A broken wrist can make even simple tasks like writing or lifting a cup feel impossible. After the bone heals, stiffness, pain, and weakness often linger. This is where physical therapy becomes essential.
At HWY Physical Therapy in Salem, Oregon, our specialists guide patients through safe and effective rehabilitation programs that restore strength and movement. Each treatment plan is customized to help you recover function, rebuild confidence, and return to daily activities without pain.
Whether your fracture required a cast or surgery, physical therapy helps you regain motion, improve grip, and prevent long-term complications. The right care turns recovery into progress—one movement at a time.
A broken wrist is one of the most common bone injuries, especially after falls or accidents. The wrist is made up of several small bones that connect the hand to the forearm, making it flexible but also vulnerable to fracture.
The most frequent type of wrist fracture is a distal radius fracture, which happens near the base of the thumb. Other bones, such as the scaphoid, can also break depending on how the hand lands during impact. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and pain that worsens when moving the wrist or fingers.
Healing begins once the bone fragments are realigned and stabilized with a cast or surgery. The body forms new bone tissue over several weeks. During this time, the wrist is immobilized to protect it. However, this lack of movement can cause stiffness and muscle weakness, which is why physical therapy is vital after the cast is removed.
Physical therapy restores motion, strength, and coordination that are lost during immobilization. Without it, the wrist may remain weak or stiff long after the bone has healed. A guided program helps you rebuild grip strength, stretch tight tissues, and regain full use of your hand for daily activities.
Therapy also reduces swelling, improves circulation, and prevents scar tissue from limiting movement. With the right plan, most people return to normal wrist function and everyday tasks within a few months.
Proper diagnosis is the first step toward safe and effective recovery. Many people mistake a fracture for a simple sprain, but untreated breaks can heal incorrectly and cause long-term stiffness or pain.
A broken wrist usually causes immediate pain after a fall or impact. Swelling, bruising, and visible deformity may appear within minutes. You may find it difficult to twist your wrist or grip small objects. Tingling or numbness in the fingers can also occur if swelling affects nearby nerves.
If any of these symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Continuing to use an injured wrist can delay healing and make rehabilitation more difficult.
Doctors confirm a wrist fracture using imaging tests. X-rays show the location and severity of the break. CT scans or MRI scans may be used when the fracture is complex or involves smaller bones such as the scaphoid.
Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether surgery is needed and guides when physical therapy can begin. Once the bone is properly stabilized, your therapist can plan safe exercises to restore motion.
After diagnosis, the wrist is usually placed in a cast or splint to hold the bone in position. It’s normal to feel stiffness and weakness once the immobilization ends. This is the best time to start physical therapy under professional guidance.
Your therapist will focus on reducing pain and swelling first, then gradually introduce stretching and strengthening to restore normal wrist function.
The timing of physical therapy depends on the type of fracture and the treatment used. Starting too soon can interfere with bone healing, while waiting too long can lead to stiffness and weakness. The goal is to begin movement safely and at the right time.
Physical therapy often begins soon after the cast or surgical dressing is removed, usually around six to eight weeks after the injury. At this point, your wrist may feel tight and swollen. Your therapist will start with gentle movements to restore basic range of motion.
If you had surgery, early therapy may begin even before cast removal to prevent the fingers and elbow from becoming stiff. Each exercise is carefully chosen to protect the healing bone while maintaining mobility.
This phase focuses on restoring flexibility and reducing stiffness. Your therapist may guide you through slow wrist bends, rotations, and gentle stretches. The goal is to regain comfort and movement without pain.
You may also begin light functional activities such as gripping a towel or squeezing a foam ball. These exercises activate the muscles around the wrist and hand, helping blood flow and healing.
Once motion improves, therapy shifts toward strengthening and coordination. Resistance bands and light weights may be introduced. Grip exercises help you recover the ability to hold, lift, and twist objects again.
By this stage, most patients notice significant improvements in movement and confidence. Regular sessions combined with home exercises ensure steady progress toward full recovery.
After a broken wrist, muscles weaken and joints stiffen from weeks of limited movement. Physical therapy helps reverse these effects by restoring flexibility, stability, and coordination. A structured plan keeps recovery safe and progressive.
Restoring motion is the first goal of therapy. Your therapist will guide you through slow, controlled movements that stretch tight tissues around the wrist and forearm.
Common exercises include:
Wrist flexion and extension (bending the wrist up and down)
Side-to-side wrist glides
Gentle rotations using a small towel or stick
These movements increase joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and prepare your wrist for strength work.
Once you regain movement, therapy focuses on rebuilding strength. Resistance bands, light dumbbells, and therapy putty are often used to improve muscle control.
Key exercises include:
Grip squeezes to improve hand strength
Wrist curls and extensions for forearm muscles
Pinch training to help with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes
Improved strength supports better wrist function and prevents future injury.
Your therapist may use manual techniques to loosen scar tissue and relieve stiffness. Gentle joint mobilization helps restore natural motion. Heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation can also reduce pain and promote blood flow.
