Wrist Fracture: Rehab Exercises
Introduction
Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.
You will be told when to start these exercises and which ones will work best for you.
How to do the exercises
Wrist flexion and extension
slide 1 of 7, Wrist flexion and extension,
- Place your forearm on a table, with your hand and affected wrist extended beyond the table, palm down.
- Bend your wrist to move your hand upward and allow your hand to close into a fist, then lower your hand and allow your fingers to relax. Hold each position for about 6 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Hand flips
slide 2 of 7, Hand flips,
- While seated, place your forearm and affected wrist on your thigh, palm down.
- Flip your hand over so the back of your hand rests on your thigh and your palm is up. Alternate between palm up and palm down while keeping your forearm on your thigh.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Wrist radial and ulnar deviation
slide 3 of 7, Wrist radial and ulnar deviation,
- Hold your affected hand out in front of you, palm down.
- Slowly bend your wrist as far as you can from side to side. Hold each position for about 6 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Wrist extensor stretch
slide 4 of 7, Wrist extensor stretch,
- Extend the arm with the affected wrist in front of you and point your fingers toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
- When you can do this stretch with ease and no pain, repeat steps 1 through 4. But this time extend your affected arm in front of you and make a fist with your palm facing down. Then bend your wrist, pointing your fist toward the floor.
Wrist flexor stretch
slide 5 of 7, Wrist flexor stretch,
- Extend the arm with the affected wrist in front of you with your palm facing away from your body.
- Bend back your wrist, pointing your hand up toward the ceiling.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5, but this time extend your affected arm in front of you with your palm facing up. Then bend back your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
Intrinsic flexion
slide 6 of 7, Intrinsic flexion,
- Rest the hand with the affected wrist on a table and bend the large joints where your fingers connect to your hand. Keep your thumb and the other joints in your fingers straight.
- Slowly straighten your fingers. Your wrist should be relaxed, following the line of your fingers and thumb.
- Move back to your starting position, with your hand bent.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
MP extension
slide 7 of 7, MP extension,
- Place your good hand on a table, palm up. Put the hand with the affected wrist on top of your good hand with your fingers wrapped around the thumb of your good hand like you are making a fist.
- Slowly uncurl the joints of the hand with the affected wrist where your fingers connect to your hand so that only the top two joints of your fingers are bent. Your fingers will look like a hook. Hold the position for about 6 seconds.
- Move back to your starting position, with your fingers wrapped around your good thumb.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
