How Physical Therapy Can Help a Wrist Fracture

One of the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can sustain is a wrist fracture. Regardless of whether you have injured the hand you use the most or the other one, chances are you will be in a world of pain and discomfort. According to nationwide statistics, one out of every 10 broken bones is a wrist fracture. There are many different scenarios that can result in a wrist fracture, from slipping and falling to playing sports or tripping on your child’s toys. Regardless of the cause, a wrist fracture can wreak havoc on a person’s life, especially if it does not heal properly. One of the most effective treatment options for this type of injury is physical therapy. A physical therapist will work to help those with wrist fractures regain range of motion, strength, and overall function. In addition, they will also provide tips on how to prevent fractures in the future.

Wrist fractures are common in large part because it is our instinct to put our hand out when we fall in order to break the fall and prevent injuries to the face and body. However, when we do this the force can be enough to injure the wrist, especially in elderly individuals. The weight of the body is oftentimes all that is needed to cause a break or fracture in the wrist. In order to perform daily activities, a strong and healthy wrist is needed. This is where physical therapy comes in. With the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist, a person with a wrist fracture will be able to regain strength and once again perform activities such as lifting, gripping, and carrying.

Understanding the Different Types of Wrist Fractures

As mentioned above, a wrist fracture is a crack or break in a bone. There are eight different small bones that makeup the wrist – carpal bones – as well as two bones in the forearm – the radius and the ulna. When one or more of those bones break, a person will be diagnosed with a wrist fracture. There are several common types of bone fractures, including:

A nondisplaced fracture – This occurs when the bone is broken but remains in a normal position
A fragment shift – This occurs when a fragment of bone moves from its normal position
Multiple breaks – This is the most serious type of fracture and occurs when multiple bones are broken or there are several breaks of the bone

In order to diagnose a wrist fracture, your doctor will likely order an x-ray. At this point he or she will be able to determine what type of fracture you have sustained and how you should proceed.

Why Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy will be able to help a wrist fracture during several different stages, including when it is in a cast or sling and in the months following. In addition to helping improve the strength, motion, and function of the wrist, a physical therapist will also provide you with tips on how to prevent fractures down the line. Here are a few key ways in which physical therapy can help a wrist fracture: