How to Set Up the Pinch Tool on Your PrimusRS

The pinch tool (or the 151) is one of the most widely used upper extremity tools on the PrimusRS. Learn how to set it up for pinch strength testing and exercises. Customize the set up to adapt as your patient progresses.

The pinch tool (or the 151) is one of the most widely used upper extremity tools on the PrimusRS. If you work in hand therapy or occupational rehab, you know the importance of pinch strength exercises to improving functional abilities. With the PrimusRS, the pinch tool integrates seamlessly into your functional rehabilitation program, whether simulating job tasks and ADLs, recovering from injury, or completing functional evaluations.

How to Set Up the Pinch Tool on Your PrimusRS

Steps to Set Up the Pinch Tool (4 steps)

1. If necessary, tap ‘unlock’ in the PrimusRS software to unlock the shaft
2. Insert the stabilizing arm into a lettered position on the workhead
3. Rotate the collar to align the tool
4. Lock the shaft before beginning activity

How to Customize Pinch Exercises for Each Patient

Adjust Pinch Width

You can customize the pinch width to accommodate every patient throughout their course of treatment. Simply move the pin to increase or decrease the pinch width. As your patient progresses, you can increase the width of the pinch movement to encourage strength through the entire range of motion.

Change Workhead Position

Changing the PrimusRS workhead position allows you to simulate very specific job tasks or activities of daily living. Raise or lower the workhead to practice the pinch at an overhead height or closer to the ground. Tilt the workhead to the desired angle to create a unique positioning that matches your patient’s desired activity.

Practice Different Pinch Techniques

With the PrimusRS pinch tool, you can perform three different pinch exercises:

• Palmar pinch
• Lateral pinch
• Tip to tip pinch

Simply direct the patient to change the position of their hand to practice these three functional pinch exercises.

More Tips for Your PrimusRS

The PrimusRS is the most versatile tool for functional rehabilitation exercises and testing. With dozens of attachments for both upper and lower extremities, customizable resistance modes, and flexible positioning, the possibilities are limitless. Get more tips on how to use your PrimusRS on our YouTube channel.