(Part 2) Best occupied & physical therapy aids according to redditors

I'm the same way and have quite a few, though they only work as much as you want them to. I have a silly putty kind of thing at work (https://www.amazon.com/Vive-Therapy-Putty-3-oz-each/dp/B01IBVWSQI) that I like a lot because it distracts me, but doesn't leave my hands greasy or anything.

This is the one I ended up getting, but a friend has this one and loves it. I wish the height was adjustable, but it works fine otherwise.

It did kind of make a little squeaky noise at first, but I sprayed the bars (not sure if they have a name, where the pedals join the body) with cooking spray (and wiped off the excess with paper towels) and it's totally silent now. The resistance can be adjusted pretty far: with pliers (for I am weak, apparently) I can get it so tight I can't push the damn pedals. Took me a while to find a happy medium, but it's a pretty neat little thing. Gives me something to do while watching Westworld and the like other than the nothing I'd been doing.

Grip putty! I keep a couple in my desk at work and play with them whenever I need a break: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBVWSQI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dRpHDbMPN5YPX

I recently came back from a pulley injury. The best thing I could have done was taken a month off. It sucked at the time, but here I am three and a half months out and my finger feels great.

here are a few of the resources I used to help with my recovery:

H-Taping

Tendon/Pulley injury w/ Esther Smith and Dan Mirsky -- The video includes some good exercises to regain mobility in your finger

A2 Pulley Injuries in Rock Climbing -- The recovery chart at the bottom really helped me

some products that also helped:

Grip Strength Training Kit

Finger Massager

Therapy Putty

Edit: I used all this stuff after my injury, and within 8 weeks after the injury I was off of jugs and back to crimps.

That sounds so appealing. I've been thinking of getting an inversion table.



Have you seen these:




The Neck Hammock Portable Cervical Traction Device for Neck Pain Relief and Physical Therapy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FX5CXKC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Srr2DbWBNMMKF

Here's my daily practice schedule. I also take lessons once a week. Been making great progress.

Lesson Book- 15 minutes OR Youtube/JustinGuitar

This helps me learn tablature and all that. This is what I also use when I am practicing while doing other things like watching TV or playing a game of Civ. Once I can play a lesson in beat without making any errors, I move on. This is what my instructor also uses to teach me during my lessons.

Rocksmith - 1 Hour

includes

• Guitarcade - Important - at least 15 mins, if not more
  
  Pick a game that focuses on an area you are struggling with. At this point for me it was learning the fretboard and strings so I mostly played Ducks Redux, String Skip Saloon, and Return of the Chordead. When it starts to feel competitive in regards to earning a higher score, you're probably ready to move on because at that point it will be about playing absolutely perfectly.
  
  
• Lessons - Eh - Maybe 10-15 minutes, depending on which lesson
  
  Lessons can be hit or miss but some were great. I would do the 101s and the ones that the Mission Checklist recommend to you. I wouldn't grind it trying to get 100% in every lesson though, if you feel confident in the what it is teaching then you can move on.
  
  
• Learn A Song - Important - the remainder of time
  
  I consider LAS the "fun" part of practicing. I don't believe playing Learn A Song 100% of the time is going to get you anywhere but it can help you hammer in everything you worked on earlier. I also recommend just playing what Rocksmith recommends to you, and pick a few songs that you enjoy. I usually play the songs I enjoy near the end of my session to keep it fun.
  
  
• Riff Repeater - Important - not for beginner though
  
  For a beginner, you probably won't spend too much time with Riff Repeater but I did use it for a few songs where I really wanted to nail a section down. Get familiar with it though because later on you will be using this a lot to master the songs you want to learn.
  
  As for the other features, they can be fun to mess around with but I have not found them be helpful in learning at this point.
  
  .
  
  It helps to not just get your knowledge from Rocksmith. If you can't afford lessons, check out JustinGuitar on Youtube. Actually, there's a ton of helpful resources available for free on the web. I started out just getting 5%-10% a song, a month later that was up to 20%-60%. It feels great.
  
  Also might help if you get some sort of hand strengthener lol my pinky was a weak bitch. Force yourself to use and get used to it right away.
  
  edit: For your 2nd question, make sure you are not pressing down too hard on the fret, it will change the note!

I bought ones like these. I have the 60-80lb ones, almost wish I had gotten heavier, but these will work. I like them.

I used these and they really helped. Keep one in your pocket and use it while watching TV or any down time.

Thank you for your honesty. Looking at this one in particular:

Core Products Apex Cervical Orthosis - Firm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07111T2CD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BbPDDbBBRG6DT

I may check this out. What are your thoughts on this contraption?

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quality-Therapy-Putty-Exercise/dp/B01BLYNWIU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=theraputty+for+hand&qid=1574548807&sprefix=theraput&sr=8-3


https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/thra-put.pdf

This should do the trick! Also make sure your scapula is stabilized, that can effect hand coordination more than you might realize.

