Watch guided demo: Soft grip squeeze
Weaving through fingers (putty)
Interdigital putty weave with abduction/adduction control
Goal
Combines interossei line work with graded resistance for functional spacing control.
Motion taxonomy (reference)
Also called: finger weave putty
Muscles — finger flexors/extensors, interossei, lumbricals
Tendons — intrinsic and finger tendon system
Bones / joints — DIP joints, MCP joints, phalanges, PIP joints
Indexed benefits: improves coordination · supports finger abduction/adduction · trains intrinsic control
Common contexts: coordination · dexterity rehab · intrinsic activation
Best for
- Intrinsic coordination
- Web-space control
- Sensory feedback
Default dose
60s • 2×/day
Equipment
Therapy putty
Avoid when
- Open web infections or ulcers
Measurement targets
- Cycles per minute without pain spike
Setup
- Roll a thin putty snake; weave it between two or more fingers.
Steps
- 1Spread fingers to tension the putty gently.
- 2Adduct fingers with control; reverse the rhythm.
- 3Keep shoulders relaxed.
Cues
- Pain-free tension only.
- Smooth rhythm.
Common mistakes
- Yanking into sharp web pain.
Stop if you feel
Stop rules
- Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
- Increasing swelling during or after
- New or worsening numbness or tingling
- Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
- Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
- Next morning is worse than the day before
Progressions
- Thicker putty strip if tolerated.
Regressions
- Two fingers only.
What to do next — not a dead end
Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.
~60s typical block
~60s · 2×/day
Therapy putty
Phases 2, 3, 4
Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.
Next best movements
Later phase or richer progression when you are ready.
Prerequisite / gentler lane
Same region and intent — usually earlier phase or lower risk.
Commonly paired with
Different primary goal, same region — typical mixed sessions.
Related movements
Similar mechanics, goals, or anatomy.
Guided exercises that use this
Step-by-step sessions that embed this movement pattern.
Keep momentum without overdoing it
Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.