Occupational Therapy for Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture
Introduction
If you’re seeking treatment (especially occupational therapy treatment) for a distal radius—a.k.a. wrist—fracture, we want you to be as informed as possible so we can truly partner to create the best course of treatment for YOU.
In occupational therapy, we tend to work from “menus” of evidence-based assessments and treatments. This gives us the flexibility to meet the specific needs of each patient. Below, you’ll see the assessment and treatment options your therapist may use, along with the evidence that supports them.
Please note that this page is for educational purposes and should not substitute advice from your medical provider.
At the bottom of this page, you’ll find therapists near you who can support you in your wrist fracture treatment.
Why pursue therapy for wrist fracture?
This post focuses on therapy treatment for wrist fracture.
Therapy is recommended to optimize your recovery from wrist fracture, reduce your pain, and prevent complications (such as stiffness and loss of range of motion). The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) clinical practice guideline for wrist fracture and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) guideline both emphasize the importance of rehabilitation for this particular condition.
According to a Cochrane Review of rehab for wrist fracture, there is some indication that early rehabilitation can improve hand function in the short term, though more evidence is needed.
Related Assessments
Assessments are powerful tools to help us partner in your care. They establish a clear baseline, direct our treatment efforts, and give us a reliable way to track your progress over time. Your team may select some specific measures that fit your unique situation. Here are some examples:
Core Therapy Measures
More Patient Reported Outcome Measures
More Wrist Fracture Assessments
Core Therapy Measures12, More Patient Reported Outcome Measures7,8, More Wrist Fracture Assessments9-12
Evaluation Notes for Therapists
Patient Rated Outcome Measure → Administer at evaluation, re-evaluation, and discharge.
Patient Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation (PRWHE)
MCID = 24 points7
MDC = 11 points8
Observations
Edema
Pitting vs. Non-pitting
Tenderness over edema could be indicative of a DVT or CRPS
Well’s screening Tool for DVT, good to use with all patients for safety.
Volumetry15
Volumeter Kit starting at $458
Figure of Eight tape measurement16
Video here
Temperature of the skin, discoloration observed
Incision → note any discharge, present of sutures/steristrips, signs of infection
Scar → note any keloiding, puckering, mobility assessment
Upper Quarter Screen → Dermatomes, Myotomes and Reflexes as indicated by healing phase of fracture.
Level | Dermatome | Myotome | DTR |
|---|---|---|---|
C1 | Top of Head | Occiput flexion | |
C2 | Occiput | Occiput extension | |
C3 | Behind Ear | Cervical side bending | |
C4 | Supraclavicular | Shoulder shrug | |
C5 | Deltoid insertion | Shoulder abduction | Biceps |
C6 | Dorsal aspect of first web space | Elbow flexion | Brachioradialis |
C7 | Dorsum of middle finger | Elbow extension | Triceps |
C8 | Ulnar border of the hand | Thumb Extension | Digit flexors |
T1 | Medial Elbow | Digital intrinsic muscles |
Neurological Assessment
Make note of any abnormal sensation. Follow up with additional sensory testing as needed
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test to assess light touch9
Price for Full Semmes West starting at $258
Price for Semmes West Minikit starting at $51
Monofilament Range (Minikit Bolded) | Functional Level | Common Functional Deficit Reports |
|---|---|---|
1.65-2.83 | Normal | Normal |
3.22-3.61 | Diminished Light Touch | Close to normal |
3.84-4.31 | Diminished protective sensation | May report dropping objects, difficulty with manipulation, weakness |
4.56 | Loss of protective sensation | Difficulty picking up objects, unable to find objects in pocket, slowed response to sharp or hot objects |
6.65 | Loss of residual deep pressure | High risk for burns and injury |
Range of Motion → Norms according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Please always measure both sides of the body, and consider this comparison for goal setting versus sole reliance on norms. Standardized goniometric measurement techniques from the American Society of Hand Therapists can be found here to assist with inter-rater reliability (ASHT.org member cost $100, non-member $145).
Shoulder ROM all planes
Elbow ROM all planes
Forearm ROM all planes
Wrist ROM all planes
Finger ROM all planes
Kapandji Score11 for thumb opposition
Thumb Composite Flexion, CMC palmar abduction and radial abduction
Finger goniometer starting at $29 on Amazon
Strength → as indicated by healing timelines
Grip Strength bilaterally12
Grip Dynamometer costs roughly $275 on Amazon
Pinch Strength including tip-to-tip, palmer, and lateral pinch
Costs roughly $123 on Amazon
Shoulder Flex/Abduct/ER/IR/Scapular Retraction
Elbow Flex/Extend
Forearm Supination/Pronation
Wrist Flex/Extend
Thenar eminence muscles
Comorbidities to be aware of throughout the recovery process
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)13
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with the highest risk populations being female, > 50 years old, diabetes, hypothyroidism14
CMC Arthritis
TFCC tear
Distal ulnar styloid fracture
Scapholunate Ligament disruptions
Quality of bone impacting fracture stability
Possible Goal Areas
Therapy works best when there is buy-in from the patient. It is important that you work with your therapist to set treatment goals that truly reflect what’s important to you.