Also strengthen your forearm.


https://prohealthsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MM-SS-Wrist-Hand.pdf

And STRETCH after every strengthening session!! Tightness = weakness

The Neck Hammock Portable Cervical Traction Device for Neck Pain Relief and Physical Therapy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FX5CXKC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dEK0Cb8APXW8J there’s a few, all the same concept. Here’s the most popular one I found

When I was just starting out in fitness and weight loss, realizing that I could burn *while* gaming was an enormous boon for me. I looked through the comment replies and I don't think I've seen anyone else advise this, so hopefully I'm not repeating anyone else.

Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Vaunn-Exerciser-Assembled-Exercise-Required/dp/B07939C866/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

Won't break the bath, and some even cheaper ones will completely do the trick. You don't need a lot of features, just some burn while you're sitting there. Just increase the resistance to the point you can pedal consistently without intense effort on every circle, but not super easy/as fast as you can either, and get it under your desk at home and pedal away. You can expend even more effort with games if you use a gamepad vs keyboard and mouse.

​

I actually really like the new Depends Protections. They are really soft and don't chafe my legs. Plus, they make a great doubler if you cut holes in them using a wartenburg pinwheel. Get one here http://www.amazon.com/North-Coast-Medical-Wartenburg-Stainless/dp/B0052ZW010/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=simpthetrutfi-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=CUNSIUD4Y2KUMPEU&creativeASIN=B0052ZW010

It's a two part epoxy that says it's for sculpting minis, but I have used it as gap fill for years and it is great. I also used it to sculpt hair on a few minis after shaving their hats off. You can vary the resin and hardener ratio for something that looks more organic or more mechanical. Hardens in about an hour or two, faster if I put it next to the heater. One package has lasted me 10 years of filling gaps in joints mostly. I also started to use it under the feet of models that don't have a ton of flat surface area to hold them to their bases.

https://www.amazon.com/Kraftmark-Company-PROC-3-ProCreate-Putty/dp/B00DE4YU2S/

Purple TechCare Mini Massager Tens Unit Device Machine FDA 510k Cleared [Lifetime Warranty] Tens Machine for Drug Free Pain Management, Back Neck Shoulder Pain and Rehabilitation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722Q9F6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6wcbBbAA8T4R2

This thing is smaller than an ipod nano. I got it in yesterday and I've had 4 pads on for most of the night, it feels amazing, was cheap and is so tiny I'm wearing it under my clothes with the unit in my pocket.

So I just needed to share the unit with all of you. Now here's my question. Is there such thing as too much? Because I love how this feels and I left them connected all night, set alarms to wake up and turn on. Is me using the tens unit consecutively am I doing harm?

I know I need to use other methods for actual induction and I am, but man it feels good!

cheesecake all day everyday

My favorite dessert is chocolate dipped strawberries. I need to see if I can figure out how to make it sugar free.

If I win, This from my health and fitness list please.

I just held a contest, "Help me with my Kindergarten friend", in which I explained my current situation and reached out for some help

Le Situation I am currently in my second year of teaching Kindergarten. This year, I have a student with Autism. Anything out of his comfort zone (which is most everything) he will not do. He will scream, yell, cry, and fight if you try to make him. If you do not physically hold him in a spot he will run (literally) around the classroom grabbing things off the shelves. When he is sitting he will loudly repeat things over and over that he finds funny. He is very handsome and loves to be hugged and complimented. He does enjoy being a helper. Overall, he does not like to be corralled and structure is VERY hard for him. I understand his unique situation and I want what is best for him. At the same time, he is impeding on the other student's learning.

dizzyvonblue helped me out by suggesting fidget toys

>I'm going to link you to the search results for fidget toys and things. These might help him stay focused,and keep him in his seat. They also have some pencil toppers that you might want to look at! I hope everything works out. And you are absolutely awesome for going above and beyond in trying to help him out.

So in short, I would use your gift card to help my student with Autism maintain focus to improve his learning. Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/TheraBand-Resistance-Epicondylitis-Tendonitis-Tendinitis/dp/B01MU2Y93T/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487547056&sr=8-2&keywords=theraband+flexbar

This has worked wonders for preventing and fixing epicondylitis both lateral and medial. It was recommended to me by my mom who is a physical therapist and brother in sports therapy.

I have a few that I like, some of which others have mentioned.

1. Bike Chain Fidget - Simple, tactile, initially cold to the touch. Can be fidgeted with one hand and discreetly. It's my current favorite.
   
   
2. Spinners - they've become pretty ubiquitous. I'm sure you've heard of them and probably even seen them around.
   
   
3. Fidget Cube - Get the legitimate, high-quality one from Antsy Labs, or get a cheap knock-off from Amazon or eBay. Someone also developed a 12-sided fidget dice thing that takes the fidget cube idea a step further. And a fidget pad which is a cross between a SNES controller and a fidget cube. (I'm still waiting for my cube from Antsy Labs.)
   
