WO2007038334A1

WO2007038334A1 - Hand therapy device

Info

Publication number: WO2007038334A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/037093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leonard Kaufman
Original assignee: Leonard Kaufman, Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-09-28
Filing date: 2006-09-22
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: US20070072739A1; US20070072740A1

Abstract

A therapy device includes a device body having one or more holes to engage the fingers of a first hand. A pulling member coupled with the device body is adapted to be grasped by a second hand and adapted to extend or flex, the first hand.

Description

HAND THERAPY DEVICE

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/238,589, filed September 28, 2005, entitled "HAND THERAPY DEVICE," the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to devices to treat, prevent, or alleviate problems with hands, wrists, and forearms, and symptoms of a variety of wrist ailments, and more particularly to a device and method to extend and flex the hand at the wrist to exercise and stretch muscles, tendons, and ligaments to aid in relief and recovery as well as prevention of problems of the hands, wrists, and forearms.

Background

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) to the wrist, hands and arms may result from various repetitive physical movements including movements made doing, for example, assembly-line work, playing a musical instrument, or using a computer keyboard and computer mouse. Such injuries can be serious and painful and may indicate one or more serious conditions that may be preventable and treatable. RSI may cause damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. Long periods of repetitive physical movement may create cumulative damage to the body, sometimes described as Cumulative Trauma Disorder. Lack of adequate rest, infrequent rests, and improper warming up of wrists, hands and arms before undergoing movements, such as those described, may cause and exasperate the injuries and conditions. A variety of injuries, diseases and/or conditions may occur, including but not limited to: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Tendonitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis / DeQuervain's Syndrome, Tendonitis, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Trigger Finger/Thumb, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, other related conditions. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate like structural elements. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments of the Invention

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made in alternate embodiments. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments in accordance with the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

The following description may include terms such as inner, outer, under, between, upward, downward, outward, inward, top, bottom, above, below, and the like. Such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting in the description or in the appended claims. That is, these terms are terms that are relative only to a point of reference and are not meant to be interpreted as limitations but are, instead, included in the following description to facilitate understanding of the various aspects of the invention.

For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "A/B" means A or B. For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C)." For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "(A)B" means "(B) or (AB)," that is, A is an optional element.

The phrase "in one embodiment," and/or "in various embodiments may be used repeatedly. The phrases generally do not refer to the same embodiment; however, they may. The terms "comprising," "having," and "including" are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. One embodiment may provide a therapy device which may be used to stretch, warm up, or exercise muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues of the hands, fingers, wrists, and arms. One embodiment may include a hand engaging element disposed to engage a hand, and a pulling cord disposed to pull the hand engaging element, and may be used to extend or flex the wrist of a user. One embodiment may include a force redirecting element configured to redirect a pulling force. One embodiment may include a timer, a clock, or an alarm that may be used as a reminder to a user to use the device. One embodiment may include a stiffening device positioned on the back of the hand which may aid in the feel and mechanics of flexing the hand backward. One embodiment may include interlinking devices to enable a user to wear one device on each hand and to flex a hand configured with a first device by pulling a cord attached to a second device. In one embodiment pulling cords are configured to pull a hand from a location above the third knuckle (as counted from the fingertip). FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially in cross-section, and FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 10 may comprise a hand engaging element 12 which may be configured to engage with, and/or connect to, a hand 14, and may be configured to at least partially distribute a force which may be illustrated with an arrow 16. At least one pulling cord 18, has a first end 20 which may be configured to be connected to the hand engaging element 12, and has a second end 22 which may be configured to be pulled as may be illustrated with an arrow 24. A force redirecting element 26 may be configured to be connected to a back of the hand 14 or a back of a wrist 28 as illustrated in this described embodiment, and may be configured to redirect the pulling force exerted on the second end 22. The redirected pulling force may be illustrated with an arrow 30, and may be directed to be able to flex the hand 14 in direction 32.

In one embodiment the therapy device may include a fabric 34 configured to fit on a hand 14, the hand engaging element and the force redirecting element may be connected to the fabric. In one embodiment the fabric 34 may be configured to fit over the hand 14 like a glove or a mitten.

One embodiment of the invention may include a force redirecting element 26 which may be a loop made from a resilient material, the at least one cord 18 may be configured to pass through the loop which may be configured to stretch as the at least one cord is pulled, or the hand is flexed, or both. The force redirecting element 26 may be configured to pull with a biasing force 36 toward the back of the hand, or wrist 28. In one embodiment the force redirecting element 26 may be made from a non-resilient material.

