Can hand therapy treat a distal radius fracture?

Hand therapy can support recovery after a distal radius fracture, but the fracture may first need stabilisation and healing under medical supervision. Once movement is cleared, therapy can address stiffness, swelling, reduced grip and difficulty using the wrist and hand.

A distal radius fracture affects the lower end of the forearm bone near the wrist. Early care may include a cast, splint or surgery, depending on the fracture and its stability. Hand therapy usually begins with safe finger, thumb and elbow movement, swelling control and advice on daily tasks. Later stages may add wrist and forearm motion, scar care after surgery and progressive strengthening when healing allows.

Keep follow-up appointments so healing can be checked before increasing use. Follow weight and movement restrictions exactly, elevate the hand when advised and move the free fingers regularly. Do not lift, push or practise forceful gripping until cleared. A therapist can adapt dressing, washing, cooking and computer tasks while strength and wrist movement return.

Contact the fracture team if pain or swelling is increasing, the cast or splint feels too tight, or fingers become numb, pale, blue or cold. Seek urgent care for a new deformity, severe pain after a fresh injury, inability to move the fingers, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, drainage or fever.

Has the fracture healed enough for therapy? Which movements and loads are allowed now? When can I begin strengthening? Would a hand-therapy referral help with stiffness or work tasks?