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 Reply Cancel Reply
More To Read
Sensory interventions on motor function, activities of daily living, and spasticity of the upper limb in people with stroke: A randomized clinical trial.
Maryam, D., Parvin, R., Hossein, B., Jalili, M. & Hosein, T. (2020). Sensory interventions on motor function, activities of daily living, and spasticity of the upper limb in people with stroke: A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Hand Therapy, Jun 18;S0894-1130(20)30076-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2020.03.028. Online ahead of print. The Skinny: Stroke is the second cause of death, leading…
Read More
Sensitivity and Specificity in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Tests in Hand Therapy
By: Mikayla Murphy Sensitivity and Specificity in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Tests in Hand Therapy Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) describes the compression of nerves, arteries, and veins as they pass through the thoracic outlet. Compression can occur at the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular triangle, and the subcoracoid space (Physiopedia, n.d.). There are three types of…
Read More
Simple but Effective Ways Hand Therapists Address Psychosocial Impacts of Upper Extremity Injuries
Although psychosocial factors are often not formally assessed during an evaluation in those with upper extremity injuries, the therapist often informally assesses these during and after treatment sessions. Sustaining an upper extremity injury can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience. Beyond the physical pain and limitations, these injuries can profoundly impact an individual’s psychosocial…
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.