Hands, thumbs and grip
Thumb braces, finger splints, paraffin baths, therapy putty and grip trainers.
Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.
Guides in this section
Grip Trainer Guide: Choosing Resistance and Training Safely
How to choose a grip trainer: adjustable vs fixed spring grippers, picking a starting resistance, a simple weekly routin
Therapy Putty: Resistance Colors and How to Choose
Therapy putty explained: what the resistance colors mean, how to pick a starting strength, who should wait before using
Hand Exercise Tools: Balls, Putty, Bands and More
Compare hand exercise tools: squeeze balls, therapy putty, finger bands and grippers. Who each suits, how often to use t
Thumb and Wrist Brace: When You Need Both Held Still
A thumb and wrist brace holds both joints still, often for de Quervain's. How to tell if you need one, features to look
Brace for Thumb Pain: Which Style Fits Your Problem
How to pick a brace for thumb pain: match the brace to where it hurts, compare hand-based and wrist-length styles, and l
Finger Splint Guide: Which Type for Which Finger Injury
Which finger splint fits your injury: stack splints, buddy straps, gutter and aluminum splints compared, with typical we
Paraffin Bath for Hands: Use, Safety and What to Buy
How a paraffin bath for hands works, what the evidence says for arthritis, the safe temperature and dip method, and who
Metal Finger Splint: Padded Aluminum Splints Explained
What a metal finger splint is, which injuries it is used for, how foam-padded aluminum is sized, bent and taped, and the
Thumb Brace for Sprain: Grades, Splints and Healing Time
A thumb brace for sprain depends on the grade of the injury. Learn the signs that need an exam, which splint fits, and h
Splint for Trigger Finger: Night Wear, Fit and Limits
How a splint for trigger finger is used: worn at night to keep the finger straight, how to pick one, skin checks, and wh
Theraputty Exercises: A Hand Therapy Guide, Step by Step
Theraputty exercises for grip, pinch, finger spreading and the thumb, from NHS hand therapy leaflets (PDF guides), with
Wrist Strengthener: Weights, Bands and Flex Bars Compared
Choosing a wrist strengthener: light dumbbells, resistance bands, flex bars and wrist rollers compared, with starting we
Splint for Pinky Finger: Jams, Breaks and Boxer's Fractures
How a pinky finger is splinted: buddy taping to the ring finger, small finger splints, and the ulnar gutter splint used