WRIST STIFFNESS AFTER A FRACTURE
Wrist exercises after a fracture or cast removal
A general, video-guided starting plan for adults whose treating clinician has said the wrist is stable enough for a general motion program and explained any current restrictions.
Created by Ryne Baines, OT, CHT, Certified Hand Therapist. Prerecorded general education—not a diagnosis, medical clearance, or individualized occupational therapy.
Free readiness check first · Then $21.99 for 30-day access · One-time purchase. The check looks for reasons a general plan may not fit; it does not medically clear you.
Start with the clearance boundary
Cast removal is not exercise clearance. Permission for active motion does not automatically allow passive stretching, strengthening, lifting, or weight bearing. Begin only within the exact restrictions given by the clinician treating the fracture.
Starting principle
A conservative sequence begins with active wrist and forearm motion. Assisted or passive motion is added only when allowed and must stay slow, gentle, and non-painful. Resistance, lifting, and weight bearing require separate clearance.
Common problems this page addresses
- The wrist feels stiff after a cast or period of protection
- Turning the palm up or down is limited
- Grip and lifting feel weak after immobilization
- Daily tasks feel awkward even though the fracture is stable
- You need a clearer way to dose and progress a general routine
What the plan helps you work toward
- Work on comfortable wrist and forearm motion
- Address palm-up and palm-down stiffness
- Keep assisted or passive motion and resistance behind separate readiness checkpoints
- Use pain and swelling response rules to adjust the dose
- Recognize when a general recovery plan is not enough
A general plan may fit when
- Your treating clinician said the fracture is stable enough for a general home motion program
- You understand and can follow every current lifting, motion, or weight-bearing restriction
- The skin is closed and there is no active wound or infection concern
- Symptoms are stable enough to monitor rather than rapidly worsening
Get checked first when
- You have not been cleared for motion, or you are unsure what is allowed
- Recent surgery, pins, hardware precautions, or a surgeon-specific protocol is involved
- There is deformity, major swelling, instability, drainage, or an inability to use the hand
- You develop new numbness, a pale or cold hand, severe pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Wrist Plan: $21.99
30 days of access. One-time purchase. No subscription or automatic renewal.
If the check identifies a reason not to use a general plan, checkout is not offered.
Common questions
When can I start wrist exercises after a fracture?
The clinician treating the fracture should decide when motion is safe. Timing depends on the fracture, stability, treatment, healing, and restrictions. Cast removal alone is not medical clearance.
Does the public page give away the Wrist Plan?
No. It shows the recovery goals and safety boundaries. Exercise names, videos, sequence, repetitions, hold times, and progression remain inside the paid plan.
Does this replace hand therapy after a wrist fracture?
No. The Wrist Plan is general educational guidance. It cannot examine the wrist, measure healing, change restrictions, or replace individualized therapy when your clinician recommends it.
How much is the Wrist Plan?
The first plan is a one-time $21.99 purchase for 30 days of access, with no subscription or automatic renewal. A readiness check comes before checkout.