When should I use Ergo Putty®?
Ergo Putty® can be used most anywhere! Some helpful suggestions would be while in meetings, on the telephone, on the airplane, while watching television, as a passenger on a long car trip, or as part of a daily workout.
Why Use Ergo Putty®?
Ergo Putty® is fun! Being able to perform various stretches with your hands to strengthen not only your hands but also your forearms can be a helpful ergonomic preventative. Keeping your muscles fit means that you will be able to work longer before becoming exhausted. You will notice that you can lift and carry heavy objects more easily and not feel as much strain when performing activities for longer periods of time before becoming too tired. Having stronger muscles also protects your joints.
How can Ergo Putty® help me?
Ergo Putty® is ideal for strengthening finger, hand and forearm muscles. Keeping your muscles fit means that you will be able to work longer before becoming exhausted. You will notice that you can carry heavy objects more easily, pick up items or children without feeling as much strain and carry items longer periods of time before becoming too tired. Having stronger muscles also protects your joints
Can I over use Ergo Putty®?
With any type of exercise, the body needs time to recover. Using Ergo Putty® on a constant basis without breaks prevents the body from replenishing its’ energy and repairing muscles. When you exercise with Ergo Putty® the resistance stresses your muscles slightly, but not the point of serious damage or injury. When you rest, your body rebuilds muscles, tendons and ligaments so that they are prepared for the next time they will be stressed. When you stress the muscles again, the process is repeated and the muscles gradually become stronger. It is important, as always, not to overdo it!
What is the history of Ergo Putty®?
The name Ergo Putty® was created in 2000. The product name was trademarked in 2002 and the packaging was designed in 2005 for the consumer market. Putty has been used in other markets since the 1950’s for various rehabilitation treatments after injury has occurred and to help restore strength to the hands and upper extremities.
Other preventive tips to help prevent arm, hand and wrist discomfort are:
When keying and mousing relax your shoulders and put your elbows at a 90 degree angle with your wrists relaxed not in extension or flexion, neutral to reach your keys and mouse. If you are unable to do this then consider lowering your workstation or desk or using an adjustable height keyboard tray.
Make sure your mouse is on the same level as your keys are so that you can eliminate the awkward posture of reaching for your mouse and extending your shoulders. Placement of your mouse next to your keys is critical to minimizing overuse of the muscles and tendons that run through your forearms, wrists and fingers.
Using a trackball, curved keyboard or alternative device is good as long as the location of this device allows your shoulders to be relaxed and your hands are not in extension or flexion.
Stay within your neutral reach zone, arms extended directly in front of you to reach objects. If the object you need is overhead, make sure to stand to reach to eliminate stress on your back and your upper extremities.
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