The radius bone is located in your forearm. It is a large bone on the side closest to your thumb. A fracture of the radius bone is a common injury that can occur at any age. Physical therapy is almost always recommended to regain strength and range of motion in the forearm. Treatment will depend on your specific fracture type, so consult your doctor before performing therapy exercises.
Radius Bone Fractures
When the radius bone is fractured, it is usually classified into one of three types: distal, midshaft or radial head. A distal radius fracture is commonly called a broken wrist because the fracture occurs where the wrist joint and radius meet. In cases where your hand is put down in an effort to break your fall, your radius can experience a compound fracture due to the pressure of the impact. A midshaft fracture occurs at the mid part of the radius bone, where the bone is often narrowest. A radial head fracture is rare and usually occurs with an elbow dislocation. Based on your type of fracture, your doctor can recommend specific exercises for rehabilitation.
Supination and Pronation
Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and hold a light weight or hammer in your hand. Turn the hammer or weight upside down so that your thumb is facing down. Then turn the thumb back up. Complete 10 repetitions, rest and repeat twice.
Therapy Putty
Therapy putty is a substance made of silicone rubber in different levels of resistance. Specific exercises are performed using the putty to strengthen the muscles of the hands, wrists and forearms. These exercises can also improve flexibility and range of motion. One exercise is simply squeezing the putty until your fingers go all the way through. Therapy putty is often recommended by medical professionals for rehabilitation of a broken radius bone.
Yoga
When recovering from a broken radius bone, specific yoga poses may be beneficial in strengthening the muscles in the forearm. Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward-facing dog pose, is effective in building the muscles of the forearms. Start by coming to your hands and knees. Lift your knees off the floor and form your body into a V-shape. Stay in the pose for as long as it is comfortable, even if it is only a few seconds. Practice under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher to ensure proper alignment.
References
- "Gray's Anatomy"; Henry Gray; 1901 & 1977
- Power Putty
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S Iyengar; 2001
- Bone Fractures: Radius Bone Fracture
- UW Health: Sports Medicine
