Well-conditioned hand muscles have improved control and endurance, allow for freer wrist move- ment, and reduce the likelihood of injury. The hand exercises shown here will help to develop and maintain muscle strength for periodontal instrumentation.
Directions: These exercises use Power Putty, a silicone rubber material that resists both squeezing and stretching forces. For each exercise illustrated, squeeze or stretch the Power Putty for the sug- gested number of repetitions. The exercise set, for both hands doing all nine exercises, should take no more than 10 to 20 minutes. When exercising, maintain your hands at waist level.
CAUTION: Not all exercise programs are suitable for everyone; discontinue any exercise that causes you discomfort and consult a medical expert. If you have or suspect that you may have a musculoskeletal injury, do not attempt these exercises without the permission of a physician. Any user assumes the risk of injury resulting from performing the exercises. The creators and authors disclaim any liabilities in connection with the exercises and advice herein.
1. Full Grip (flexor muscles).
Squeeze putty with your fingers against the palm of your hand. Roll it over and around in your hand and repeat as rapidly and with as much strength as possible. Suggested Repetitions: 10
2. All Finger Spread (extensor and abductor muscles).
Form putty into a thick pancake shape and place on a tabletop. Bunch fingertips together and place in putty. Spread fingers out as fast as possible. Suggested Repetitions: 3
3. Fingers Dig (flexor muscles).
Place putty in the palm of your hand and dig fingertips deep into the putty. Release the fingers, roll putty over, and repeat. Suggested Repetitions: 10
4. Finger Extension (extensor muscles).
Close one finger into palm of hand. Wrap putty over tip of finger and hold loose ends with the other hand. As quickly as possible, extend finger to a fully opened position. Regulate difficulty by increasing or decreasing thickness of putty wrapped over the fingertip. Repeat with each finger. Suggested Repetitions: 3
5. Thumb Press (flexor muscles).
Form putty into a barrel shape and place in the palm of your hand. Press your thumb into the putty with as much force as you can. Reform putty and repeat. Suggested Repetitions: 5
6. Thumb Extension (extensor muscles).
Bend your thumb toward the palm of the hand; wrap putty over the thumb tip. Hold the loose ends down and extend the thumb open as quickly as possible. Regulate diffi- culty by increasing or decreasing the thickness of putty wrapped over tip of thumb. Suggested Repetitions: 3
7. Fingers Only (flexor muscles).
Lay putty across fingers and squeeze with fingertips only. Keep the palm of your hand flat and open. Rotate putty with thumb and repeat. Suggested Repetitions: 10
8. Finger Scissors (adductor muscles).
Form putty into the shape of a ball and place between any two fingers. Squeeze fingers together in scissors-like motion. Repeat with each pair of fingers. Suggested Repetitions: 3
9. Finger Splits (abductor muscles).
Mold putty around any two fingers while they are closed together. Spread fingers apart as quickly as possible. Repeat exercise with each pair of fingers. Suggested Repetitions: 3
