Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius, Scaphoid, and Other Wrist Fractures)
A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break due to trauma or impact. The most common fractures involve the distal radius or scaphoid bone. Physical therapy helps restore mobility, rebuild strength, and improve hand function after immobilization or surgery.
Have you recently fallen onto your hand and developed wrist pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your hand? You may have sustained a wrist fracture, one of the most common upper extremity injuries.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, our physical therapists specialize in helping individuals recover from wrist fractures by restoring mobility, strength, and functional use of the hand.
Understanding Wrist Fractures
The wrist is made up of several bones, including:
• Eight carpal bones in the wrist
• The radius and ulna, the two forearm bones
The most common wrist fracture is a distal radius fracture, which often occurs when someone falls onto an outstretched hand (commonly known as a FOOSH injury).
Other commonly injured wrist bones include:
• Scaphoid bone, located near the base of the thumb
• Ulnar styloid, a small bone projection of the ulna
Treatment may involve casting, splinting, or surgical fixation depending on the severity of the fracture.
Even after the bone heals, many individuals experience stiffness, weakness, and reduced mobility that require rehabilitation.
Common Causes of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures most commonly occur due to sudden trauma or impact.
Common causes include:
• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Sports injuries or contact sports
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Workplace or industrial accidents
• Osteoporosis or weakened bone structure
These injuries often occur suddenly and require prompt medical evaluation.
Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture
Symptoms typically occur immediately after injury and may include:
• Severe wrist pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Tenderness near the fracture site
• Visible deformity or misalignment (in severe fractures)
• Limited wrist or finger movement
• Weak grip strength or difficulty holding objects
Some fractures, especially scaphoid fractures, may initially cause only mild pain that gradually worsens over time.
Prompt treatment is important to prevent complications such as nonunion or long-term wrist dysfunction.
How Wrist Fractures Are Diagnosed
Wrist fractures are usually diagnosed using X-rays. In some cases, additional imaging such as CT scans or MRI may be used to detect small fractures or evaluate more complex injuries.
After the fracture has been stabilized through casting, splinting, or surgery, physical therapy plays an important role in restoring normal wrist function.
At Rose Physical Therapy, your post-fracture evaluation may include:
• Wrist, hand, elbow, and forearm range of motion testing
• Grip strength assessment
• Swelling and soft tissue evaluation
• Joint stiffness and scar mobility assessment (after surgery)
• Functional hand coordination and dexterity testing
Physical Therapy After a Wrist Fracture
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring wrist movement while preventing long-term stiffness and weakness.
Your treatment plan may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on joint mobilization techniques to improve wrist and forearm mobility after immobilization.
Swelling Management
Techniques such as massage, elevation, and gentle movement to reduce swelling.
Scar Tissue Management
If surgery was required, therapy may include scar mobilization and desensitization techniques.
Strengthening Exercises
Progressive strengthening of the wrist, grip, and forearm muscles.
Mobility and Stretching
Exercises designed to restore flexibility and prevent joint stiffness.
Neuromuscular Retraining
Improving coordination, proprioception, and functional hand control.
Return-to-Activity Training
Guidance for safely returning to work, sports, and everyday activities.
Home Exercise Program
A customized home exercise program to maintain progress between therapy sessions.
Wrist Fracture Rehabilitation in Washington, DC
Recovery from a wrist fracture does not end when the cast comes off. Rehabilitation helps restore full mobility and strength so you can return to daily activities safely.
At Rose Physical Therapy, our experienced clinicians provide personalized treatment plans designed to support your full recovery.
If you are recovering from a wrist fracture, schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Our team is ready to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your hand and wrist.