Equipment for hand and wrist arthritis exercises at home
Most of our hand arthritis exercises need nothing you have to buy. Here is the equipment the rest of the program uses, which exercises use it, what to look for, and what to use from around the house instead.
Start with what you have: a table to rest your forearm on and a small towel. That covers most of the program. Add the items below only if you want them.
What the program uses
Light dumbbells
Add light resistance to arm and shoulder exercises.
Used in: Wrist Curls (Flexion and Extension)
What to look for: A light pair you can lift 10 to 15 times with good form. Start lighter than you think.
Household swap: Water bottles or food cans.
Small soft ball
For squeezing exercises, such as grip work or squeezing between the knees.
Used in: Grip Strengthening Exercises
What to look for: Soft enough to squeeze comfortably.
Household swap: A rolled towel, a pillow or a soft toy ball.
Hand therapy putty
For grip and finger strengthening.
Used in: Grip Strengthening Exercises
What to look for: Sold in resistance levels. Start with the softest.
Household swap: A sponge or a soft ball.
Finger exerciser bands
For exercises that open the fingers against light resistance.
Used in: Finger Extension with Rubber Band
What to look for: Light resistance to start.
Household swap: A rubber band around the fingers.
What you’ll need Paid links
If you decide to buy something, these links go to search results for each item above.
- Light dumbbells · Start light and build up slowly. Water bottles or food cans work to start.
- Small soft ball · For squeezing exercises. A pillow or rolled towel works.
- Hand therapy putty · Comes in resistance levels; start with the softest. A sponge or soft ball works.
- Finger exerciser bands · For finger-opening exercises. A rubber band works.
Links go to Amazon search results, so you choose the product and price. We don’t recommend specific brands. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
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Before you start
Check with your doctor, physical therapist or other clinician before starting a new exercise program, especially after surgery or a recent injury. Stop and get advice if you have sharp or worsening pain, new numbness or weakness, or dizziness. Equipment makes some exercises easier to set up, but it doesn’t replace good form or the right amount. See our medical disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy anything to start?
No. You can start with a table to rest your forearm on and a small towel. Every item on this page has a household swap, and many exercises use no equipment at all.
How heavy should my dumbbells be?
Light enough that you can lift them 10 to 15 times slowly with good form, with the last few reps feeling like work. Water bottles or cans are a good way to find your starting point.
Last updated November 2026 · Protocol Archive Editorial. We don’t recommend brands, and no company pays to appear on this page.