospitals: starting putty after injury or surgery
- EULAR: World Arthritis Day 2026
Sources checked 12 October 2026. General information to support an individual plan. No endorsement by the source organisations is implied.
