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(Please also note that this is for information purposes only. For medical advice and diagnosis consult a qualified professional).
Stroke can weaken the hands and fingers, making it hard for survivors to do daily tasks. But with the right hand exercises and therapy tools, strength can improve over time. One of the best tools for hand recovery is therapy putty.
This guide will help you choose the right type of therapy putty based on grip strength. We’ll also recommend some useful products available on Amazon.
Step 1: Use the Grip Strength Test
If you have access to a hand dynamometer, use it to measure grip strength in pounds or kilograms. This helps you select the correct resistance level of therapy putty.
Recommended Grip Strength Tool:
If you don’t have a dynamometer, don’t worry! Try this simple method instead.
Step 2: Try a Simple Squeeze Test (No Tools Needed)
🧼 What Can they Squeeze?
- A kitchen sponge:
If the stroke survivor struggles to squeeze a sponge, start with a Extra Soft Putty (Find the link to the products below). - A sponge is easy to squeeze:
Then medium resistance Putty may be better. - Can press a rubber ball with some effort:
Try Firm Putty.
👇 What Your Grip Strength Tells You:
Grip Strength level | Type of Therapy Putty |
Weak: <10 lbs / <4.5 kg | Soft Therapy Putty |
Mild: 10–20 lbs / 4.5–9 kg | Medium Therapy Putty |
Moderate: 20–40 lbs / 9–18 kg | Firm Therapy Putty |
Strong: 40+ lbs / 18+ kg | Extra Firm Therapy Putty |
Product Description:
TheraPutty Resistive Hand Exercise Material

Comes in resealable containers in 2, 3, 4, 6 oz. Ideal for single use.

Safe to use

Can use in full hand strengthening exercises.

In six colors in six different grip strength levels.