Stress ball for physical therapy

Here, the best stress balls on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor.

“Sometimes when a person is feeling stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, they have a desire to squeeze,” says Lisa McCrohan, MA, LCSW-C, SEP, a Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist, Integrative Coach, and author. This is where stress balls can help.

Many things—from genetics to your environment—can cause increased anxiety , feelings of restlessness, and rumination. Fidget toys, such as fidget spinners or stress balls, are thought to aid in relieving stress and distracting individuals from rumination and anxiety. As such, using a stress ball to expel energy and calm fidgeting might be helpful.

Best Overall

Stress Less Stress Balls with Motivational Quotes 3 Pack

Amazon

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Pros

Uplifting quotes included
Packaged for gifting
Good for hand therapy

Cons

All are the same resistance
Faint smell reported

Combine a positive affirmation with a physical outlet for a double dose of stress relief. Sold as a pack of three, these stress balls come with happy quotes written on them to help shift your thoughts from stress to positivity. Made from polyurethane foam and available in four different color options, this is a durable and anxiety-relieving option.

Price at time of publication: $14

Items in set: 3 | External material: Polyurethane | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Polyurethane

Best Color

Power Your Fun Arrgh Rainbow Giant Stress Ball

Amazon

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Pros

Good for kids and adults
Can be washed in water
Great customer service and refund policy

Cons

Too large for some
Some report bursting/leaking

The gentle ombre of rainbow colors and larger size make this stress toy a good option for extra frustrating days when you need physical and emotional stress relief. Whether you need to vent, let out aggression, or keep both hands busy at once (it’s 5-inch diameter is big enough to keep both hands occupied), this is a great option. The rainbow colors are bright and uplifting and this stress ball is easily cleaned if it gets dirty from use.

Price at time of publication: $13

Items in set: 1 | External material: Rubber | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Gel

Best Scent

Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls 3-Pack

Amazon

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Pros

Good for aromatherapy
Multiple color options
Soft and comfortable exterior

Cons

All are the same resistance
Material may stretch over time

Smells can have a direct effect on mood. Research shows that lavender has a calming influence over brain waves and neurotransmitters. These stress balls are handmade and filled with dried lavender flowers. Gentle squeezing helps release the scent. They can be smelled, squeezed, and even tossed around in the air due to their lightweight and soft texture.

Price at time of publication: $26

Items in set: 3 | External material: Spandex | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Dried Lavender flowers

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Best for Small Hands

MindPanda Empowering Gel Stress Ball Bundle

Amazon

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Pros

Compact case included
Multiple resistance levels
Latex- and BPA-free

Cons

Scent may be too strong
Resistance level not specified

Mind Panda stress balls come in packs of three, each with a different resistance level, scent, and empowering questions printed on them. The multiple resistance options allow the customer to choose which fit feels the most comfortable and soothing. A hand-strengthening exercise guide comes with each pack. Use this option for focused strength training or for mindless fidgeting to help fight boredom or anxiety during long meetings, work assignments or any time you need stress relief.

Price at time of publication: $23

Items in set: 3 | External material: Lycra | Resistance: Soft, medium, hard | Fill: Thermoplastic gel

Best for Strengthening Hands

The Friendly Swede Stress Balls 3 Pack

Amazon

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Pros

Multiple color options
Ergonomic egg shape design
Multiple resistance levels

Cons

Exterior is slightly sticky

The unique egg shape of this stress toy is designed specifically for strength training exercises and the relief of hand and joint pain. There are various color options to choose from as well as options ranging from 20 to 40 pounds of resistance. They come in multiple sizes to get just the right fit for kids and adults. They are made from thermoplastic rubber and are designed to strengthen muscles while simultaneously easing joint pain and carpal tunnel pain.

Price at time of publication: $17

Items in set: 3 | External material: Thermoplastic rubber | Resistance: 20, 30, and 40 pounds | Fill: Thermoplastic rubber

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Best Variety Pack

BAUTVAS DNA Squishy Stress Balls for Kids

Amazon

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Pros

Great for kids and adults
Variety of textures included
90-day replacement or refund period

Cons

Strong odor reported
May burst or get punctured

The need for a particular type of stress ball or fidget toy can often depend on our mood at the time, especially for kids. With 8 different toys ranging in color and texture, including some filled with tactile beads, kids or adults have more than enough options to choose from. This is a great option for small classroom settings or families with multiple kids.

Price at time of publication: $14

Items in set: 8 | External material: Thermoplastic rubber | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Silicone

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Most Durable

Serenilite Stress Balls 3-Pack

Amazon

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Pros

Durable exterior
Lifetime warranty
Good for hand therapy

Cons

On the smaller side
Resistance levels not specified

Made with high-quality materials, these ergonomic stress balls feature a tear-resistant gel core and non-stick fabric for ultimate comfort. The design is made to combine color therapy and physical therapy to strengthen hands and wrists while calming anxieties and stress. Made for both kids and adults, this stress toy can handle your most frustrating days.