   
4. Tangle, Tangle Jr. - Good desk toy. Keeps both hands busy, but leaves you free to look and listen. There are several variants, including textured pieces and silicone-covered pieces. My wife, my daughter, and I each have our own.
   
   
5. Bead + String fidget - This one can be fun, but it's VERY distracting for everyone around you. The best thing about it is that you can make one from two beads and a string in a couple minutes. I've thought about making a string that is mostly beads each with a different surface texture, and instead of swinging it around you just fidget with it in your hand. I need to get around to making that...
   
   
6. Wooden Fidget Puzzle - Just picked this one up a couple days ago. It's small, it's interesting, it has lots of possible configurations. It's good when you need to listen but don't need your hands or your eyes free.

got this on amazon works great but lower your expectation of what this can really do.

If it's an imbalance, something like this ball might help.

Can you say anything more about which parts of the physical therapy process make you feel worse?

Describe more about your pain. Is it *in* the joint? Surface? Is it painful if you press at the tendon attachment site?

To throw out a few more ideas: Pain to the volar forearm and golfers elbow pain can both be referred from other areas. A common one is the pecs, another is the triceps. Pecs seem like a possible culprit due to the nature of rock climbing. For triceps, there's an easy spot to inspect. Start at the median epicondyle, then travel 2-3 inches up the inside of your arm. Use a wide pressure like your thumb or a tennis ball to press in. If it's unusually sore, learn how to work that trigger point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKZ9NQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aNOgDbNN97KV2

I used one similar to this to fix my pinky after breaking it twice. also use rubber bands around problem finger and thumb and open close it. stretch before playing and play until your finger(or forearm) hurts, then stop and stretch again.

For stretches I use one hand to pull my other back at the wrist. Then pull back each finger individually. Then push my wrist forward. then wrist circles. Don't overstretch.

My neck has gotten worse over the past two years. I'm still not convinced it's from sitting at a desk though. It comes and goes every couple of months and it almost seems it's based on my pillow.

However, I felt it was my chair and I needed a taller chair to rest my neck on it. It does feel more aggravated while I'm sitting with my neck stiffly held upright. I really feel I need to lay it back and rest. So I looked for a chair tall enough for that. I'm 6'3" and it wasn't easy. These stupid gaming racer chairs are about the only options I could find and they're god awful at comfort. They're like sitting on flat boards with no ergonomics at all. I have the SecretLab Titan, and although it's better than most, it's still not good. I wish there was a better alternative.

Something I've found that does help a bit... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07111T2CD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This helps stretch your neck. It feels somewhat relieving. But I still haven't found the RIGHT solution yet.

Your squats look tight, make sure you keep your head up/straight. You're a badass! I hope you don't have back issues, tho you might try something like this to relieve pressure.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G6ZRF0?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links
I have some neck problems and use something similar but made for the neck.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C9TIO34/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520323940&sr=8-3&keywords=neck+compression+device

That depends on if you want to use both, or if you just want the outer one for the look/bulk.

Personally, I like to run a single slit down the entire length of the diaper, then put a couple of Abena stuffers inside it (one in front, one in back). This gives you a lot of flow-through, and the stuffers both add bulk/capacity and help keep the gel in. When taking it off, to avoid having the gel/crystals go everywhere, I only undo the top tapes, then pull down both diapers at once. Other methods I've seen suggested are numerous, shorter vertical slits, or making diagonal cuts in alternating directions.

One that seems to come highly recommended (although I haven't tried it myself) is using a pinwheel to make lots of tiny holes quickly, which is supposed to give lots of flow-through without any risk of spillage; if you're in the US you can get one for under $6, delivered.

Also, regardless of which method you use, it's best to stay away from the edges when making cuts/holes, since that's a recipe for leaks.

If you want any use out of the second layer, then yes cut slits / holes / etc in the first one.

Here's the pinwheel tool /u/PaddedCthulhu was talking about

I got a set like this and have no complaints for the price

I have chronic wrist pain from pretty bad injuries (2 broken wrists and many many bad sprains). The only thing that helps/eliminates the pain is keeping them strong (think grip strength).

These help for sure:

Get an adjustable one so you can increase the resistance as you get strong --> https://www.amazon.com/Kootek-Hand-Grip-Strengthener-Adjustable/dp/B01FFS1W3U/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1525718490&sr=1-5&keywords=grip+strength+trainer

This putty was suggested by my physiotherapist after break #2 --> https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quality-Therapy-Putty-Exercise/dp/B01BLYNWIU/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525718589&sr=8-3&keywords=wrist+putty

Keep them at your desk or somewhere handy so you remember to use them!

