Physical Therapy Exercises For A Broken Wrist In An Elderly Person

Broken wrists, or wrist fractures, are common among the elderly population. The injury is often the first sign of bone fragility. As you age, your bones become increasingly bitter and more easily broken. Physical therapy exercises for a broken wrist in an elderly patient concentrate on strengthening and stretching the area in order to return the individual to a better functioning level. Check with your doctor before you do any new exercise.

Cupping It

Your forearm and wrist are usually very stiff when you first recuperate from a broken wrist. Elderly patients can increase forearm mobility by including some supination physical therapy exercises for a broken wrist. Sit upright at a table or in a firm chair. Gently lift your injured-side hand while bending your elbow to a 90-degree angle. Place your hand onto your thigh. Gently and slowly turn your wrist so your palm faces the ceiling. Slowly move your fingers and pretend you are cupping some soup. Hold this position for eight seconds. Slowly return your wrist to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise four times.

Light Weights

Low impact, weight bearing exercise can help strengthen bones and improve bone health in anyone, including the elderly. Physical therapy exercises for a broken wrist in an elderly patient can include lifting light weights. Sit upright in a firm chair with arms. Place your injured-side forearm onto the chair arm. Turn your wrist upward and place a one or two-pound weight into your injured hand. Slowly lift the weight toward the ceiling, only moving your wrist. Hold this position five seconds. Return your wrist to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times.

Wrist Pulls

Increasing wrist mobility plays a major role in any physical therapy exercise for a broken wrist in an elderly patient. Do a passive wrist pull exercise that involves sitting upright at a table or in a firm chair. Place your healthy hand on the underside of your injured-hand's fingers. Use your good hand to gently and slowly pull on your injured-side fingers, bringing your fingers toward your body. Gently pull until you feel a stretch in your wrist. Hold this stretch for eight seconds. Release the tension and return your wrist to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise eight times.

Ups and Downs

Osteoporosis, otherwise known as decreased bone density, and arthritis are common ailments among the elderly population and can hinder mobility and make it easier to break a wrist upon falling. Mobility-impaired individuals may find exercising on land too painful or difficult. Warm water can provide a viable low impact exercise environment that promotes greater mobility, strength and decreased pain. Do some wrist rotations by getting into shoulder-deep water while either standing or sitting on a step. Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle. Slowly turn your wrist so your palm faces down. Hold this position 10 seconds. Return your wrist to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Slowly turn your wrist so your palm faces upward. Hold this position 10 seconds. Return your wrist to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise eight times.