A radius fracture — alone or with the ulna — is the most common upper-limb fracture: a fall onto an outstretched hand is enough. The cast or surgery fixes the bone; the hand’s function, however, is fixed by rehabilitation — and this is where ground is most often lost.
What is a radius/ulna fracture?
The radius and ulna are the forearm bones; the typical fracture is the distal radius, near the wrist (Colles/Smith), after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Treatment — cast or surgical fixation — is decided by the orthopaedist based on displacement and stability. After immobilisation, the wrist stays stiff, weak and “foreign” — the point where we take over.
What problems follow immobilisation?
Wrist stiffness (especially extension and forearm rotation — turning a key, palm up), reduced grip strength, persistent swelling, tenderness and fear of use, plus shoulder and elbow stiffness if they were over-protected.
How does recovery proceed?
In stages: during the cast — maintaining finger, elbow and shoulder mobility; after immobilisation is removed — progressive restoration of wrist mobility and rotation, swelling control, then grip strength and gradual loading (leaning, carrying); finally — full function for work, sport and daily life.
Why guided rehab matters
Because the most common after-effects — a stiff wrist, reduced strength, pain on leaning — come from incomplete rehab, not the fracture. And complications like complex regional pain syndrome are best prevented by correct early mobilisation.
How we work at Medicine Park
Coordinated with your orthopaedist: we assess mobility, strength and swelling, build the staged programme with measurable goals, use manual therapy for stiffness, progressive strength exercises and clear guidance for resuming activities. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
Bone: 6–8 weeks. Full wrist function: 2–4 months from cast removal, depending on severity and how early rehab starts.
When to start
Ideally during immobilisation (fingers, elbow, shoulder). If the wrist stayed stiff after an older fracture, rehab helps late too. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
