Pascarelli’s Book has a good chapter on when and how to do strengthening exercises by using weights. He does not talk about size of weights.

When I started his program, I started with very light 1lb dumbbell weights and slowly moved up after many months of therapy. I have been doing these exercises every morning for years.

As usual, consult your doctor and hand therapist for advice.

Taking breaks during computer use is critical to healing. I use a timer like this Polder Digital Timer to remind me to take breaks. I set it for say 20 minutes, then it beeps and I stop using the computer and take a break for 20 minutes.

You can vary the amount of computer usage and break length depending on your injury status.

The Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred is a low cost voice recognition software that I use. I started using it at version 6 and have found that it has improved substantially. It includes a high-quality headset.

The speed and accuracy is pretty good and I like the voice web navigation it offers. It is not perfect but less typing = more healing. It is hard to use in an open office environment though.

Hot and Cold Transition Baths have helped my hands feel better.  I fill 2 pitchers, 1 with hot water from the tap, and another with cold tap water plus a few ice cubes.

I dump my arm into one pitcher for 30 seconds, then into the other for 30 seconds.  I repeat about 3-5 times.   This helps by improving circulation to your arm.  I do this every day.

The HoMedics Paraspa Deluxe Paraffin Bath is a low cost hot wax bath that I use. I learn about the usefulness of these wax baths in hand therapy, used them at their facility, and decided to buy my own. REVLON MoistureStay Parafin Bath is also an alternative.

I use it about 3 times a day and it helps warm my hands and improve circulation and muscle extensibility.  It is messy, so try to keep some material to protect your counter tops around the unit.

A lot cost refill is the Therabath Refill Paraffin Wax - ScentFree, 6 lbs