Putty Hand Exercises

When your hands start getting cold, tingly, sore and stiff... 

I've been wondering why my hands have been so uncomfortable lately and have had some medical tests.  Fortunately, it looks like it has been an ergnomic issue with extra time on the laptop during our lockdown period and the occasional pulling of my 40 kg puppy! (yikes)

So a few changes including reverting to my old keyboard and mouse.  More dog training too!

As an OT, I couldn't help but to also dig out my putty. 

Manipulating putty is such a great way to build fine motor skills ... finger and thumb strength, individual finger movements, palmar arches, separation of the two sides of the hand and wrist extension!  There are so many things that you can do with putty (or playdough if you don't have putty). You can also try different densities of putty. 

Putty can help relax and strengthen the small muscles of the hand. It can be a good way to relieve stress and provide sensory input too. Try these putty hand exercise ideas! 

You can also add small items like coins, marbles, buttons or beads.  This is especially great for kids as they love finding "treasure".

You-tube link ---> https://youtu.be/sQQglZkgf7I
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Find a playlist of Fine Motor Activities on the YKOT you-tube channel -->
www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/playlists?view=1

​You may also like: 

• 25 Best toys for Fine Motor Skills
• Make your own catapult and tongs
• Fine Motor Skills with a Marble
• Push Pin Poke Drawing

I have lots of exciting things to share with newsletter subscribers in the coming weeks, so until then...

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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