How do you rehab a distal radius fracture?

Rehabilitation of distal radius fractures is divided into 3 stages: splinting (for edema control), mobilization, and strengthening. With appropriate rehabilitation, typical outcomes for wrist flexion, extension, pronation, and supination at 1-year follow-up are 59°, 63°, 80°, and 81°, respectively.

How long does it take to recover from distal radius fracture?

Fractures of the distal radius usually need about 4-6 weeks for clinical bone healing, though sometimes it can take longer. It may take another 6-12 months to regain motion, strength, and function. Many people find they are resuming most of their daily activities about 3-4 months after a broken wrist.

When do you start physiotherapy after a broken wrist?

It is important that you start to exercise your arm as soon as your cast is removed. By exercising and regaining normal movements, the feeling of stiffness and pain will gradually subside. You may find the elbow and shoulder joints are stiff too, so keep these moving if they are not injured.

Can I exercise with a broken wrist?

Technically you can still do cardio, lower body exercises, and even train your other arm. The common concerns are that you will be lop-sided and create asymmetries/imbalances if you only train your other arm.

Is physical therapy necessary after broken wrist?

Distal radius fractures—as these injuries are called—are often serious and may require surgery, but regardless of what treatment is needed, physical therapy will be essential to ensure that you have a complete recovery.

How long does stiffness last after broken wrist?

After the cast is removed, it’s normal for the wrist to be stiff for 1 to 2 months. For some patients—such as those who are older, have osteoarthritis, or were victims of a high energy break such as from a car accident— this stiffness may last up to 2 years.

How long will my wrist hurt after fracture?

A cast might be needed for six to eight weeks, and sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the break. More severe breaks may take as long as six months to fully heal. Discomfort or pain may continue for months or even years after your injury.

How do you regain strength after a broken wrist?

Wrist extensor stretch

1. Extend the arm with the affected wrist in front of you and point your fingers toward the floor.
2. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
3. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

What is the best exercise for a broken wrist?

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.

How long does it take a distal radius fracture to heal?

How long will it take to heal and what kind of results can I expect? Fractures of the distal radius usually need about 4-6 weeks for clinical bone healing, though sometimes it can take longer. It may take another 6-12 months to regain motion, strength, and function.

What is the treatment for a radial fracture?

Radial head fractures that are not badly displaced can be managed by splinting the elbow for a short period of time to control discomfort, followed by early range-of-motion. 3  More prolonged immobilization is not recommended and can lead to more problems resulting from the stiffness of the joint.

How long does it take to recover from a fractured wrist?

According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, wrist fractures can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to heal. However, long-term recovery can take up to a year. The most common type of wrist fracture is the Colles’ Fracture, according to WebMD.

Do I need distal radial fracture surgery?

Distal Radius Fractures. Most people have fractures which are well-aligned, and, therefore, do not require surgery. Treatment in these cases is typically rest and protection in a cast or brace for several weeks. Follow-up x-rays are obtained in clinic to evaluate how the fracture is healing.