Endorsements

Judith Frank, MD Board Certified in Rheumatology

As a licensed physician, board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, practicing for the past 20 years, I have diagnosed and treated nearly every type of arthritis and related conditions that can affect the hands.  Of the nearly 100 forms of arthritis, the two most common are Osteoarthritis (or degenerative joint disease) and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  The majority of patients with these conditions suffer with symptoms involving their hands. Other conditions which also affect the hands and/or fingers include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, trigger finger and a very painful condition seen in diabetics, known as Duputrytren’s contracture. These conditions can cause severe pain, swelling and/or stiffness and often lead to underuse of the hands and fingers because of the associated pain. This can result in muscle weakness with associated deformities and /or disabilities.

When a patient has arthritis or a similar condition, it is imperative for the patient to keep the muscles surrounding the affected areas as strong as possible.  The more powerful the muscles around the involved joint, the better they will be able to support and protect the joint, even those that are weak and damaged from arthritis.  If patients do not exercise the muscles, they will atrophy.  Moreover, if the joints stay in one position for too long without movement, they will lose the ability to straighten or bend and permanent deformities can result.  Once these malformations set in, they can be very difficult and sometimes impossible to “correct.”

In the past, conventional treatment for these conditions included “rest” due to the pain.  However, recent research has shown that exercise and strengthening is essential in treating many conditions that affect the hands.  We now know that patients with arthritis can and will improve through proper exercise and without damaging or harming the joints.

Exercise has been shown to be beneficial as it can help:

-keep the joints flexible

-keep the muscles surrounding the joint strong

-maintain proper range of motion

-prevent bone loss

-improve ability to perform daily activities and improve quality of life

Up until recently, I typically prescribed physical therapy only for patients when the pain involved the back, hip or knee.  Seldom did I refer a patient with a hand symptom to any type of therapy or exercise program because of the limited treatment options. Besides stretching and /or hot wax regimens, there was simply little to offer.  With the introduction of Finger-Weights, the recommendations and prognosis for patients with hand and finger conditions, has changed dramatically. Patients can now start an exercise program that is easy to perform both at physical therapy and at home.  Therapists can incorporate these weights into any treatment plan and can isolate the extensor and/or flexor muscles as needed.  Finger Weights provides patients with an effective, simple and non-strenuous exercise program which can be used almost anywhere.  Patients are so excited to finally have a way to exercise the small joints of the hands with results noticed after just a few days of use.  Not only do the hands feel stronger during the exercises, the added strength enhances their activities of daily living such as cooking and grooming,

Although these weights will not “cure” arthritis, if used in conjunction with proper exercises, they will help keep the joints strong and flexible allowing patients to continue daily tasks as independently as possible.

"You can feel the improvement almost instantly when you remove the weights, it really does feel like a weight has been removed (no pun intended). I have been using these daily for the last three weeks and I can honestly say that they are living up to the manufacturer's claims!

From being skeptical at first to where I am at now, I strongly recommend that if you are looking for ways to increase your finger strength and speed these are a great investment to make. Sure they aren't cheap, but they will last a lifetime and they really are making a difference with my playing. One thing my wife pointed out also is that they would be great for pianists too! Great one! I never thought of that."

Ben Edwards (former lead guitarist for the popular down-under band "DegreesK", author of Jamorama - The Ultimate Guitar Learning Kit) about using finger-weights in guitar practice.

"When treating patients & you want to increase the challenge, have the ability to grade progress objectively, and see the benefits you should try finger weights. finger-weights has a unique device to incorporate into your clinical practice. I have been using finger weights for years. I like the ability to adjust the weight and record the progress. I use finger weights with many pathologies from tendinitis, to fracture rehabilitation to general weakness. Finger weights are great tools to increase demand on the targeted structures without increasing pain. I have found them beneficial with musicians, athletes, office workers and retired patients. Give them a try."

Nancy Falkenstein, OTR, CHT, CEES about using finger-weights for hand therapy.

"Exercising - Perfect Training!"

Lulo Reinhardt, Great Flamenco Guitarist

"Perfect!"

Kalle Belz - Original Kapelle Egerland - He trained his fingers with finger-weights

"I used two weight increments and practiced for about forty-five minutes a day for four days before my next show. Let me say, without a doubt, it works. Two hours with no break goes by much easier. I haven’t felt tired or beat up at the end of the night since I’ve been using them. Not only do they work…they make sense!"

Andy Tanas, formerly with Black Oak Arkansas and also Krokus