Goal Bank for Clinicians
Each goal is intended as a starting point. The functional motivation behind each goal should be identified collaboratively with the client.
Focus on functional goals, rather than impairment-based goals.
Patient will report a decrease in (QuickDASH vs. PRWHE) outcome score to (at least MCD) demonstrating increased activity tolerance in affected functional tasks like **** without symptom increase within 6 weeks.
Patient will demonstrate improved supination up to 53 degrees23 to improve ability to complete all hygiene self cares within 4 weeks.
Ever wonder what the minimum range of motion you needed to complete most ADLs? Check out the article referenced above here!
Workers Compensation Specific → reference the Department of Labor definitions for physical demand levels of different jobs to guide your functional interventions and work-specific goals.
Occupational Requirements to use when making goals for return to specific jobs.
Treatment Interventions
After a thorough evaluation and goal-setting process, it is time to start making progress. Below are treatment interventions that can be implemented as part of a holistic therapy program.
Edema Management19
Manual Edema Mobilization manual techniques, including compression
Kinesio tape
Aerobic Challenges, Core Exercises, and Posture Exercises17-18
Aerobic Challenges
NuStep is great for fall risk patients and can be used for just LE or a combo LE and UE
When available, Upper Body Ergometer (UBE) can be used for prolonged isometric grip
Core Exercises
Posture Exercises
Scapular stabilization and postural control (this is particularly important if the patient used a sling during the early phases of recovery)
Range of Motion
Shoulder ROM all planes
Elbow ROM all planes
Finger and Thumb Extension
Thumb Opposition with a focus on “O” shape
Forearm ROM all planes
Wrist AROM
PROM stretches
Manual Therapy
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) → recommend 4–6 treatment sessions, 3 minutes per area24, 25
Multi-Tool from HawkGrips can be used on full body
Scar Massage and Mobilization
Myofascial Decompression (cupping) for scar mobility26
Joint Mobilization as appropriate for phase of healing
Carpal Bones, Radial Head, CMC joint
Neuromuscular Re-education → addresses coordination, proprioception, and motor planning at appropriate phase of healing
Labyrinth apps on your smart phone or tablet
Stability challenges with oscillations/perturbations
Functional Strengthening → as appropriate for fracture healing phase
Wrist strengthening progression
Incorporate functional tasks tied to functional goals of patient
Patient Education on Disease Pathology
Therapeutic Neuroscience Education is shown to have an NNT (number needed to treat) value of 3, compared to strong opioids at 4.3.20 In addition to pain reduction, it has been shown to improve function and movement as well as decrease healthcare utilization.21
If applicable, provide education about the impact of smoking/tobacco use on healing timelines.
Self-Care Home Management and Activity Modification
Lifting mechanics
Ergonomic positioning and setup
Adaptive tools for joint protection
Education for home modality use/precautions
Incorporate Functional Tasks → based on patient goals and affected ADLs
Additional Pain Management tools → modalities (ultrasound, e-stim, paraffin wax, moist heat, TENS)
Home Program → recommend selecting 1–3 priority exercises for the best chance of patient compliance with program
Possible Protocols
Please reference as you select assessments/treatments throughout rehabilitation process based on fracture healing
*Always check with the referring MD on their preferences, as protocols can vary significantly
Non-Surgical → Full function after a wrist fracture usually takes at least 6 months up to 2 years to achieve.
Phase 1: Week 0-5 Immobilization
Non-weight bearing status, generally in a cast
Therapy generally starts between week 2-6 with focus on ROM of fingers, forearm, elbow, and shoulder
Phase 2: Week 6-8
Cast removed, removable orthosis replaced (this may be custom-made by hand therapist)
Common for X-Rays at this time to confirm bone healing.
AROM of wrist, fingers, thumb, forearm, elbow, shoulder
Edema management
Monitor for signs of CRPS
Phase 3: Week 9-12
Wean from orthosis
Progress to PROM at week 10
Begin strengthening
Phase 4: Week 13+
Full functional use as tolerated
Begin impact loading
HEP emphasized
Post-Op ORIF → Often, stability is sufficient following ORIF to support early motion within the first 2 weeks post operatively.1-6 Anticipate full duration of therapy for up to 12 weeks.
