Abstract: A therapeutic device is provided for use in the treatment and/or rehabilitation of injuries to bodily extremities, such as the hands or feet. In the device a capsule or chamber is provided which is at least partially filled with a Newtonian or non-Newtonian liquid. An area approximating the shape of the extremity to under therapy, such as a hand, is formed and made an integral part of the capsule such that the extremity undergoing therapy may be inserted to move freely within the liquid physically coming into contact with the liquid. In one embodiment the capsule is molded from a single piece of transparent rubber with a fluid chamber formed at one end and a glove-like area formed at the other. The fluid chamber is filled with a liquid, such as medical grade silicone or organic polymer liquid, and then the glove-like area inverted to be located within the outer walls of the capsule.

Abstract: The guitar player's finger exerciser includes a weight member and a guitar pick. The weight member has a pick receiving slot. A string contact portion of the guitar pick is received in the pick receiving slot. The finger grasping surfaces of the guitar pick extend out of the pick receiving slot. A retainer holds the string engaging portion of the guitar pick in the pick receiving slot. The guitar pick is held by a person exercising his fingers, hand and arm the same way it would be held when playing a guitar. While exercising the pick and attached weight is moved at a similar speed and in a path similar to the speed and path employed when playing music.

Abstract: A precessional gyroscopic exercise device includes a housing containing a tiltable rotor assembly. The housing and the rotor assembly may be coupled together by a tilt assembly that defines a fixed precession axis for the rotor assembly and allows the rotor assembly to be tilted relative to the fixed precession axis. When the rotor is spinning, and the rotor assembly is tilted contact between the spinning axle and the interior surfaces of a circumferential channel in the housing causes the rotor assembly to rotate about the fixed precession axis, producing a gyroscopic precessional torque—this torque, and resultant wobbling of the device, is opposed by the user for the exercise effect. The tilting mechanism may be associated with handles on the outside of the device, allowing the user to selectively control the tilting of the rotor assembly. The handles may be rotatably coupled to the device, permitting operation of the device using a pedaling motion.

Abstract: A hand-holdable exercising device is provided in the form of an elongated member having a central portion tapering into oppositely facing handle and end knob portions. The elongated member, in its mostly preferred form, is generally cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and superficially resembles two baseball bats joined together end-to-end with their handle portions facing oppositely from each other. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, a device 15 provided for selectively varying the weight of the exercising device. Various exercises also are disclosed for manipulating the member while walking or standing in place.

Abstract: A hand-holdable exercising device is provided in the form of an elongated member having a central portion tapering into oppositely facing handle and end knob portions. The elongated member, in its mostly preferred form, is generally cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and superficially resembles two baseball bats joined together end-to-end with their handle portions facing oppositely from each other. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, means are provided for selectively varying the weight of the exercising device. Various exercises also are disclosed for manipulating the member while walking or standing in place.

Abstract: A hand exercise device comprises a hollow housing with a plurality of apertures extending through its outer wall. Exercise rods extend from the interior of the housing and through the apertures. The rods may have an enlarged section with a cross dimension that is greater than a cross dimension of the apertures for retaining the rods in the housing. Filler material is located within the housing interior. The filler material comprises a plurality of solid particles in frictional engagement with the portion of each rod within the housing to thereby resist sliding movement of the rods when they are either pushed or pulled by a user. Several different embodiments of the hand exercise device are disclosed.

Abstract: An arm exercising device for strengthening a user's biceps and triceps. The device has an upper arm support platform which is attached to the user's upper arm. The upper arm platform is hinged to a hand driven arm. The hand driven arm holds a handle so that the handle can slide along the hand driven arm as the exerciser pulls and pushes the hand driven arm with respect to the upper arm platform. Friction is provided at a pivot point between these two members so that the user's bicep is exercised during the pulling in of the hand driven arm and the tricep is exercised as the hand driven arm is pushed outwardly. The device can also be attached between a user's chest and an arm and used to exercise deltoid and lateral muscles.

