Gel balls are used primarily to treat hand and finger injuries and increase hand strength. Practicing gel ball exercises can improve flexibility, fine motor skills and finger dexterity. Gel balls often are used in therapeutic settings to treat arthritis, repetitive motion injuries, stress and the effects of a stroke. Gel balls can be heated or cooled for additional therapeutic effects.
Isotonic
Unlike isometric exercises where there is no motion in the joints, isotonic exercise strengthens the muscles by moving the joints and holding them in position for a specified period. Gel balls are perfect for isotonic exercises. Grab the ball in your fingers and squeeze as hard as you can. The beauty of gel is that it can provide the right amount of resistance for any level of strength. Those recovering from hand or wrist surgery or those looking for arthritis relief can squeeze lightly and receive noticeable benefits from the moves. As strength improves, the gel provides additional resistance. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds, and release the hold. Rest for a few seconds and repeat. Perform these isotonic squeezing exercises every day or every other day on a regular basis to maintain hand strength.
Stamina building
Build stamina with a gel ball by squeezing the ball rapidly in quick motions for a set period. Start by squeezing and releasing the ball successively in quick motions for one minute. Add a minute every couple of days until you can continuously squeeze the ball for five minutes or more without feeling any pain or hand fatigue. You strengthen your hand and fingers, and the repetitive hand training with a gel ball also increases wrist and forearm strength and stamina.
Weight lifting
Use the gel ball in place of a light weight when you are first beginning strengthening exercises for your hand. The three to six ounces of a gel ball are light enough to avoid pain yet heavy enough to add some depth to hand exercises. Gel balls are easy to grip after surgery as well. Hold the gel ball lightly as you rest your arm on a table. Extend your weak hand over the edge of table with your palm facing down and the ball held lightly. Lift your wrist up and down 10 times. Rest for a few seconds and repeat.
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