Phase 1: Week 1-2
Edema management
ROM of uninvolved joints finger to shoulder
AROM (gentle) to wrist flex/ext, sup/pro, rad/ulnar deviation (note this can be the most painful motion)
Cue patient to extend wrist without extending fingers (tenodesis training)
Patient education on wound care
Orthosis
Get baseline sensation assessment using Semmes West
Phase 2: Week 3-4
Confirm with surgeon before starting PROM of the wrist
Begin weaning of orthosis during bathing and light ADLs
Phase 3: Week 5-8
Wean orthosis with surgeon blessing
Confirm with surgeon before starting strengthening and resistive exercises
Phase 4: week 9-12
Resume “normal function”
Static progressive orthosis if ongoing AROM issues
May get grip and pinch measurements at this time
Treatment Interventions with Notes for Clinicians
Edema Management19
Manual Edema Mobilization manual techniques
Kinesiotape
Aerobic Challenges, Core and Posture exercises → Patient’s with a history of a low-trauma wrist fracture are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering hip fracture in the future.17-18
Aerobic
NuStep is great for fall risk patient caseloads and can be used for just LE or combo LE and UE
Starting at $4,700 on Amazon
When available, Upper Body Ergometer (UBE) for prolonged isometric grip (great for mimicking driving) - may use the traditional way or have the patient stand at the side and complete one-handed. Please note: this intervention can easily be justified as Therapeutic Activity once wrist and body postures are appropriate and no longer require cuing.
UBE cost ranges from roughly $4,000-7,000 depending on the model.
Core Exercises
Posture → Scapular stabilization and postural control. This is particularly important if the patient used a sling at all in the early phases of recovery.
Range of Motion
Shoulder ROM all planes
Elbow ROM all planes
Finger and thumb Extension
Thumb Opposition with a focus on “O” shape (many patients struggle with hyperextending their thumb IP joint)
Forearm ROM all planes
Functional ROM challenge with a Deck of Cards: Pick up the card using pronation, flex the elbow, use supination to look at the card, and maintain supination to place the card face up on the table
Cone flipping
Hammer assisted ROM, as appropriate for healing phase
Wrist AROM
Isolate wrist muscles from finger muscles by utilizing a tenodesis motion
Common for ulnar deviation to be tender, especially if ulnar styloid fracture present. I don’t challenge or focus on this in the early phases of recovery.
I like using a ball (like this one, starting at $16 ) to do gentle, off-weighted circles with one hand on the table. Additionally, you can hold with both hands and do gentle “yes” and “no” motions with the uninvolved side supporting/directing motion.
PROM stretches → hold for at least 60 seconds to overcome muscle guarding.
Recommended dosing at 3 reps of 60 second holds
I like the Prayer Stretch for wrist+finger extension, and I add in a “slow clap” to incorporate a place-and-hold component in the end range (See Handout below!)
Manual Therapy
Joint distraction of carpal bones via traction
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) → recommend 4-6 treatment sessions, 3 minutes per area.24, 25 The tool will vibrate over tissue problems, giving more information than hands alone while protecting finger joints from the wear and tear of frequency soft tissue mobilization.
Recommended Multi-Tool from Hawkgrips can be used on full body
Cost: $595
Scar massage and mobilization
Myofascial Decompression (cupping) for scar mobility, assist in ROM gains at wrist as appropriate for fracture healing timeline26
Starting at $22 on Amazon
Joint Mobilization as appropriate for phase of healing
Carpal Bones
Radial Head
CMC joint
Neuromuscular re-education to address coordination, proprioception, motor planning at appropriate phase of healing.
Wrist Maze
Starting at $54 on Amazon
Labyrinth apps on your Smart Phone or tablet
Stability challenges with oscillations/perturbations
Functional Strengthening as appropriate for fracture healing phase.
Putty exercises for tendon glides, locating beads in putty using opposition
Recommend having Yellow, Red, and Green putty on hand
For 1 lbs of putty, cost starts at roughly $30 on Amazon
Puttycise Tools for functional eccentric challenges of the wrist and fingers that progress to Therapeutic Activities
Costs roughly $53 on Amazon
Wrist strengthening progression: Isometric, Concentric, Eccentric
Palmar storage challenges incorporate finger, wrist, and forearm ROM into a functional task. I like to ask the patient to pick up items one at a time and remove them one at a time.