Abstract: An exercise, strengthening and therapy device for the hand, wrist and arm. An elastomeric disk-like body has a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving the thumb and fingers of the user. A convex enlargement extends from at least one surface of the body positioned inward of the apertures. The enlargement may be spherical, semi-spherical or other curved configuration. In use, the device is inserted over the ends of the fingers and the thumb. In a preferred embodiment the device is integral, and in another the components may be disassembled and used separately. Exercise, strengthening and therapy benefits are achieved by flexing the fingers against the elastic resistance of the body and by alternately compressing the elastomeric projection within the palmar surface and fingers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to strengthen an individual hands, fingers and wrists includes at least one resilient band supported by at least one of a plurality of spaced pegs which extend from at least one side of a support base and wherein resistance of the at least one resilient band to manipulation by the fingers and hands is used to exercise and strengthen muscles of the hands and wrists.

Abstract: A hand-holdable exercising device is provided in the form of an elongated member having a central portion tapering into oppositely facing handle and end knob portions. The elongated member, in its mostly preferred form, is generally cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and superficially resembles two baseball bats joined together end-to-end with their handle portions facing oppositely from each other. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, means are provided for selectively varying the weight of the exercising device. Various exercises also are disclosed for manipulating the member while walking or standing in place.

Abstract: A wrist ball comprises a lower shell and an upper shell which is joined with the top of the lower shell. The lower shell is provided therein with a bracing ring and a rotary member. The upper shell is provided at the top thereof with a round opening. The rotary member is provided in the periphery thereof with a groove which is in turn provided with a first engaging portion. The round opening of the upper shell is sealed off by a cap which is provided with two through holes for receiving a pull member. The pull member has a rod portion which is provided with a second engaging portion that is engaged with the first engaging portion of the rotary member. The rotary member is actuated by the pull member to rotate.

Abstract: A knockdown block toy including a soft extensible outer envelope body and a predetermined number of component blocks contained in the outer envelope body. The outer envelope body softly encloses the component blocks therein, whereby when the knockdown block assembly is squeezed and compressed or pushed by external force, the component blocks are displaced within the outer envelope body relative to each other and re-assembled and stacked to form various patterns of assemblies as desired.

Abstract: A device for exercising the tendons and muscles affected by tennis elbow takes the preferred form of a closed band of elastic material of sufficient circumference to fit around the fingers and thumb of the hand. On the band are four finger loops and one thumb loop. The wearer repeatedly extends the fingers and thumb against the tension of the elastic band and then retracts them. This exercising of the inflamed tendons and muscles ameliorates over time the pain and discomfort of tennis elbow.

Abstract: A resistance device (20) useful as a thumb or hand exerciser. The device (20) includes an outer member (32) including an axial through bore (34); an inner member (22) received within the through bore (34) and extending out of both its ends; and a friction member (36), such as an elastomer sleeve, immovably mounted on said inner member (22); said friction member (36) being in operable contact with the through bore (34) to provide resistance to relative axial movement between said inner (22) and outer (32) members. The level of resistance may be adjusted by rotating ends (24, 24′)of the inner member (22) relative to one another such that the friction member (36) is axially compressed. Stops (30, 30′) limit axial travel.

Abstract: An exercise system includes an upper planar plate, a lower plate, a sidewall coupling the upper and lower plates to retain them in a spaced parallel relationship forming a housing with a chamber there within. Five slots formed in the upper plate extend from adjacent the lower edge to adjacent the upper edge. A slide member is slidably received within each slot. Each slide member is fabricated of an electrically conductive material with an electrically insulated component secured there above for receiving a finger of a user. Primary electrical contacts located on the upper surface and spaced along the length of the slots on opposite sides thereof are adapted to be contacted by the slide member periodically as the slide member moves along the slot. A plurality of apertures shaped as numbers are formed in the upper plate laterally spaced from the primary electrical contacts. A light bulb is located beneath each aperture.

Abstract: The invention is a resilient exercise grip that has a non-resilient core with a doughy consistency surrounded by an elastic covering. The core consists of a powdery substance, a liquid, a preservative and also contains low-density beads to create a lighter grip. The outer covering may consist of a single thick layer, or a number of thin layers. The resiliency of the grip enables a user to deform the grip and thereby change its shape which quickly and substantially returns to its pre-deformed state.

Abstract: An exercise device for the hands, wrists and forearms comprising an externally threaded, vertically oriented inner post member and an outer sleeve member coaxially mounted thereon in a rotatable and telescoping manner, where the outer sleeve supports a number of interchangeable weight disks and the outer sleeve member is raised and lowered relative to the inner post member by rotation of the outer sleeve member. Outer sleeve member is connected to an internally threaded bearing nut containing a plural number of ball bearings, the ball bearings being retained by external threading on said inner post member.

