Hand Therapy Theraputty Thumb Strengthening exercises

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

The aim of the leaflet is to provide information on strengthening exercises for the thumb which may be useful to you following your hand injury/ surgery.

The following exercises using therapy putty – ‘theraputty’ – will help to increase your thumb strength. When completing them, you may feel tightness or a pulling sensation. This is normal. If you experience a sharp pain, reduce the intensity of the exercises or stop for a couple of days to allow the pain to settle.

These exercises should only be completed when and how you are advised to do them by your therapist. They could harm to your recovery if they are done too early in the recovery process.

My Chart

If you have not already done so, we would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals which allows patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospitals’ electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or smart phone.

If you are interested in this please let us know and we can provide information, or look on our website: My Chart (opens in a new tab)

Contacts/Further information

The Occupational therapy department is located in clinic 30 in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (ATC). The Occupational therapy reception telephone number: 01223 216769

References/ Sources of evidence

Davis DI, Baratz M (2010) Soft tissue complications of distal radius fractures. Hand Clinic. 26(2), 229-235.

LaStayo P, Winter K, Hardy M (2003) Bone healing, fracture management and current concepts related to the hand. Journal of Hand Therapy, (16), 81-93.

Mackin EJ, Callahan AD, Skirven TM, Schneider LH, Osterman AL (2002) Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity.5th Edn. Fractures and joint injuries of the hand.