Incorporate functional tasks tied to functional goals of patient
Patient Education on Disease Pathology
Therapeutic Neuroscience Education is shown to have a NNT (number needed to treat) value of 3, compared to strong opioids at 4.3.20 In addition to reduction of pain, it has also been shown to improve function, movement, and decrease healthcare utilization.21
Important to recognize the role of pain and how that changes as you progress through the protocol and healing phases.
If applicable, education on impact of smoking/tobacco use on healing timelines.
Self-Care Home Management and Activity Modification
Lifting mechanics → “Thumbs Up” cue, strategies to keep wrist neutral using corner-to-corner hold on boxes
Ergonomic positioning and setup → Avoid extended extremes of wrist flexion and extension, ensure any wrist rests are keeping the wrist in neutral
Incorporate frequent rest breaks to decrease extended and/or repetitive forceful gripping tasks
Adaptive tools for joint protection including jar openers, ratcheting clippers, self opening scissors, etc.
Education for home modality use/precautions.
Incorporate functional tasks based on patient goals and affected ADLs
Challenge sustained postures they need to maintain throughout their day
Consider the pace of exercises to match functional tasks once mechanics are sound
Additional Pain Management tools → Modalities (ultrasound, e-stim, paraffin wax, moist heat, TENS)
Home Program → recommend selecting between 1-3 priority exercises for the best chance of patient compliance with program
Red Flags22
If ROM is not progressing to functional levels, and your patient is at the appropriate level of fracture healing - consider discussing the use of a static progressive or a dynamic orthosis with the MD
I have experience with Stat-A-Dyne and JAS
If you are seeing signs of CRPS, communicate immediately with the referring doctor
Severe pain reported in combination with unexpected swelling, changes in skin color, temperature, texture, sweating, abnormal hair or nail growth
Recommend taking blood pressure and pulse with every patient
Symptoms of any kind that present bilaterally
Fever
Unexplained sweating
Nausea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Dizziness/fainting
Pain that is constant and unchanging regardless of position/loading
Pain at night
CAUTION mnemonic for Cancer (also, previous history of cancer is a flag!)
C - change in bowel or bladder
A - a sore that doesn’t heal in 6 weeks
U - unusual sore or discharge
T - thickening or lump in breast tissue or elsewhere
I - indigestion or difficulty swallowing
O - obvious change in a wart or mole
N - nagging cough or hoarseness
Discharge Suggestions
Every individual is unique, and your response to therapy will also be unique. For some, it is not appropriate to continue therapy until the condition completely resolves. For others, pain may resolve before the entire rehabilitation program is established. In the latter case, it is important to remember that pain is a symptom—not a diagnosis—and that strength and endurance deficits must be addressed to prevent recurrence.
Thus, we recommend that you:
Follow your therapist’s discharge recommendations to maintain progress made in therapy.
Continue to use self-management and empowerment strategies to control any remaining symptoms.
Remember that normalization of movement and function following a wrist fracture takes time. Follow a home exercise program with a proximal posture component for up to 2 years post-fracture, as wrist fractures continue to evolve throughout that timeframe.
Consult your therapist immediately if your condition worsens, or if you continue to have difficulty with your daily activities after 3 months.
Education Resources for Clinicians
Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation A Practical Guide, 4th Edition. This is a useful, efficient reference text for anyone treating upper extremity.
Starting at $86 on Amazon
American Society for Hand Therapists (ASHT.org)
Annual Membership is $275.
Hand Therapy Academy (They have great content on Instagram as well)
AAOS has a published Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on Distal Radius Fractures. Read it here.
It notably highlights the low and conflicting available evidence on the outcome of therapy with this diagnosis when compared to an unsupervised HEP. It is critical that we continue to advocate for our profession and our patients through research to show the value of our skills in the patient-rated outcomes of our patients
Apps I use with patients
Proprioception
Labyrinth Lunacy
Anatomy
The Hand Wrist Pro III
Choosing a Therapist
Both occupational therapists and physical therapists can treat wrist fracture. In less severe cases, a generalist therapist from either discipline should be able to help you.
It is also important to note that both OTs and PTs can pursue advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist. To achieve this rigorous specialization of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, therapists must log 4,000 hours of experience treating the upper extremity and pass a formal examination. They also must complete various recertification requirements every 5 years.
Below, you can find occupational therapy professionals who have tagged “hand therapy” as a focus area. The ones with a “CHT” in their credentials are Certified Hand Therapists.
