Soft putty grip
Composite grip into graded putty
Graded resistance for progressive grip strengthening.
Best for
- Progressive grip strengthening
Default dose
10 reps • 2 sets • 3×/week
Equipment
Therapy putty
Avoid when
- Trigger finger flare
- Fresh tendon repair without clearance
Measurement targets
- Reps to fatigue
- Putty grade tolerated
Setup
- Hold soft putty in the palm.
Steps
- 1Squeeze the putty into the palm.
- 2Release fully.
Cues
- Build slowly through softer grades first.
Common mistakes
- Jumping to firm putty too soon.
Stop rules
- Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
- Increasing swelling during or after
- New or worsening numbness or tingling
- Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
- Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
- Next morning is worse than the day before
Progressions
- Move to medium-soft putty.
- Add hold time.
Regressions
- Return to sponge.
What to do next — not a dead end
Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.
Short sets — often 2×10 as a micro-session
10 reps · 2 sets
Therapy putty
Phases 3, 4, 5
Higher load or coordination — scale range and speed.
Avoid if this sounds like you
Trigger finger flare
Fresh tendon repair without clearance
Reread best-for context ↑Where this shows up clinically
How phases map to healingPrerequisite / gentler lane
Same region and intent — usually earlier phase or lower risk.
Commonly paired with
Different primary goal, same region — typical mixed sessions.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Guided exercises that use this
Step-by-step sessions that embed this movement pattern.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.