Abstract: The apparatus provides active and passive exercise to the hand, wrist and forearm of the patient. It has dual handles and an attached inertia apparatus such that both the affected arm and the non affected arm are subjected to the therapy. It is theorized that in the retraining of nerve, muscle and ligament/tendon function there is cross-training of right-left part of the systems and the healthy system can assist the afflicted part of the system in retraining. The apparatus addresses specifically the range of motion of the wrist, both for flexion-extension and pronation-supination. For pronation-supination, two conical handles, one for each hand is attached through an axis to a gear system connected to a flywheel. The gear/flywheel system allows for clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the flywheel. The patient puts the system in motion by rotating the handles in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The rotary (oscillating) motion is transferred to the flywheel through the gears.

Abstract: An exercise grip and method for its use in coupling an object such as a handle or a weight to the hand of a user. The exercise grip has a body including a base portion with first and second opposing ends for retaining the handle or weight to the base portion. First and second strap portions are attached to and extend from opposite sides of the body along an axis of the body and are sized and shaped to extend around the back of the user's hand with the first strap portion extending between the thumb and forefinger of the user's hand and the second strap portion passing over the metacarpus region of the user's hand. The first and second strap portions meet and are attached to one another around the user's wrist.

Abstract: A device for carrying out motional training by continuously flexing and extending a joint of the body comprises a mounting piece for mounting the device in the vicinity of a joint, a drive unit arranged on the mounting piece including a reversable rotation motor having a motor output shaft, a manual switching clutch connected to the motor output shaft, a power transmission connected to the motor output shaft and a transmission output rotating shaft, a swinging arm having a base portion mounted on the mounting piece, and a free end portion of the device including another mounting piece for mounting the free end side of the device to a portion of the shaft body in front of a joint. The swinging arm is coupled to the transmission output rotating shaft and subjected to a reciprocating swing motion during regular and reverse rotation of the transmission output rotating shaft. A movable range setting copying mechanism sets the first swing end and the second swing end of the swing arm.

Abstract: A shoulder exercise bar intended for use with hemiplegic patients is provided which maintains a patient's hands in proper position during shoulder exercises and may also be used for elbow and wrist exercises. The shoulder exercise bar includes a crossbar which is adjustable in length to fit a particular patient. A plurality of handles are provided at each end of the crossbar to be grasped by the patient demonstrating weakness. One of the handles is angularly offset at each end with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the crossbar and provides for versatile strengthening and stretching exercises for the patient. The orientation of the handles also encourages self resisted or isotonic strengthening exercises.

Abstract: A golf glove with a hand part, a plurality of finger parts, a wrist end part, and a longitudinal slit extending longitudinally from a wrist end of the golf glove along both the wrist end part and the hand part, each of the parts having a back side and a palm side, the slit serving to divide the back side of each of the hand and wrist end parts into a larger portion and a smaller portion.

Abstract: A device for hand and wrist rehabilitation includes a small, hand-held housing for a magnetic fluid controllable resistance brake. Tool elements that provide a grip for a patient releasably snap onto to a shaft of the brake, and allow the patient to exercise the wrist or hand in a variety of positions. The controllable brake provides fine control of the resistance, which is selected by the user with a knob.

Abstract: A hand-held bidirectional torsion spring wrist, hand and forearm exercise device has a pair of handgrip members rotatably joined together to rotate relative to each other in opposed directions about a common longitudinal axis, each sized and shaped to be gripped by a separate hand of a user to impart rotation thereof. An elongate flat rectangular spring member is disposed in the center of the handgrip members and has opposed ends secured to each handgrip member, respectively, and has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the common axis of the handgrip members. The spring member is subjected to a twisting torque force along its longitudinal axis upon relative rotation of the handgrip members in opposed directions to produce a resistive force against relative rotation of the handgrip members in opposed directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand and arm exercise device. The exercise device has a deformable elastic bulb having a central cavity. A first port is provided which communicates with the central cavity. A first check valve limits the flow through the first port such that a fluid can pass into but not out of the central cavity. A second port is provided which communicates with the central cavity, and with a chamber via a connecting passage therebetween. An adjustable bleed valve is provided in the passage. In one preferred embodiment the chamber is rigid, while in another preferred embodiment the chamber is elastic and a second check valve is provided in the second port to block flow into the central cavity of the deformable elastic bulb. It is further preferred that a pressure gauge be provided to the chamber so a user of the hand and arm exercise device can monitor his/her strength.

