Theraputty is a silicone-based putty used for hand therapy exercises. It is made from a silicone polymer with silica filler and pigment, similar to children’s toy putty but without borax or boric acid. When used as directed, Theraputty is considered safe for adults and children over three years old.
What Exactly Is Theraputty Made Of?
Theraputty is a silicone putty. The main ingredient is polydimethylsiloxane, a type of silicone oil that is cross-linked into a solid form. Silica powder is added as a filler to give the putty its texture and thickness.
Color pigments are added to distinguish the different resistance levels. The colors range from soft yellow to firm black. Unlike homemade play putties, Theraputty does not contain borax, boric acid, or wheat gluten.
The manufacturing process is controlled by the company Sammons Preston, which produces therapy and rehabilitation products. The exact formula is proprietary, but the ingredients are standard for medical-grade silicone putties used in occupational therapy.
Is Theraputty Safe for Children and Adults?
Yes, Theraputty is safe when used as intended. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission classifies silicone putties as non-toxic. Theraputty has passed ASTM F963-17 testing, which is the standard safety specification for toy safety in the United States.
However, no putty is safe to eat. Theraputty is not food. If a child swallows a large amount, it could cause a blockage in the digestive tract. This is true for any non-food item, not just Theraputty.
For children under three years old, Theraputty is not recommended. Small pieces can break off and pose a choking hazard. The manufacturer states it is for ages three and up.
Some people worry about silicone allergies. True silicone allergies are extremely rare. Less than one percent of the population has a confirmed silicone allergy. If you have a known allergy to silicone, avoid Theraputty.
Does Theraputty Contain Borax or Toxic Chemicals?
No. Theraputty does not contain borax, boric acid, or sodium tetraborate. These are common in homemade play putties and some commercial putties labeled as “therapy putty.”
Borax can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and is toxic if swallowed in large amounts. Theraputty was specifically designed to avoid these risks. The silicone formula is chemically stable and does not leach out plasticizers or phthalates.
Some cheaper putties sold online contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with added plasticizers. These can contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption. Theraputty does not contain PVC or phthalates.
If you buy a different brand of therapy putty, check the ingredient list. Look for “silicone” as the first ingredient. Avoid putties that list “PVC,” “phthalates,” or “borax” on the label.
What Does Research Say About Theraputty Safety?
There are no published clinical trials specifically testing Theraputty safety. This is normal for a simple physical therapy tool. The safety profile is based on the known properties of its ingredients.
Silicone used in medical devices has been studied extensively. The FDA has approved silicone for use in implants, tubing, and wound care. The silicone in Theraputty is the same type of material, just in putty form.
A 2019 review in the Journal of Hand Therapy found that putty exercises are effective for improving grip strength and hand function. The review did not report any adverse events related to the putty material itself.
The American Society of Hand Therapists includes putty exercises in their standard treatment protocols. They do not issue specific warnings about putty safety beyond general choking and hygiene concerns.
How to Use Theraputty Safely
Wash your hands before and after using Theraputty. Oils from your skin can break down the silicone over time. This is not dangerous, but it makes the putty sticky and less effective.
Store Theraputty in its original container or a sealed plastic bag. Dust and lint stick to the putty surface. If the putty gets dirty, rinse it with cool water and pat dry. Do not use soap, which can damage the silicone.
Keep Theraputty away from fabric, carpets, and hair. Silicone putty can stick to these materials and is difficult to remove. If it gets stuck in hair, use a generous amount of vegetable oil to loosen it, then comb out slowly.
Do not microwave or heat Theraputty. High heat can break down the silicone and release fumes. If the putty feels too firm, warm it in your hands for a few minutes. Body heat is enough to soften it.
Replace Theraputty when it becomes discolored, sticky, or develops cracks. This usually happens after several months of regular use. Old putty can harbor bacteria if it gets dirty.
Keep Theraputty out of reach of pets. Dogs and cats may try to eat it. Silicone is not digestible and can cause intestinal blockages in animals.
Common Misconceptions About Theraputty
Some people think Theraputty is the same as children’s Silly Putty. They are similar in texture but not identical. Silly Putty contains boric acid and is not marketed for therapeutic use. Theraputty has no boric acid and is designed specifically for hand exercises.
Another myth is that Theraputty can cure arthritis or heal nerve damage. It cannot. Theraputty is a tool for exercise, not a medicine. It helps maintain or improve hand strength and range of motion, but it does not treat the underlying condition.
Some users believe higher resistance putty is always better. This is not true. Using putty that is too firm can cause muscle strain or joint pain. The right resistance level allows you to complete 10 to 15 repetitions with good form before fatigue sets in.
There is also a claim that Theraputty can be used as a stress reliever by squeezing it throughout the day. While squeezing putty can be calming, it is not a replacement for stress management techniques. Theraputty is a therapy tool, not a mental health intervention.
What to Avoid When Buying Therapy Putty
Avoid putties that do not list their ingredients. Some generic brands sold on online marketplaces contain unknown fillers. If the label says “proprietary blend” without listing specific ingredients, choose a different product.
Stay away from putties that smell strongly of plastic or chemicals. This suggests the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Silicone putty has little to no odor.
Do not buy putty that is labeled as “scented” or “flavored.” These additives can encourage children to put the putty in their mouths. Theraputty is unscented and unflavored for safety reasons.
Be cautious of putties sold as “therapeutic” but made from cornstarch, glue, or other food-based ingredients. These can grow mold or bacteria over time. They also degrade faster than silicone putty.
Check the resistance levels before buying. Some brands use numbers like “medium” or “extra firm” without standard definitions. Theraputty uses a color-coded system that is consistent across their product line.
| Resistance Level | Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Soft | Yellow | Very weak hands, post-surgery recovery |
| Soft | Red | Mild weakness, arthritis |
| Medium Soft | Green | General hand strengthening |
| Medium | Blue | Moderate hand strength |
| Firm | Purple | Strong hands, grip training |
| Extra Firm | Black | High resistance, sports training |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Theraputty cause skin irritation?
Skin irritation from Theraputty is very rare because silicone is hypoallergenic. If you develop a rash after using it, stop use and check if you are allergic to silicone.
Is Theraputty safe to use after hand surgery?
Yes, but only after your surgeon or therapist approves it. Start with the softest resistance level and follow your therapy plan exactly.
How long does Theraputty last before it needs replacing?
With regular use and proper storage, Theraputty lasts about six to twelve months. Replace it when it becomes sticky, discolored, or develops cracks.
Can I microwave Theraputty to soften it?
No, never microwave Theraputty. Heat breaks down the silicone and can release fumes. Warm it in your hands instead.
