How to use hand putty: your photo guide

Buttons, keys, cutlery. The small things ask a lot of our hands. For World Arthritis Day, we've made a clear photo guide to help you get to know hand putty and discuss a suitable routine with your therapist.

See three ways to use putty, understand the five resistance colours and keep a note of the plan that suits you. Save it on your phone or print it for your next appointment.

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.

What about the hand gripper set?

Putty can be shaped for different finger and thumb movements. The hand gripper set adds five tools for grip work. Its main gripper is marked 5-60kg, and even the lowest setting may be unsuitable for painful arthritic hands. It is an optional strength tool, not a treatment for arthritis.

Find your putty

Choose hand therapy putty or see the hand gripper set.

Sources

Sources checked 12 October 2026. General information to support an individual plan. No endorsement by the source organisations is implied.