Hand Therapy Active Wrist exercises

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This patient leaflet is for patients who have injured their wrist. The aim of the leaflet is to provide information on recovery and exercises.

Following an injury to your wrist you may experience some swelling and stiffness. This is very normal and over time these should improve. When a wrist is injured sometimes soft tissue (tendons, ligaments and muscle) can also be involved. This can make recovery slower. Also swelling (oedema) can restrict movement of a joint, making the wrist stiff.

The following exercises will help to reduce stiffness and increase wrist movement. When completing the following exercises you may experience tightness or pulling sensation, this is normal. If you experience a sharp pain, reduce the intensity of the exercises or stop for a couple of days to allow the pain to stop.

Begin with your hand in a comfortable position. Complete the exercises slowly, within a comfortable range.

Exercises

Wrist flexion

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Wrist extension

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Radial deviation

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Ulnar deviation

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Supination

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Pronation

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Active wrist tenodesis

• 5-10 repetitions
• 4-5 times per day
• 5 second hold

Contacts / Further information

The Occupational therapy department is located in clinic 30 in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (ATC). The Occupational therapy reception telephone number: 01223 216769