Wrist Fractures Treatment Exercises
Treatment Exercises
Cast Phase
Whilst in the cast it is extremely important to keep your fingers moving to reduce any stiffness, maintain good blood flow and reduce the risk of developing CRPS.
Hook Fist
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Full Grip
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
MCP Grip
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Thumb Range (As cast allows)
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Post cast removal
Note that if you are in a removable splint you should focus on these exercises, however you can do the cast phase exercises, little and often, throughout the day.
Occasionally after having a hand or wrist injury you might find your fingers become stiff. The tendon gliding exercises below are designed to help reduce stiffness and improve your hand function to return to normal activities.
Tendon glides
Ensure returning to full extension each repetition
Hook Grip
Full Fist
MCP Grip
MCP Full Flexion
Thumb Extension & Opposition
Level One - Range of movement
Wrist Flexion/Extension
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Radial/Ulna Deviation: Slide Across Table
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Pronation/Supination: Rotate Palm Down & Up
Complete 10 -15 repetitions, 3 sets, 2 -5 times a day
Level Two - Muscle activation/control & proprioception
Isometric Wrist Extension
Hold each exercise for 10 - 45 seconds and repeat 5 times, 2 - 3 times a day
Isometric Wrist Flexion
Hold each exercise for 10 - 45 seconds and repeat 5 times, 2 - 3 times a day
Grip Sponge/Small Ball
Hold each exercise for 10 - 45 seconds and repeat 5 times, 2 - 3 times a day
Squeeze Ball Lowering Into Elbow Flexion & Wrist Extension
Hold each exercise for 10 - 45 seconds and repeat 5 times, 2 - 3 times a day
Wringing a Cloth
Hold each exercise for 10 - 45 seconds and repeat 5 times, 2 - 3 times a day
Level Three - 6 to 8 repetitions, 4 sets, 3 days week
Note: If you are unfamiliar with resistance training, you may want to start by doing 12 repetitions, completing 3 sets. As this gets easier, approximately after 2 -3 weeks, increase the resistance and build it up to the above recommendations. If you have any concerns you can discuss this with your healthcare professional.
Resisted Wrist Extension with Weight
Resisted Wrist Radial Deviation with Weight
Resisted Wrist Flexion with Weight
Resisted Wrist Extension with Weight Resistance Band
Resisted Wrist Radial Deviation with Weight Resistance Band
Resisted Wrist Flexion with Weight Resistance Band
Wall Slides Progressing into Press- Up
Level 4 - sport specific
At this point you should aim to progress to more functional activities and look at returning to sport specific drills. Before returning to any contact sport you will need to be able to tolerate increased forces from falling over, therefore plyometric exercises should be included as part of your rehabilitation plan. If you have any concerns discuss this with your healthcare practitioner.