Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Wrist Fractures: Very Common, Fully Recoverable
Distal radius fractures (Colles fractures) are among the most common fractures in adults, typically occurring from a fall on an outstretched hand. They are particularly common in postmenopausal women (due to osteoporosis) and in sport and road accident injuries in younger adults. After 4-6 weeks of cast immobilisation (or surgical fixation with a plate), the fracture heals -- but the wrist is stiff, weak, and painful, often requiring 3-6 months of physiotherapy for full recovery.
What Happens During Immobilisation
Six weeks of cast immobilisation causes: wrist joint stiffness (particularly flexion and extension), muscle wasting and weakness (forearm and hand muscles), tendon adhesions, swelling that consolidates into stiffness, and reduced grip strength. These changes are fully reversible with appropriate physiotherapy but worsen with time without treatment.
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Protocol
Week 1-2 Post-Cast Removal
Goals: reduce swelling, begin range of motion. Gentle active wrist flexion, extension, pronation, supination. Oedema management (elevation, compression, massage). Tendon gliding exercises. Grip strengthening with putty (very light resistance).
Weeks 2-6
Progressive range of motion exercises. Active and passive mobilisation of the wrist joint and radioulnar joint. Progressive resistance with theraband and light weights. Wrist mobilisation manual therapy.
Weeks 6-12
Functional strengthening -- wrist extension strengthening, progressive grip and pinch strength. Return to daily activities: writing, keyboard use, cooking. Return to sport as appropriate.
Wrist Fracture Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we restore full wrist function after fracture. Book your post-fracture assessment today.