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The following exercises are recommended following the removal of your plaster after a wrist fracture.

wrist 1.png

Forearm supported on a table, hand relaxed over the edge. Extend the wrist and clench your fist – then relax and let your hand drop.

Repeat 10 times.
wrist 2.png

Support your forearm on a table as shown. Bend the wrist downwards as much as possible.

Repeat 10 times.
wrist 3.png

Tuck your elbow into your side. Alternately turn your hand palm up then palm down keeping elbow against your side.

Repeat 10 times.

 wrist 4.png

With hand resting flat on table. Keeping fingers straight, move hand from side to side bending from the wrist in a polishing motion (towards the little finger and then towards the thumb).

 

Repeat 10 times.

 wrist 5.png

Sit or stand. Press palms of hands together in front of your face. Then take your hands down
in front of your chest (let elbows come apart) until you feel a stretch in the front of your wrist. Push palms together for 10 secs. Relax.


Repeat 10 times.

 wrist 6.png

Make a fist (thumb over fingers) then straighten your fingers and spread them apart.

 

Repeat 10 times.

 wrist 7.png

Touch thumb tip to each fingertip in turn, stretching away from fingers in between.

Repeat 5 times to each finger.

If you are not able to lift your thumb/fingers off a table when your hand is flat on the table,
please alert your doctor.

If your hand is still swollen, try to reduce the swelling by regular:
•    Elevation, ideally hand resting on opposite shoulder, or sit with arm supported on cushions.
•    Fist pumping exercises, clench hand into a fist then stretch fingers out fully.
•    Contrast bathing, alternately immerse hand in warm then cold water, swap every 3 minutes for       15 mins. 
•    Ice, frozen peas wrapped in a towel placed over the affected area for 15 mins 

When the cast is first removed, you may find that your arm has built up a layer of thick or flaky dead skin. This is normal, try not to ‘pick’ at it.

Wash the hand in warm soapy water, rinse well, dry, and then massage your skin with some moisturising cream such as ‘Nivea’, E45 or aqueous cream. Repeat this at least twice a day until skin returns to normal.

Use your hand for light activities only. Do not lift or carry anything heavy until at least 8 weeks post injury, or as guided by your Consultant.

If any of these exercises cause you severe pain or swelling, then STOP and seek medical advice.
 

Frimley Park Hospital 0300 613 3394
(Physiotherapy)

Wexham Park Hospital 0300 615 3504
(Physiotherapy)

Heatherwood Hospital 0300 614 0540
(Physiotherapy)
 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.

About this information

Service:
Plaster room

Reference:
N/012

Approval date:
1 November 2025

Review date:
1 November 2028

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This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.