When is hand therapy recommended for distal radius fracture?

A distal radius fracture affects the end of the forearm bone near the wrist. Treatment may involve a cast, splint or surgery, and the therapist must follow the fracture team's restrictions while the bone heals. Therapy may start with finger, elbow and shoulder movement, then progress to wrist mobility, strength and practical hand tasks when cleared.

Keep follow-up appointments so healing and alignment can be checked. Elevate the hand when swelling is troublesome, move any joints your clinician has cleared, and protect the wrist from lifting or twisting beyond the advised limits. Hand therapy may use exercises, scar care after surgery, swelling control, splint adjustment and gradual practice with dressing, cooking or work tasks.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing pain or swelling, new numbness, pale or blue fingers, inability to move the fingers, a loose or tight cast, or drainage from a surgical wound. Urgent help is needed for severe pressure, rapidly worsening finger colour or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask when therapy can begin, which joints you should move now, and what lifting limit applies. Ask how progress will be measured, whether a splint should be adjusted, and which symptoms mean the fracture or wound needs review before your next appointment.