Abstract: A squeezable exerciser comprising in combination body structure having surfaces to be squeezed relatively toward one another by application of force exerted by a user, and means associated with the body structure to produce a reference signal or signals as the level of force application reaches a preset limit or limits.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a first grip and a second grip, both the first grip and second grip having a longitudinal grip and a transverse grip, the longitudinal grip having a longitudinal diameter and the transverse grip having a transverse diameter greater than the longitudinal diameter, the second grip being torsionally connected to the first grip such that the longitudinal grips are adjacent and such that the torque required to rotate the first grip relative to the second grip can be adjusted via a threaded arrangement.

Abstract: A portable exerciser has a generally planar base for receiving a user's foot to be exercised and at least one resilient fastening member for flexibly fastening the user's foot to the base. The attachment member comprises a bar for attaching the resilient fastening member to at least one location on the base. When the resilient fastening member is attached to the base, it provides resistive force in opposition to movement of the user's foot and permits all of dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion exercise. The exercise apparatus can also include a force-bearing portion of the base so that a user can steady the base against movement with a non-exercising foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a hand of a user allowing a full range of motion of the hand during use. The hand exerciser includes a dorsal wrap releasably secured about a wrist of the user and extending over a back side of the hand. A finger power band releasably engages the dorsal wrap and extends over at least one finger of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the at least one finger. A thumb power band is also releasably engaged with the dorsal wrap and extends along a surface of a thumb of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the thumb. The finger and thumb power bands move independently of each other allowing exercise of any of the entire hand, any individual finger or thumb and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the resistance provided by the finger and thumb power bands is adjustable based upon the strength of the user. Finger and thumb power bands having variable resistance levels may be interchangeably connected to the dorsal wrap as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching and exercising the wrist is disclosed. The apparatus includes a securing apparatus for securing the device to the wrist, a cord or strap, a footstep that enables the cord or strap to be secured to the floor, and an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the length of the cord or strap. The cord or strap wraps around the footstep for storage of the apparatus. The cord or strap is between 4 feet and 8 feet long and made of an inelastic material. The footstep may include a traction device for preventing slippage of the foot on the footstep. The method includes the steps of placing the wrist within the securing apparatus, tightening the securing apparatus, adjusting the length of the cord or strap using the adjustment apparatus so the footstep rests on the floor, placing the foot on the footstep to secure the footstep to the floor, and stretching the wrist.

Abstract: A wrist exerciser comprises a lower shell and an upper shell. The lower shell is semispherical and provided therein with a support ring and a rotary member. The upper shell is hollow and semispherical and provided in the top thereof with a round opening. The lower shell is provided with two lower protruded plate members extending therefrom symmetrically and having a first through hole. The upper shell is provided with two upper protruded plate members corresponding to the lower protruded plate members and having a second through hole opposite to the first through hole. The second through hole is provided in the periphery thereof with a plurality of second columnar bodies, each having a hole. The upper protruded plate members and the lower protruded plate members are fastened together by a plurality of screws which are fastened into the holes of the second columnar bodies via the through holes of the first columnar bodies.

Abstract: A hand stretching method and apparatus mimics a well known exercise to reduce the problems with repetitive stress injury. A body of resiliently deformable material has flat and parallel top and bottom surfaces, with a cutout at one edge of the body. A user's hand is placed on the body, with the palm of the hand spanning the cutout. By pushing down on the hand, the opposite sides of the palm are urged apart, opening the carpal tunnel and relieving compression on the blood vessels and nerves. A user may place one hand on each surface of the body and urge the hands towards each other for treatment of both hands simultaneously. The body is preferably made of an expanded polymeric material such as polyurethane. Layers having different compression factors may be utilized; and, darker colored surface layers of material may be adhered to the top and bottom surfaces so the surfaces will not readily show dirt.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes an outer frame having curved first and second rails and an outer handle between the rails, and an inner frame slidably coupled to the outer frame for movement of the inner frame along the first and second rails. The inner frame includes an inner handle movable toward the outer handle when the inner frame is moved in a first direction. The apparatus also includes at least one resistance device coupling the inner and outer frames together, the resistance device resisting movement of the inner frame in the first direction.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises first and second members connected together by spring means so as to be movable towards each other by the application of a compressive force therebetween or to be movable away from each other by the application of a tensile force to said members. A sounder is provided on one member which, on contact with a striker surface on the other member, emits a warning sound. The striker surface is adjustable towards and away from said sounder so that the warning sound is emitted when a selected predetermined force is applied to the members.