Jamie Boldig
MOT, OTR/L
Appleton, Wisconsin
Aging in Place, ADHD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Anxiety, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Dystonia, Ergonomics, Fitness, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Hippotherapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Medication Management, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Voice & Fluency
Paul Pettyjohn
OTR/L, CPAMS, MLD/CDT, CAPS
Monterey Park, California
Aging in Place, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Home Modifications, Lymphedema, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Kathy Soseman
OTD OTR/L CHT
Occupational Therapist
Pathways Hand Therapy & Wellness
Nevada, Iowa
Coaching, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention
Cortni Krusemark
OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Educator
Augustana University
Dakota City, Nebraska
Chronic Pain, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Gretchen Bachman
PhD, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CHT
Northern Arizona University
Phoenix, Arizona
Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Social Determinants of Health
Lauralee Gordon
OTR/L
Flow Therapeutics, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Tourette syndrome
Salmin Chacha
OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
AL NOOR TRAINING CENTRE
dubai
ADHD, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Aquatic Therapy, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, CIMT, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Developmental Delays, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Emergency Department, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, ICU/Critical Care, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Maternal Health, Medication Management, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Pelvic Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Swallowing & Dysphagia, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Amanda M Fonner
OTR/L
Educator
Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Festus, Missouri
Anxiety, Burns, Cancer, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Social Determinants of Health, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Karen Welch
OTR/L
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Drivers Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, TBI, Trauma & PTSD
Sanchala Sen
OTD, MSc, BSc (OT), OTR/L, BCPR, FAOTA
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, CIMT, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic Diseases, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
PJ Bhakta
OTR, OTD, PCES, CSOT
Consultant
TheraSolutions Consulting, LLC
Cedar Park, Texas
ADHD, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Industrial Rehabilitation, Insomnia & Sleep, Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, Sports Medicine & Performance, Trauma & PTSD
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
NovaCare Rehabilitation
Blaine, Minnesota
Aquatic Therapy, Cancer, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Industrial Rehabilitation, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rheumatic Diseases, Stroke
Kathleen Davidson
MA, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen Davidson - Occupational Therapist
Los Angeles, California
ADHD, Anxiety, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Haley Van Escobar
MOTR/L, CHT, PMP
Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapy Learning Lab
Seabeck, Washington
Coaching, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Knowledge Translation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Trauma & PTSD
Hailey Burns
OTR/L
Colorado Springs Therapy Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Calvin Lee
OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, California
Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion
Lana Hoke
OTR/L
West Tennessee Healthcare - Sports Plus Rehab Centers
Milan, Tennessee
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Insomnia & Sleep, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Madeline Dommel
OTR/L
Advanced Therapy Solutions, LLC.
Middletown, Connecticut
Aging in Place, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Jessica Lopez
COTA
Los Angeles, California
Aging in Place, ADHD, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Nature-based
Alona Prowell
MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Neurodiversity, NICU, TBI
Emily Claire Gorshe
OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
Jennifer Beasley
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Christus Oschner lake are hospital
Lake Charles, Louisiana
ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Corrina Holcomb
OTS
Student
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy
Ashley Elma
OTS
Student
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Lifestyle Medicine, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Prevention, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand what therapy for wrist fracture entails, and whether you are a good candidate!
This article is updated regularly based on new research. If you have any research you would like us to consider for our next update, please contact with us!
OT Potential does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or therapists referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult their medical provider.
Contributors
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
Sarah Lyon
OTR/L
Sarah Lyon, OTR/L, is the CEO of OT Potential. Sarah earned her BA from St. Olaf College and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Her diverse clinical background spans multiple settings, including critical access, acute trauma, and state inpatient psychiatric hospitals. In 2011, she founded OT Potential to fulfill the industry's need for reliable, high-quality occupational therapy resources and continuing education.
As a recognized content creator, Sarah has collaborated with top healthcare brands like VeryWell Health, WebPT, and MedBridge. She blends her clinical expertise with a talent for creating clear, action-oriented content that empowers practitioners to excel. Passionate about elevating the OT profession, she has been featured on numerous industry podcasts. Sarah ultimately returned to her roots, running OT Potential and raising her family in her hometown of Aurora, Nebraska.
References
Chung KC. Operative techniques: hand and wrist surgery, 4th ed. Philadelphia, 2021.
Orbay JL, Fernandez DL. Volar fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius: a preliminary report. J Hand Surg Am. 2002.
Souer JS, Ring D, Matschke S, et al: Comparison of functional outcome after volar plate fixation with 2.4-mm titanium versus 3.5-mm stainless-steel plate for extra-articular fracture of the distal radius. J Hand Surg Am. 2010.
Tavakolian JD, Jupiter JB. Dorsal plating for distal radius fractures. Hand Clin. 2005.
Kamath AF, Zurakowski D, Day CS. Low-profile dorsal plating for dorsally angulated distal radius fractures: an outcomes study. J Hand Surg Am. 2006.
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