Wrist Fracture Recovery: Dos and Don’ts You Must Know
A wrist fracture can disrupt your daily life — from writing and cooking to typing anddressing. While the cast or surgery helps the bone heal, the real recovery happens after the cast comes off.
At BOSH-Physiotherapy, we often treat patients who come to us with pain, stiffness, or weakness even after the wrist fracture has technically healed. That’s where proper physiotherapy and home care make all the difference.
In this blog, let’s explore the dos and don’ts of wrist fracture recovery, and how physiotherapy can help you get back full strength and movement safely.
Common Signs of a Wrist Fracture
If you’ve recently had a fall or injury to the wrist, look for:
Swelling or bruising
Pain on movement
Visible deformity or difficulty gripping
Once diagnosed and treated, your orthopedic doctor may recommend immobilization orsurgery depending on the severity. The next phase is rehabilitation.
DO’s: Tips for a Smooth Wrist Fracture Recovery
1. Start Physiotherapy Early (When Cleared by Doctor)
Once the bone shows signs of healing, gentle physiotherapy is essential to restore mobility, reduce stiffness, and regain function.
2. Do Range-of-Motion Exercises
These include:
Wrist flexion and extension
Thumb movements
Forearm rotations (pronation/supination)
Your physiotherapist at BOSh-Physio will guide you based on your stage of recovery.
3. Apply Ice for Swelling
If swelling persists, especially after exercise, apply an ice pack for 15–20 minutes at a
time.
4. Support Your Wrist While Sleeping
Use a rolled towel or small pillow to elevate your hand at night. This helps in reducing
swelling.
5. Eat Bone-Healthy Foods
Include calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods like dairy, almonds, leafy greens, and sunlight
exposure to support bone healing.
DON’Ts: What to Avoid During Wrist Recovery
1. Don’t Rush into Heavy Activities
Lifting weights, twisting jars, or returning to sports too early can re-injure the wrist.
2. Avoid Self-Medicating or Skipping Appointments
Always follow your doctor’s and physiotherapist’s advice. Skipping rehab sessions can
delay full recovery.
3. Don’t Keep the Wrist Completely Still for Too Long
Prolonged immobilization can lead to frozen wrists or complex regional pain syndrome
(CRPS). Start movement as soon as medically advised.
4. Don’t Ignore Pain
Mild discomfort is normal during exercises, but sharp or worsening pain is a red flag —
report it immediately.
How BOSH-Physiotherapy Helps in Wrist Fracture Recovery
At BOSH-Physiotherapy, we offer a personalized rehabilitation program that includes:
Pain relief (using modalities like TENS or ultrasound)
Mobilization techniques to reduce stiffness
Strengthening and grip exercises
Hand function training for daily activities
Whether you’ve had a Colles’ fracture, Scaphoid injury, or post-operative rehab, our expert physiotherapists are equipped to guide you safely.
Ready to Heal Your Wrist the Right Way?
Don’t let a healed fracture limit your strength and flexibility. Let us help you recover stronger than before!
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
AboutMyClinic