When we set out to design Chunky Grip, our new ergonomic sleeve for the Leaf Two Razor, we knew we didn't want to guess at what "comfortable" actually means. So, we brought in someone who works with hands for a living- Meet Amy!
Amy Kalra is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and licensed occupational therapist specializing in comprehensive hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation at The Helping Hand PDX. For the past few years, Amy worked directly with our Director of Engineering to help shape what Chunky Grip is today. She brought her clinical insight into every detail of a product, designed to make shaving more comfortable for everyone.
Before you get your hands on Chunky Grip- we chatted with Amy to get her take on hand health, grip strength, and the advice she gives her patients every day.
LS: Tell us a little about yourself and what you do as a hand therapist!
A: Sure! I have always enjoyed hand based activities and creating with my hands. I have had phases where I have fallen in love with hobbies, such as, guitar, pottery, playing hockey (roller and ice), and drawing/painting. Currently, I work as an occupational therapist specialized in certified hand therapy at The Helping Hand PDX.
I specialize in the 'tools' we use most: our hands. My job is to make sure that a 'minor' ache or a major injury doesn't stop folks from living their life. Whether that’s through custom splinting, specialized exercises, adapting a tool or environment. I help patients maintain independence and stay active.
LS: What everyday objects do you most commonly see patients struggling to grip or use comfortably?
A:Patients often have difficulty gripping utensils, knives, pens, toothbrushes, and shoe laces. Any items with a smaller barrel of a handle can be difficult to pinch or grip comfortably.
LS: What do most people get wrong about grip strength and why does it actually matter?
A: People often complete self-prescribed exercises, such as opening jars, or gripping a ball, and assume this will help with their grip strength and reduce pain. It is important to complete exercises based on underlying conditions and exercises may vary if someone has arthritis or weakness due to nerve involvement.
Grip strength is an indicator of length of life and maintaining functional independence as we age. The healthier your grip strength is, the more you are able to complete your daily activities as you age.
LS: As a hand therapist, what made you want to consult on a product like Chunky Grip, and what did you look for?
A: As an occupational therapist, there is nothing more rewarding than watching someone regain their independence with an activity of daily living. As a hand therapist, I enjoy consulting in the engineering process, so I can influence a design with my clinical insights in mind. My goal is to create ergonomic and accessible solutions that directly tackle the pain and fatigue my patients face every day.
LS: What's one thing you'd tell someone who's been dealing with hand fatigue or discomfort but hasn't done anything about it? Any tips?
A: I often remind my patients: just because you can tolerate discomfort doesn’t mean you should. Small aches in our hands and arms may seem minor, but they accumulate over time, leading to chronic issues that are much harder to treat. Whether it’s adapting your environment or modifying a task, proactive changes make a world of difference—and consulting with an OT or CHT is the best way to start
LS: Is there anything about hand health that you wish more people talked about?
A: As a hand therapist, I see many patients who wait until they cannot hold their cup of coffee before they seek help. Many conditions like tendonitis and early signs of arthritis, can be managed with custom orthotics, ergonomics, and specific exercises. Oftentimes, people wait until surgery becomes the first line of defense. As they say - an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of the cure.
As a hand therapist, the mobility of your hands begins with the stability of your posture. If your shoulders are weak or you are struggling to maintain your posture during daily tasks, your wrists and hands will overcompensate to maintain the stability.
Thanks Amy! Check out our new Chunky Grip for the Leaf Two Razor here.
