An impacted wrist fracture is when one side of the fractured bone is pushed into the other side, reports the website Bupa, an international health care organization. Fractures require medical attention and initial immobilization, but once the bones have adequately healed, gentle exercises and stretching can help restore range of motion, build strength and reduce stiffness, according to Mayoclinic.com. You should not attempt any rehabilitation exercises until you have your doctor's authorization to do so, and stop them if you feel any pain.
Finger Strength and Stretching
The Common Sports Injuries website recommends doing the following exercises several times throughout the day to improve wrist strength and prevent stiffness in your fingers. Raise your hand in the air or rest it gently on a table, if you need extra support; and then separate all of your fingers from each other, hold for a couple of seconds and bring them together again.
Make sure all of your fingers remain straight throughout the exercise. Once you have repeated this three times, put the palm of your injured hand face down on a table and gently raise each finger, one at a time, advises the Common Sports Injuries website. This doesn't have to be a big movement and you should try to keep your palm flat at all times. Repeat this exercise a few times.
Gently curl your fingers so only your fingertips and the base of your palm are touching the table. Tap your fingers as if you are typing or playing the piano on the table, directs the Common Sports Injuries website. Repeat for at least 10 seconds, rest then repeat.
Wrist Stretch and Extension
NISMAT, the website for the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, suggests you straighten your injured arm out in front of you and gently bend your wrist down so your fingers are pointing toward the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and then gently release before bending your wrist back so your fingers are pointing toward the ceiling. Hold for up to 30 seconds and repeat the series up to 10 times, twice a day.
NISMAT advises not to force the stretch in either direction, only go as far as is comfortable, and use smooth, careful movements, stopping if you feel any pain.
Grip Strength
Use a tennis ball, rubber ball or stress ball to do this exercise. NISMAT directs you to gently squeeze the ball in the palm of your injured hand about 25 times, rest then repeat three times. Make sure the ball you use has some flexibility or, for a gentler exercise, NISMAT suggests squeezing a sponge.
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