Pain is inevitable after the plaster is removed from the location of the broken wrists. Since the wrist hasn’t moved for well over a couple of weeks, the hand might feel vulnerable to perform routine tasks. Along with the prescribed medication, physiotherapy is mighty effective in healing the wrist and getting the old balance back. The process of physiotherapy should be typically started when the pain diminishes and the Doctor gives his go-ahead for the same.
What are the benefits?
This is primarily done to get back the muscle strength. Physiotherapy also helps in gaining mobility and function of the wrist that has been affected because of the injury. While therapy does not heal the fracture, they ensure bones of the wrist get denser and stronger. This ensures that future injuries are effectively prevented.
Flexion: This is the process of bending the wrist in the forward direction and holding the posture for 5 seconds. 3 sets of 10 flexions should be done in one session.
Extension: This is the opposite of flexion. In this exercise, the wrist should bend backwards and 3 sets of 10 extensions should be performed in each session.
Side Movement: The wrist should be moved sideways much like the motion performed during a handshake. Each movement should last for 5 seconds and 3 sets of 10 such movements should be performed in each session.
Wrist Stretch: This is the process of bending the wrist with the help of the other hand. The next process is to stretch the fingers backwards with the help of the other hand. This posture should be held for 15 seconds and 3 sets should be performed.
Wrist Extension: This is an exercise where the body weight is placed on the wrist by keeping the palms down and legs straight. This exercise should be repeated thrice each lasting for 15 seconds.
Grip Strengthening: A soft rubber ball should be kept in the palm and squeezed for 5 seconds. This activity should be done 15 times twice.
Wrist Supination: This exercise involves the flipping of the forearm up and down for 5 seconds each. It can be done in sets of 10 each.
Once a person gets comfortable with the stretching exercises, the same exercises can be done with some weight in hand to further strengthen the muscles. Isometric exercises can also be practised. This is beneficial since they do not involve muscle contraction. A mix of all these exercises will help to mobilise the wrist. Apart from these exercises, certain other activities such as swimming, driving and cycling can be practised to ensure speedy recovery of the artist. At any point of time, a physiotherapist should be consulted before taking up any new exercise or activity that involves the wrist.