The second end 22 of the pulling cord 18 may be connected to a handle 38. The handle 38 may be, for example, a rigid cylinder disposed to be grasped in a hand opposite the hand the therapy device is engaged with. The pulling cord may be configured to be pulled in a direction 40 along a forearm 42. The hand engaging element 12 may be, for example, an elongate board.

In one embodiment the hand engaging element may be configured to be selectively connected to, and removed from, the fabric such that the pulling force may be selectively directed to different areas of the hand. In one embodiment, the fingers and the hand engaging element may have mating sides of a loop and hook arrangement, for example with VelcroTM, enabling adjustment. In one embodiment adjustment may be made possible with snaps.

In one embodiment the at least one pulling cord may include two or more pulling cords 18, for example two pulling cords 18 as illustrated in FIG. 1 connected to the hand engaging element 12 at two spaced apart locations. The two cords 18 may be connected to opposite ends of the elongate hand engaging element 12 and may pass through the force redirecting element 26 and be arranged to cross over one another before being attached to the handle by, for example, a loop in the pulling cords 18.

In one embodiment the therapy device 10 may include an object 44 configured to be squeezed by the hand when contracted which may provide exercise for the hand, and in conjunction with the stretching therapy, provided by the pulling cords 18, may help provide a full range of motion. A timer, for example, a clock 46 which may have an alarm that may be used as a reminder to a user to use the device. The clock 46 may be affixed to the fabric 34, or it may be removably attachable by, for example, with snaps or a Velcro™ connection.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 110 may comprise a hand engaging element 112 which may include a first elongate board 114 configured to be secured at one side of the fingers of a hand 116 and a second elongate board 118 configured to be secured to an opposite side of the fingers. Connections 120 may be disposed to pass between the fingers and configured to connect the first elongate board 114 with the second elongate board 118. The hand engaging element 112 may be configured to engage with, and/or connect to the hand 116, and may be configured to at least partially distribute a force which may be illustrated with an arrow 122. At least one pulling cord 124 has a first end 126 which may be configured to be connected to the hand engaging element 112, and has a second end 128 which may be configured to be pulled as may be illustrated with an arrow 130. A force redirecting element 132 may be configured to be connected to a back of the hand 116 or a back of a wrist 134, and may be configured to redirect the pulling force exerted on the second end 128 as illustrated with an arrow 136, and may be directed to be able to flex the hand 116 in direction 138.

The therapy device 110 may include a fabric 140 configured to fit on the hand 116, the hand engaging element 112 and the force redirecting element 132 being connected to the fabric 140. In one embodiment the fabric 140 may be configured to fit over the hand 116 like a glove or a mitten.

The force redirecting element 132 may include a ring 142 connected to the fabric 140 with a resilient connection, for example, a spring 144. The at least one pulling cord 124 may be configured to pass through the ring 142.

The resilient connection may include a resiliency which is adjustable. For example, the spring 144 may be replaceable with another spring with a different spring constant, or one or more additional springs may be added. In one embodiment, the resiliency may be adjusted by changing a distance between the ring 142 and the spring 144, for example, with a threaded engagement. In one embodiment, various resilient bands may be used.

A pulling ring 146 disposed to be grasped in a hand opposite the hand the therapy device may be engaged with, or pulled by another person such as a therapist. In one embodiment, the therapy device 110 may include an interlocking element disposed to be attached to a similarly configured therapy device arranged on an opposite hand such that the pulling cord 128 of the first device 110 may be pulled by moving an interlocked other device. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 a hook 148 may be attached to a bottom of the device which may fit into the pulling ring 146 of a similar therapy device 110. Such an interlockable arrangement may be useful in cases where the dexterity on one or both hands is compromised and grasping is difficult, or impossible. One embodiment may include a stiffening device 150 positioned on the back of the hand which may aid in the feel and mechanics of tilting and/or flexing the hand backward, which may be housed in, for example, a pocket 152.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 210 may comprise a hand engaging element 212 which may include an elongate board 214 which may be configured to engage with, and/or connect to a hand 216, and may be configured to at least partially distribute a force which may be illustrated with an arrow 218. At least one pulling cord 220 has a first end 222 which may be configured to be connected to the hand engaging element 212, and has a second end 224 which may be configured to be pulled as may be illustrated with an arrow 226. A force redirecting element 228 may include a lever arm 230 configured to pivot about an axis 232 at, or near, the back of the wrist 233, the second end 224 of the at least one pulling cord 220 may be configured to be connected to the lever arm 230 a first distance 234 from the axis 232. The lever arm 230 may be configured to be pulled on by a second cord 236 connected to the lever arm 230 at a second distance 238. The second cord may be connected to a handle 240. One or both of the first distance 234, and the second distance 238, may be adjustable by, for example, providing a number of different connections on the pivot arm, or providing connections on the pivot arm configured to adjustably move along the pivot arm. The first distance 234 may be configured to be greater than, or less than, the second distance 238. In one embodiment a gauge may be included to indicate to a user how hard the cord is being pulled which may be disposed to indicate whether or not the pulling force is within a recommended range. In one embodiment, the lever arm 230 may be grabbed directly with an opposite hand, or by another person, such as a therapist, and pulled back in order to flex the hand of the wearer in the direction 241.

In one embodiment a support 242 may be provided support configured to support the hand at, or near, the wrist while typing or mousing. FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 310 may comprise a hand engaging element 312 which may include one or more finger engaging elements, for example, rings 314 configured to fit on one or more fingers 316 each connected to a first end 318 of at least one pulling cord 320. For example, as shown in the embodiment illustrated, four rings 314 may be fitted on each of four fingers 316 of a hand 322. Four pulling cords 320 may be connected to each of the four rings 314. The four pulling cords 320 may be disposed to pass through a force redirecting element 326 which may be configured to be connected at, or near, a back of a wrist 328 as illustrated in this described embodiment, and may be configured to redirect a pulling force 330 exerted on a second end 332 of each of the pulling cords. In one embodiment each of four cords 320 may be connected to a single additional cord, or to a handle, configured to be pulled. The redirected pulling force may be illustrated with an arrow 334, and may be directed to be able to flex the hand 319 in direction 334.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 410 may include a fabric 411 configured to be fitted on a hand 412. The fabric 411 may be a resilient material, for example, elastic. A hand engaging element may be in the form of reinforced fingers 414, for example a non-resilient fabric which may be added to, or made integral with, the fabric 411 and which may be made from a sturdy material. A first pulling cord 416 may be configured to be connected at a first end 417 thereof to the respective four reinforced fingers 414 with a connection 418 which may be adjustable. The connection 418 may include one or more hooks 420 attached to the reinforced fingers 414, which may be connectable with mating ends on the first ends 417 of the first pulling cords 416. Each mating end may include a catch 424 arranged to attach to the hooks 420. Each of the catches 424 may be removably attachable to the corresponding hooks 420 on each of the respective fingers 414, and may be left unconnected, or connected to other hooks that may be located higher up or lower down on the fingers. Each of the first pulling cords 416 may be joined at a junction; for example, they may be connected at a second end 428 to a ring 430. A second pulling cord 432 may be connected to an opposite side of the ring 430 at a first end 434 thereof. A second end 436 of the second pulling cord 432 may be configured to be connected to a handle 438. A force redirecting element 440 may be attached to the fabric 411 of the therapy device 410. The second pulling cord 432 may be arranged to pass underneath the force redirecting element 440. A number of adjusting elements 442 may be arranged on each of the first pulling cords 416 to adjust the length thereof.

In one embodiment finger cots may be disposed to fit over the tips of the fingers and may be disposed to have pulling cords connected to them.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method includes: pulling a cord at a second end with a pulling force in a direction substantially along an arm, the cord having a first end connected to a hand engaging element, 500; redirecting the pulling force by passing the cord through a force redirecting element such that the pulling force is directed to have a component toward a wrist, the force redirecting element being connected to a back of the hand or a back of a wrist, 502; and flexing the hand backward with the pulling force, 504.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 600 may include a device body 602 having a number of holes 604 at a first end 606 of the device body 602, adapted to engage the fingers of a hand. Various embodiments may have four holes. Various embodiments may have fewer holes to engage fewer fingers for different effect. A pulling member 608 may be adapted to be connected at a second end 610 of the device body 602. The pulling member 608 may be made from a flexible material, for example a fabric. In various embodiments, the material may be substantially nonstretchable, and may be for example, a woven nylon. In other embodiments, all or part of the material may be stretchable to a certain degree. The pulling member 608 may include a handle 612. The handle may include a rigid cylinder 614. In various embodiments the rigid cylinder 614 may be enclosed or wrapped completely or partially in the fabric of the pulling member 608. The pulling member 608 may include an elongated middle portion 616 which may have an opening 620 adapted to fit one or more fingers of a second hand, for example, the opposite hand of a user, or the hand of a therapist, for example, which may aid in the gripability of the pulling member 608. The finger or fingers in the hole may be able to at least partially curve around the handle. The middle portion 616 of the pulling member 608 may have sides 622 which extend inwardly toward a device center line 623 providing a tapered shape which may provide clearance 624 on opposite ends of the handle 612 which may enable a user to position fingers thereon to aid in the grasping and pulling of the handle 612.