Abstract: A uniquely configurated splint designed to effect intrinsic muscle stretching includes a splint base and a splint tower. The splint base is secured to the arm of the person using the same. A palmar arch support is securable to the palm of the user and an end portion of the splint. The end portion of the splint has an upwardly projecting tower to which a finger supporting structure is secured. In use, the proximal and interphalangeal joints of the fingers are maintained in flexion and a force is exerted toward metacarpal phalangeal joint extension. This serves to stretch the intrinsic muscles of the hand. In order to accomplish this without also translating the flexor digitorum profundus tendon anteriorly, a palmar arch support is provided. The tower preferably generally overlies the palmar arch support. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of handles with elongated shafts operatively interconnected for rotation along coaxial longitudinal axes. Each shaft has a hand grip at the distal ends to permit a consumer to grip the handle and rotate the handles in opposite directions along their longitudinal axes. Diametric posts project orthogonal from the proximal ends of the shafts and pairs of adjacent posts have an elastic band looped around the posts to resist rotational movement of the shafts.

Abstract: An isometric wrist exercise device which is useful for strengthening the wrist and for treating or alleviating symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome device includes a wrist brace which adjustably encircles a user's wrist. The brace is attached to a swivel plate via a plurality of straps which extend forward from the wrist brace. The swivel plate is attached to an elongate strap with a wedge plate on its opposite end. The wedge plate can secure the elongate strap in a stationary position such that the user can place his wrist in therapeutic traction by pulling his arm against the stationary strap while selectively swiveling his wrist to find the optimum position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation of injured fingers is comprised of a backboard upon which the dorsal side of the patient's hand is rested, a strap to secure the hand to the baseboard and provide necessary leverage for exercises and an immobilization bar which is used to anchor the proximal or middle phalanges to the backboard thereby isolating the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, respectively, and their corresponding muscles for therapeutic exercise. The subject invention is designed for rehabilitation of both the left and right hand and includes means for adaptation to hands of various shape and size.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for stimulating muscle coordination and joint stability through multiaxial movement patters involving rotation force is provided. A plurality of methods of use of the apparatus are presented as well to maximize the therapeutic and preventative benefit of the apparatus. A variety of embodiments, including a portable version, are described.

Abstract: A spring is disposed longitudinally within a tubular body. Two t-shaped handles each comprise a central leg and two opposed arms extending outwardly from the central leg. The central legs of the handles are rotatably connected to opposing ends of the body such that the opposed arms are perpendicular to the body. A retaining pin is connected to each end of the spring. Each retaining pin is disposed within one of the handles and extends between and within the two opposed arms. The handles urge against the retaining pin within the handle to twist the spring about a longitudinal axis of the spring when the handles are manually rotated.

Abstract: A pincer grasp therapy device comprises a flat or wedge-shaped board having a groove with compartmentalizing walls and a plurality of grasping pieces in the groove. The groove is deep enough to require careful alignment of fingers used to grasp the grasping pieces in the groove. Variations of the invention are provided for both beginning and advanced pincer grasp therapy. The device is immobilized by use of suction cups on a bottom surface of the device.

Abstract: A first embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12) comprising a U-shaped flexure member (14) and a pair of handgrips (16). Each handgrip (16) is on an opposite end of the U-shaped flexure member (14), so that a person can grasp the handgrips (16) to flex the U-shaped flexure member (24) in and out with arm power to tone up the upper body muscles and exercise the legs and knees during a workout exercise. A second embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12a) contains two different types of removable extended handgrips (16a) and (16b) on the ends of the U-shaped flexure member (14a). A third embodiment upper body muscle toner device and leg and knee exerciser (12b) consists of the U-shaped flexure member (14b) being a curved tube piece (50) and a pair of straight tube pieces (52) connected with two springs (54).

