Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions - PT After Distal Radius fracture

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PT After Distal Radius fracture

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about arm, elbow, wrist & hand injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=630
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Topic: PT After Distal Radius fracture

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: PT After Distal Radius fracture
Date Posted: Apr 19 2010 at 4:09pm

Our user asked: "I am not able to make a closed fist after having fallen on ice nearly five months ago and having a simple fracture of the distal radius. I am in my mid sixties. In the hospital, I received closed reduction, and used a simple splint for six weeks that immobilized my wrist up to the end of the middle phalanx. Now my wrist ROM and strength has greatly improved, but I am unable to make a fist because of stiffness and pain in the middle and distal phalanx joints. I have to be in China for a couple of more months so it will be dificult to get to a capable hand doctor or PT. In the meantime, I have been forcing my hand to partially make a fist and it seems to be increasing the ROM. I recently started doing this several times a day. Does this sound like a good idea as a PT exercise? Any advice would be greatly appreciated."

Ask a PT Response: "For patients of mine who have similiar injuries such as yours and the fracture is well healed, I would gradually progress them to more aggresive strengthening, ROM and stretching exercises. Stretching their fingers and hand into flexion (making a fist) is often performed as well. Modalities such as heat or fluidotherapy can be utilized to help with increasing tissue pliability prior to stretching. My patients are instructed to stretch into a mild discomfort and to never force a stretch. I hope this helps. Best of luck with your recovery."