The device body 602 may be made from a compliant, pliable, or soft material which may be comfortable to the touch and may be made from, for example, leather or vinyl. Other materials may be used, for example, nylon or cotton. The finger holes 604 may be reinforced or secured around all or part of the annulus of the holes with stitching, for example, with a surge stitch 626 which may add to the durability of the therapy device 600, and to the comfort of a user. Other types of stitching may be used.

The therapy device 600 may be used by slipping the fingers through the therapy device 600 of a first hand and pulling with the opposite or a second hand at the handle 612 to extend, flex, stretch, and/or exercise the hand in the device 600. The hand in the device 600 may be in a relaxed state while being stretched. It can be appreciated that a variety of handles or other graspable members may be used to enable the user to pull with the second hand. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention wherein a therapy device 700 includes a device body 702 having four holes at a first end 706 of the device body 702 adapted to fit over the fingers of one hand of a user and a pulling member 708 connected to a second end 710 of the device body 702. The pulling members 708 may include a strap 728 connected to a cylindrically shaped handle 712. The device 700 may include a clearance 724 on opposite sides of the strap 728, such that two fingers may be positioned on either side of the strap 728 when holding or pulling the handle 712.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A therapy device 800 may include a device body 802 having holes 804 adapted to engage the fingers of one hand at a first end 806 thereof. The device body 802 may have a pulling hole 821 at a second end 810 thereof adapted to receive one or more fingers of a second or, an opposite, hand disposed such that the opposite hand may grip a handle 812 and also position one or more fingers into the pulling hole 821. The pulling hole 821 may aid in the grasp ability and pullability of the handle aiding in the flexing and exercising of the hand in the device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. A hand therapy device 900 may include finger engaging elements 930 in the form of cylindrical elements which may be made from a fabric. The finger engaging elements 930 may aid in the positioning of the device at different or at predetermined locations along the fingers and may provide possible adjustment and different pulling angles and different pulling leverages when using the device. In one embodiment the device body 902 may be fixed relative to the finger engaging elements 930 and in other various embodiments the device body 902 may be adjustable relative to the finger engaging elements 930.

FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating various embodiments of the present invention. A hand therapy device 1000 may include a device body 1002 which may have, for example, four holes 1004 in the device body 1002 adapted to engage the fingers of a hand. In this example embodiment a pulling member 1008 may include a handle 1012 and a strap 1028 which may be similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. The holes 1004 may be aligned along a line 1032 which may be substantially parallel to a center line 1034 of a handle 1012. By way of comparison, FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating various other embodiments of the present invention wherein a number of holes 1104 may be aligned along a line 1132 which makes an angle 1136 with a center line 1134 of a handle 1112. The non-parallel or angled relationship between the line 1132 of holes 1104 and the center line 1134 may provide variation and improved stretching of the hand when using the therapy device 1100. The device 1100 may be used in a reversible way to alternate the angled variation on different finger combinations.

FIGS. 12 and 13 also illustrate various embodiments wherein the handle 1012, 1112 may comprise a cylindrical element 1014, 1114 wrapped in a covering 1040, 1140 which may be passed through a loop 1042, 1142 in the strap 1028, 1128 of each of the respective therapy devices 1000, 1100.

Various embodiments may include various numbers of holes in the pulling element or in the device body disposed to receive various numbers of fingers of a pulling hand. Various embodiments similar to those described and illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 13 may include various features described, and illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. As one possible example among many, various embodiments may include a device body the same or similar to embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 13 with a handle the same or similar to the handle 438 illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. A hand therapy device 1200 may include a first device body 1202 having a first set of one or more holes 1204, for example, four holes, adapted to engage one or more fingers of a first hand. A pulling member 1208 may be, or may include a second device body 1202' having a second set of one or more holes 1204' adapted to engage the fingers of a second hand. The first device body 1202 may be adapted to be grasped and pulled by a second hand and adapted to be pulled in order to extend or flex the first hand, and the second device body 1202' may be adapted to be grasped and pulled by the second hand in order to extend or flex the first hand. The respective first and second device bodies 1202, 1202' may be adapted to be alternately pulled and may be effective to extend or flex the respective opposite hands.

