Best Hand Exercise Equipment for Stroke Rehab

Henry Hoffman
Saturday, September 8th, 2018
Last modified on September 26th, 2022


Having the right exercise equipment can help you recover faster after a stroke. Specialized tools exist to help you build up the strength and skill to use dining tools again, to cook a meal, to dress yourself — the strength and skills to take your life back.

There are many options when it comes to stroke rehab equipment, so it can be difficult to know what tools are best to meet your specific needs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best hand exercise equipment on the market and how to make the most of any device you choose. You’ll also learn what to look for when choosing a device.

Important Rules for Choosing Hand Exercise Equipment in Stroke Recovery

Here are some things to remember when choosing exercise equipment for your recovery:

  1. Choose a rehab tool that you enjoy using. Doing this will make it easier to stick to your regimen. If you don’t enjoy rehab, then you will be more likely to put it off.
  2. Pick something that you can use consistently and repetitively. Repetitive exercise is the key to recovery.
  3. Select equipment that is comfortable and easy to use. If a rehab tool causes pain or discomfort, then you probably won’t keep using it. Therefore, it’s most helpful to choose rehab tools that are simple, straightforward, and don’t cause physical irritation or pain.
  4. Select equipment that is affordable and within your budget.

Keep the above guidelines in mind as you choose the right equipment for your needs.

Five Great Hand Exercise Tools for Stroke Rehabilitation

1) Therapy Balls

Hand therapy balls are great for improving strength and flexibility after a stroke. They’re affordable, easy to use, and can be incorporated into lots of different exercises. Regular use of therapy balls can help prevent stiffness and relieve joint pain. It will also strengthen your hands and fingers.

2) Therapy Putty/Clay

Therapy putty is ideal for stroke rehabilitation exercises, as it provides simple yet practical resistance training. This clay helps improve fine motor skills and strengthens the hand muscles, which can facilitate the development of a robust and capable grip. Many people also find squeezing the putty to be a relaxing stress relief activity. Choose a therapy putty that offers several levels of resistance, from soft to firm. Most of the time, the putty is color-coded by resistance levels.

3) Finger Exercisers

Finger exercisers help you regain your fine motor skills after a stroke. They also help you develop and maintain the dexterity and strength of your fingers. Using finger exercises on a regular basis will also help strengthen the hands and forearms. One such finger exerciser is the Epitomie Fitness Finger Master. This particular finger exerciser consists of a set of pistons that can be independently manipulated. As you progress, you can perform a wide variety of hand and finger exercises with this particular tool. This exerciser is also small enough to fit in a purse or pocket so that you can carry it along with you for workouts on the go.

4) Mirror Therapy Box

Mirror therapy helps stroke survivors reduce pain and improve motor skills, and is an ideal treatment for hand paralysis after a stroke. It works by activating the brain’s ability to change or reorganize itself after a stroke, which is called neuroplasticity.

Mirror therapy “tricks” your brain by using the reflection of an unaffected, working limb to project the image two unaffected, working limbs. Performing exercises with the unaffected hand or arm in a mirror box appears to the brain like two unaffected limbs, which can help rebuild the damaged neural pathways inhibiting full functionality in the affected limb. Repetition and consistency are extremely important in mirror therapy; the brain learns best when instructed methodically and purposefully.

The Saebo Mirror Box is a scientifically proven treatment tool used to speed up and improve motor function following stroke and other neurological disorders.

5) Therapeutic Gloves or Splints

These devices help improve hand and finger range of motion and functional mobility after a stroke.

The SaeboGlove is a state-of-the-art therapy device that helps stroke survivors enjoy greater freedom. It improves your functionality at home by enabling you to grasp and release objects more easily.

SaeboGlove

The SaeboGlove is also ideal for performing various therapeutic activities like grasp-and-release exercises. It features a unique tension system that extends the thumb and fingers and is ideal for all levels of hand functioning. The glove is lightweight and comfortable, making it perfect for extended wear. It won’t cause pain or irritation, even after hours of use.

SaeboFlex

The SaeboFlex is an evidence-based tool that helps improve hand and arm functionality, allowing you to grasp objects by flexing your fingers. Once your fingers relax, a unique spring assists you in reopening your hand to release the object.

Are you at risk for poor hand recovery? Take our Hand Recovery Quiz to find out now!

Full Hand Recovery is Within Your Grasp

Just like anything else, stroke recovery is much easier when you have the right tools for the job. The path to recovery after a stroke is the path to reclaiming your life, so there’ll never be a more important moment to set yourself up for success. Thankfully, there are many specialized and purpose-designed devices available to help you face any challenge or stage of recovery more comfortably and effectively. At Saebo, we’re passionate about making sure you find everything you need to achieve your rehabilitation goals. Here at Saebo, we are committed to stroke support and recovery for all survivors and their families. Saebo offers a wide range of products that combine cutting-edge technology with evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. Our offerings and network of Saebo-trained therapists can help you or a loved one to obtain all the necessary tools to maximize stroke recovery.


All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by the Saebo website is solely at your own risk.

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