Abstract: A hand held exerciser includes a ball body having a resilient cover and a putty filler. The putty is preferably a tacky, water based material which is relatively freely compressed but generally does not flow in a liquid-like manner. The cover can be made with a plurality of elastomeric balloons around the putty. An outer opening in an outer balloon of the cover either is covered by a durable seal member or by attachment hardware having an attached object such as a key. The putty enables the ball to conform more exactly to one's hand grip, while allowing good resistance, weight and resiliency. The putty filler also helps to reduce unwanted spillage of filler material, and provides additional benefits not found in existing devices.

Abstract: A hand held relaxation/exercise device adapted for attachment to a back of a hand via strapping to fingers of the hand and wrist. The device includes a first conical shaped wheel having a first circular base with sloping sides extending upwardly to an apex. A strap connector is attached to a face of the first circular base. The strap connector includes finger strap slots for receiving finger straps therein and a flange for receiving a portion of a wrist strap. The finger straps and wrist strap are used for securing the device to the fingers of the hand and the wrist during an exercise period. The first conical shaped wheel includes a first pivot shaft disposed through the center of the first wheel and rotatably mounted on a first ball bearing mounted inside the first circular base. A second conical shape wheel includes a second pivot shaft disposed through the center of the second wheel and rotatably mounted on a second ball bearing mounted inside a second circular base.

Abstract: An elongated yieldable conical element has a nonrigid body which is compressible to a conical shape increasing in diameter from a narrow diameter end. The conical element is used in a method of treating a contracture of successive fingers of the hand by threading a narrow and of the element through successive curled fingers of the hand and engaging the conical end at about the narrow diameter end to apply outwardly directed force to the fingers of the hand to open the curl to some extent with minimized discomfort to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing, preventing, lessening and treating the incidence and severity of Repetitive Strain Injuries ("RSI") comprising a combination of computer software and hardware that provides a "prompt" and system whereby the computer operator exercises their upper extremities during data entry and word processing thereby maximizing the excursion (range of motion) of the joints involved directly and indirectly in computer operation. In summary, the apparatus and method of the present invention includes 1) specialized target means with optional counters which serves as "goals" or marks towards which the hands of the typist are directed during prolonged key entry, 2) software that directs the movement of the limbs to and from the keyboard, and 3) software that individualizes the frequency and intensity of the exercise sequence.

Abstract: A spring-actuated, portable weight training device. The spring-actuated, portable weight training device includes a first compression assembly comprising a first compression spring, a second compression assembly comprising a second compression spring, an extension assembly for receiving the first and second compression assemblies, means for removably affixing the compression assemblies to the extension assembly, and means for compressing the first and second compression assemblies over the extension assembly, which compression assembly compression means preferably comprises either a pair of abdominal adapters or a pair of forearm securing elements or a pair of thigh adapters pivotably attached to the compression assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new hand exerciser and stress relieving device that provides exercise to the muscles of the arm, wrist and hand of a user and a means for general stress relief. According to the invention, the hand exerciser and stress relieving device possess an overall digitate shape that easily adapts to the hand of a user and generally comprises a pliable outer cover and an inner malleable core that is non-elastic or has low elasticity. Also according to the teaching of the invention, the digitate shape of the device has a central region and a plurality of rounded pods that radially extend from the central region. The central region of the device is configured to lie comfortably in the palm of a user's hand. The rounded pods are configured to fit comfortably between the fingers of a user's hand as the user squeezes and kneads the device.

Abstract: An elongated yieldable conical element has a nonrigid body which is compressible to a conical shape increasing in diameter from a narrow diameter end. The conical element is used in a method of treating a contracture of successive fingers of the hand by threading a narrow and of the element through successive curled fingers of the hand and engaging the conical end at about the narrow diameter end to apply outwardly directed force to the fingers of the hand to open the curl to some extent with minimized discomfort to a user.

Abstract: A dumbbell made of heavy material has a central bar, weight knobs at opposite ends of the bar and a guard-handle spaced from the bar a distance to allow the insertion of a user's fingers between the guard-handle and the bar, the bar, weight knobs, and guard-handle being one piece. Preferably, the dumbbell is made of cast iron and coated with a resilient coating. In another embodiment, the guard handle has a center span with a long reach and a short reach, spaced axially from one another to define a belt-receiving gap.