In various embodiments, a coupling member 1240 may be adapted to couple the first device body 1202 with the second device body 1202'. The coupling member 1240 may be adapted to twist, while the respective first and second device bodies 1202, 1202' are alternately pulled to extend or flex the opposite hand. The coupling member 1240 may be made from a flexible material. In one example it may be made from woven nylon. Various embodiments may include a coupling member adapted to count the number of repetitions of alternating hand extensions or flexes. For example, a ratcheting mechanism adapted to increment a counter. Various embodiments may not include a coupling member and a first device body may be directly coupled to the second device body. In various embodiments, the holes 1204, in the first device body 1202 may be in a first line 1234 and holes 1204', in the second device body 1202'. The first line 1234 and the second line 1234' may be parallel, or they may form an angle with one another. The holes in first and second device bodies may be reinforced with stitching, in various embodiments the holes may be reinforced with a serge stitch.

Various embodiments may provide a method including: slipping a first set of holes 1204 of a first device body 1202 over the fingers of a first hand and engaging the fingers of the first hand; slipping a second set of holes 1204' of a second device body 1202' over the fingers of a second hand and engaging the fingers of the second hand, the second device body 1202' being coupled with the first device body 1202; alternately grasping and pulling each of the first device body 1202 and the second device body 1202'; and respectively extending or flexing the second hand and the first hand in an alternating fashion.

Various embodiments may provide an apparatus including a first device body having holes adapted to fit over the fingers of a first hand; and a handle coupled with the device body and adapted to be pulled and to flex the first hand, wherein the handle is a second device body configured similar to the first device body having additional holes adapted to fit over the fingers of the second hand.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments in accordance with the present invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A wrist therapy device comprising: a first device body having a first set of one or more holes adapted to engage one or more fingers of a first hand; and a pulling member coupled with the first device body adapted to be grasped and pulled by a second hand in order to extend or flex the first hand generally in the region of a first wrist.

2. The wrist therapy device according to claim 1 wherein the pulling member includes a handle.

3. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the pulling member includes a second device body having a second set of one or more holes adapted to engage the fingers of the second hand, and wherein the first device body is adapted to be grasped and pulled by the first hand in order to extend or flex the second hand generally in the region of a second wrist.

4. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the pulling member includes an opening adapted to fit one or more fingers of the second hand.

5. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the pulling member includes a middle portion having sides adapted to taper inwardly toward a device center line.

6. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the device body includes a pulling hole adapted to fit one or more fingers of the second hand.

7. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 further comprising stitching disposed on all or part of an annulus of the holes.

8. The wrist therapy device of claim 3 further comprising a coupling member adapted to couple the first device body with the second device body.

9. The wrist therapy device of claim 8 wherein the coupling member is adapted to twist, and the respective first and second device bodies are adapted to be alternately pulled and effective to extend or flex the respective second and first wrist.

10. The wrist therapy device of claim 9 wherein the coupling member is adapted to count the number of alternating repetitions conducted by a user of the device.

11. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the one or more holes are four holes in a line, the line forming an angle with a center line of the handle.

12. The wrist therapy device of claim 2 wherein the pulling member is at east partially made from a flexible material.

13. The wrist therapy device of claim 12 wherein the handle includes a rigid cylinder completely or partially enclosed in the flexible material.

14. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the device body is made from a flexible material.

15. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 wherein the pulling member includes a strap connected to a handle, a clearance on opposite sides of the strap adapted to position fingers of the second hand.

16. The wrist therapy device of claim 1 further comprising finger engaging elements adapted to fit over the fingers in the first hand, the one or more holes adapted to fit over the finger engaging elements.

17. A method comprising: slipping a first set of holes of a first device body over the fingers of a first hand and engaging the fingers of the first hand; grasping a pulling member with a second hand, the pulling member coupled with the device body; and extending and/or flexing the first hand by pulling the pulling member.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising positioning one or more fingers in an opening in one of the pulling member or the device body while grasping the handle.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising: slipping a second set of holes of a second device body over the fingers of the second hand and engaging the fingers of the second hand, the second device body being coupled with the first device body; alternately grasping and pulling each of the first device body and the second device body; and respectively extending and/or flexing either the first hand or the second hand by pulling with the opposite hand.

20. An apparatus comprising: a first device body having holes adapted to fit over the fingers of a first hand; and a handle coupled with the device body and adapted to be pulled and to extend and/or flex the first hand.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the handle is part of a pulling member, the pulling member having an opening disposed to receive one or more fingers of a second hand while pulling the handle.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the first device body has a pulling hole disposed to receive one or more fingers of a second hand while pulling the handle.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the handle is a second device body configured similar to the first device body having additional holes adapted to fit over the fingers of the second hand.

24. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the holes in the device body are reinforced with stitching.