Exercises after a Colles fracture

A Colles fracture is a distal radius fracture near the wrist. Immobilisation protects the healing bone but can leave the fingers, wrist and forearm stiff, with reduced grip and hand swelling. The safe starting point differs after casting, closed reduction or fixation surgery. Follow the restrictions given by the fracture team: wrist movement or loading that is appropriate for one person may be too early for another. Exercise should restore useful motion without disturbing fracture alignment or irritating healing tissues.

While the wrist is immobilised, regularly move the free fingers through a comfortable range, gently open and close the hand, and move the elbow and shoulder if your clinician permits. Keep the hand elevated when swelling increases. Once wrist motion is cleared, hand therapy may introduce gentle bending, straightening and forearm rotation, followed later by grip work and resistance. Use slow, controlled repetitions. Mild stretching discomfort can occur, but sharp pain is a signal to stop. Do not lift, push or bear weight through the wrist before clearance.

Contact the fracture team if exercises cause escalating pain or swelling that does not settle, or if wrist function is getting worse rather than gradually improving. Seek urgent help for fingers that become blue, very pale or cold; new persistent numbness; inability to move the fingers; severe pain despite elevation and prescribed medicine; or a cast that feels suddenly tight. Broken or wet casts and increasing wound redness or drainage also need timely review.

Confirm which joints you may move now, whether the wrist has a lifting or weight-bearing restriction, and how to adjust activity when swelling rises. Ask what level of discomfort is acceptable, when strengthening can begin and whether scar care applies after surgery. Bring up specific goals such as typing, driving, childcare, cooking or returning to manual work so exercises can be matched to daily demands.