Fracture

We have many different bones in our hand that include our phalanges and our metacarpals. We also have 8 bones in our wrist called our carpal bones. Fractures in the hand and wrist are common after traumatic incidents such as falls, crush injuries, or sports. Many fractures in this region can heal on their own without surgery but some injuries may require surgical interventions depending on the severity of the injury. Whether surgery was performed or not physical therapy can still help tremendously after this type of injury. After a fracture there is usually a period of immobility where the patient may be in a splint or brace to let the fracture heal. During this time the muscles around the injured bone tend to atrophy from not being used, and tighten causing pain and restrictions in motion. The bone itself will heal and may feel very stiff in this process. As the bone heals the surrounding bone structures may also develop feelings of stiffness. In physical therapy we work to first restore your range of motion by improving the mobility of the bone and reducing the tightness in the muscle. After the motion of the hand or wrist begins to improve we work on strengthening the muscles in the hand or wrist to build back the strength to the levels that were there prior to the injury. Physical therapy tends to produce great results for this type of injury. Please see below for photo examples of how we treat those who are rehabbing a fracture injury. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.