What I found worked best for me is things like deadlifts and pull-ups, which require a lot of grip strength.

See u/Condhor response for more info. This is the one I have:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXDTC3W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this TENS unit. It definitely helps. I usually just slip the unit in my waistband. (It's pretty damn small)

Hello! Along with the other good tips and just plain ol repetition/practice, I highly recommend some sort of Hand Exerciser. When switching from guitar to bass, I found most of my fingerstyle troubles were really stemming from lack of endurance. Good luck!

There are a few i use when i'm in class/on the bus/wherever

1. https://www.amazon.com/Stretcher-Resistance-Exerciser-Strengthener-Arthritis/dp/B076HPM822/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539190234&sr=8-7&keywords=finger+exerciser+extensor
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Swede-Strengthening-Therapy-Squishy/dp/B01IBQZJN2/ref=sr_1_1?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1539190279&sr=1-1&keywords=friendly+swede
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/Finger-Massager-Circulation-Massage-Handheld/dp/B01N0GJXZN/ref=pd_sbs_200_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N0GJXZN&pd_rd_r=cda8c17a-ccac-11e8-a1fa-3b320cf86cd1&pd_rd_w=DcM3E&pd_rd_wg=yOg2x&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=SHX0T4ZS7G7WVPYX5S7F&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=SHX0T4ZS7G7WVPYX5S7F

You might want to check around for rubber or silicone grippers

they're a lot of fun, they range in difficulty. I found them in sport stores at ~7-15€, and recently even in a pharmacy for 4€ (~5$).

I have used it. It works. Also flex bands work great for preventing it from happening again.

I'm a little late on this one, but a while back I purchased a back stretcher from Amazon.com and it works well for $12. It's not exactly a cure all but I can usually work out tense spots in back by simply resting that portion of my back on the stretcher. It's soft enough not to irritate the muscle, but sturdy enough to work out the kinks.

Procreate: http://amazon.com/dp/B00DE4YU2S

Procreate cures differently depending on the mix ratio (there is a chart in the packaging). It is what most customizers use for long hair. It is pricey, but worth it for when you need something flexible.

Time to work out bruh

I just bought a set of these finger extensor bands:

https://www.amazon.com/Stretcher-Resistance-Exerciser-Strengthener-Arthritis/dp/B076HPM822/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1STK90YS7SFQ6&keywords=finger+extensor+bands&qid=1562341305&s=gateway&sprefix=finger+exte%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-13

I'm curious if there is any risk of injury from overusing them? I've been kind of just using the easiest one throughout the day when on the computer or watching tv. Also should I only put the bands on the top finger segment or should I also do the middle segment at times?

NURSAL TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator with 8 Electrodes Pads Rechargeable Electronic Pulse Massager Machine for Pain Relief & Arthritis & Muscle Stiffness, Soreness and Aches ...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F798R0S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lp5oDbD0BSPAB

I use this one!

Nicotine replacement - Sprays, patches or mints and buy a Tangle to keep your hands busy. Worked for me.

I was having trouble with grip strength in my left hand for traveling rings. I thought it was a problem with my left grip (ie. the gymnastics grip thing with dowel that protects your hands) for the longest time, like maybe it wasn't tight enough or something.. but then I realized no, my hand/forearm is just weaker on the left side than the right.

​

I had one of those rubber donut grip strength things (like this) in the house, so I just kept it by my desk and picked it up and squeezed it every now and then throughout the day for a few weeks. It worked :)

What do you think about these things

This is what I use

Yay!

Also, I just remembered that I'm also fond of hand therapy putty. It comes in one container that has 4 levels of firmness. I keep snack sized zip lock baggies in different places with balls of each color/firmness. It's neat because I can squish it, but also stretch it when I am extra anxious.

FlintRehab Premium Quality Therapy Putty (4 Pack, 3-oz Each) for Hand Exercise Rehab. Fidgeting, and Stress Relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BLYNWIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_I8EM7BnQ6K41E

This tiny little thing right here >> https://www.amazon.com/TechCare-Massager-Lifetime-Management-Rehabilitation/dp/B0722Q9F6Z/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=techcare+tens&qid=1573136720&sr=8-9

Unlike other TENS units, you can't control the pulse length and speed with this one, but it has a variety of modes, a couple of them with faster/slower/longer pulses, so if one mode becomes uncomfortable after 3-4 minutes, there are a few of the settings I swap between.

I can't be certain, but it looks a lot like the stuff I use sometimes: 'Procreate' modelling putty. It's more for sculpting actual miniatures, but you can do some amazing sculpting on mini conversions.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Kraftmark-Company-PROC-3-ProCreate-Putty/dp/B00DE4YU2S

I googled "procreate modelling putty" and found a bunch of good links, some comparing it to green stuff head-to-head.