Price at time of publication: $18

Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Gel

Best for Physical Therapy

GOZATO Squeeze Ball for Hand Therapy

Amazon

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Pros

Ergonomic egg shape
Multiple resistance levels
100 percent satisfaction guarantee

Cons

Sticky exterior

For hand, wrist, or finger rehabilitation, a stress ball may be an optimal tool for physical therapy. The GOZATO squeeze ball set includes five stress balls with multiple resistance levels. Each resistance level—from extra soft (22 pounds) to extra firm (88 pounds)— corresponds with a different ball color, making it easy to find the one you need. The ergonomic shape helps with therapy exercises and makes it comfortable to hold.

Each one is made with thermoplastic rubber which is hypoallergenic, recyclable, and latex-free. Plus, the set comes with a cloth bag, making them easy to take on the go.

Price at time of publication: $8

Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: 22-88 pounds | Fill: Thermoplastic rubber

Best for Temperature Therapy

Bed Buddy Store Stress Ball and Grip Strength Trainer

Amazon

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Pros

Can be heated or chilled
Finger loop for optimal grip
Filled with natural grains

Cons

Doesn’t stay warm for long
Ball doesn’t compress well

Heat or temperature therapy is designed to improve blood flow and circulation—soothing discomfort and easing muscle pain. In conjunction with the movements used to squeeze a stress ball, the temperature may provide a multi-dimensional approach to physical therapy practices. The Bed Buddy Store stress ball can be heated or cooled depending on your personal needs. Filled with natural grains, it provides resistance for squeezing and holding in your hand.

The ball is coated in a soft polyester material and it has a small finger loop to keep it from rolling out of your hand. When heating it, place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. When cooling the stress ball, the brand recommends placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Price at time of publication: $6

Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Natural grain

Best for Kids

FIVOENDAR Fun Face Stress Balls 24-Pack

Amazon

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Pros

Large variety

Good for party favors

Sized well for kids

Cons

Strong odor reported

It’s difficult to stay stressed and frustrated with a funny face stress ball helping you out. There are 24 bright, funny faces to choose from in this pack. At 2.5 inches in diameter, they are comfortable for kids and adults alike. The foam filling is soothing for anxiety, restlessness, or sore hands from typing or writing. The large variety pack is also great for kids party gifts.

Price at time of publication: $18

Items in set: 24 | Material: Foam | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Foam

Description

Make sure this fitsby entering your model number.
Unique soft feel Hand Exerciser ball for rehabbing and strengthening hands, and is essential for rock climbers, bodybuilders, golfers, guitarists, pianists, and racket sports players to increase grip strength
Great for increasing flexibility, range of motion, fine and gross motor skills and relieving arthritis pain, can be heated or cooled for hot and cold therapy relief and is easy to clean with soap and water
Product may become tacky with use, and you can reduce stickiness simply by dusting product with either corn starch or baby powder
The softer yellow and red models are a non-messy alternative to hand putty, stronger models are a far better option than standard stress balls or other hand strength devices
8 Lbs. of Force at 50% Compression, 2� Diameter ball, with exercise instructions

Stress balls are a great way to relieve stress.

Image Credit:

vkbhat/iStock/GettyImages

Stress balls are small balls or objects filled with a malleable gel or clay that are held in the palm of your hand. The act of repeatedly squeezing the ball may help to release tension and relieve stress.

The balls can also be used as a physical therapy tool to help strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist. Consult with a medical professional before treating stress or injuries on your own.

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Tip

Stress balls help to relieve stress. Exercises with stress balls may also help to strengthen muscles in the hand and forearm.

Using Stress Balls for Relaxation

Decreasing stress and tension can help to improve the quality of your life by promoting better sleep, warding off illness and enhancing a general feeling of well-being.

Squeezing the ball activates the muscles of your hand and wrist; releasing the grip allows the muscles to relax. The repeated pattern of grip and release helps to alleviate tension and stress, and it is an activity you can do at your desk without anyone working or studying around you.

You can continue the relaxation beyond your hand and forearm. Move through your entire body, one muscle at a time. Squeeze and tighten the muscle, then allow it to relax.

You can also give yourself a hand or foot massage to help relieve stress. The University of Colorado recommends rolling your feet over a golf ball to relieve tension, but you can also try this technique with your stress ball depending on the firmness of the ball.

If squeezing the stress ball isn’t enough, try some other stress-relieving activities when you have time for a break such as a short meditation, deep breathing or yoga poses. Taking a walk or getting some sun may also help to relieve anxiety.

Strengthening and Rehabilitation Exercises

The muscles in your hands and wrist can become weak from numerous conditions, such as overuse, arthritis or a fracture or sprain. It may be caused by an injury higher up on your arm, such as your elbow. Certain medical conditions and treatments may also cause weakness, including fistula and chemotherapy-related numbness.

Squeezing a stress ball can help to rehabilitate your hand and improve grip strength, advises Performance Orthopedics. Hold the ball in the palm of your hand and squeeze it as tight as possible and release. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions.

Your doctor or physical therapist may instruct you to do this exercise on both arms or just the affected arm. You can also place the ball on the table and press your fingers into the ball.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center notes that you can also use the ball for your feet and toes. Place the ball on the floor and curl your toes into it and push on the stress ball with the balls of your feet.

Warning

Avoid stress balls that have an added scent or are made of polyurethane foam. The Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark found that children’s toys made of the same substance emitted high levels of harmful and carcinogenic compounds, including dimethylaminoethanol and methylene chloride.