Weeks 0–2: Focus on pain relief and swelling control.
Weeks 2–6: Begin stretching and light range-of-motion exercises.
Weeks 6–12: Add strength training and functional activities.
After 12 weeks: Continue home exercises to maintain progress and confidence.
Most people return to full use of their wrist within three to four months, depending on the fracture and commitment to therapy.
Successful wrist recovery depends on consistency, patience, and proper technique. Rushing the process or skipping key steps can delay healing and lead to long-term stiffness or weakness.
Trying to move or lift too much weight before the bone fully heals can cause setbacks. Even if the wrist feels better, the bone and soft tissues are still rebuilding strength. Always follow your therapist’s instructions on when to increase activity. Gradual progress prevents re-injury and keeps recovery on track.
Therapy sessions are most effective when paired with daily home exercises. Skipping them slows progress and allows stiffness to return. Set aside a few minutes each day for gentle stretching and grip work. Regular practice maintains flexibility and helps the wrist adjust to normal movement again.
Mild soreness is normal, but sharp or worsening pain is not. Persistent swelling or discomfort may signal overuse. Rest the wrist, apply ice, and tell your therapist if symptoms don’t improve. Addressing issues early prevents long-term complications and helps you heal correctly.
Following a structured plan, staying consistent, and listening to your body are key to full recovery.
At HWY Physical Therapy in Salem, Oregon, every patient receives a recovery plan tailored to their injury, lifestyle, and goals. No two wrist fractures heal the same way, so therapy must adapt to your unique needs.
Your first appointment includes a complete assessment of wrist movement, grip strength, and pain levels. The therapist reviews your medical history and discusses how the injury affects your daily activities.
Based on this evaluation, a custom program is created. You’ll start with gentle exercises to restore motion, followed by strength and coordination training. Your therapist will monitor progress closely and adjust your plan as you recover.
HWY PT uses proven techniques to speed recovery and restore normal wrist use. These include:
Manual therapy to loosen tight joints and improve circulation.
Guided stretching for better flexibility and posture.
Strength and grip training to rebuild control and endurance.
Patient education on proper wrist care and ergonomics.
Each session focuses on movement quality, not just exercise quantity. The goal is to make every motion comfortable, controlled, and functional.
HWY PT combines clinical expertise with personalized attention. Our licensed therapists work one-on-one with patients, ensuring every recovery milestone is met safely.
Located conveniently in Center 50+, Salem City Building, we provide a supportive setting where you can rebuild strength and confidence. Our approach turns therapy into lasting recovery.
Recovery doesn’t end when therapy sessions stop. Regular home care keeps your wrist strong, flexible, and ready for daily tasks. Simple exercises and healthy habits can protect your wrist for years to come.
Perform gentle stretches each day to keep your wrist flexible.
Wrist bends: Slowly bend your wrist up and down while keeping your forearm supported.
Finger stretches: Spread your fingers wide, then make a gentle fist.
Forearm rolls: Rotate your wrist in circles to loosen tight muscles.
These light movements improve blood flow and maintain the range of motion you gained during therapy.
Use proper wrist alignment during typing, lifting, or driving. Avoid bending your wrist for long periods. Keep your keyboard at elbow level and take short breaks to stretch. When lifting objects, use both hands and keep your wrists straight to reduce strain.
Bone and joint health benefit from good nutrition. Include foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Staying hydrated also helps tissue recovery. Limiting processed foods and added sugar supports long-term healing and reduces inflammation.
These simple steps help maintain your wrist strength and flexibility well after therapy ends.
Mild discomfort is expected as your wrist regains movement, but sharp pain is not. Tell your therapist if pain increases or lasts longer than a few hours. They can adjust your exercises or techniques to prevent overuse and irritation.
Most people can safely lift light weights around 10 to 12 weeks after the fracture, depending on bone healing and strength progress. Heavier lifting should only resume after your therapist confirms that your wrist is ready. Gradual progression prevents strain and re-injury.
Skipping therapy slows recovery and can cause stiffness, weakness, and reduced flexibility. Even a few missed sessions may delay your progress. Consistent therapy helps you restore full movement and prevents long-term issues.
With proper treatment and commitment to exercises, most people regain nearly full wrist function. Some may notice minor stiffness during extreme movements, but ongoing stretching and strength work can minimize it over time.
Home exercises are valuable but can’t fully replace professional sessions. Therapists use manual techniques and progress checks that ensure proper healing. Combining clinic visits with daily home routines delivers the best results.
If you’re recovering from a broken wrist, the right physical therapy plan can help you regain movement and strength safely. At HWY Physical Therapy in Salem, Oregon, our licensed therapists guide you through every stage of recovery — from gentle mobility work to advanced strengthening.
Each treatment plan is customized to your specific fracture type and activity goals. Our therapists use proven techniques to reduce stiffness, rebuild grip strength, and restore full function so you can return to work, sports, and daily life with confidence.
Call 971-202-1979 or visit Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 to schedule your evaluation today. Let HWY PT help you heal stronger and move better.