A fractured forearm can be complicated by a dislocated wrist. Most of these injuries come from a fall on an outstretched arm or another traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident. Because of the severity and complexity of this type of injury, you will require extensive therapy to restore the functioning of your hand and to return to your daily activities.
Initial Phase
During the first few weeks of your recovery, the activity with your affected arm will be significantly limited. Your orthopedic surgeon will have to manually reset your wrist and may have to complete surgery on your forearm or wrist to insert pins or plates if your injuries are severe, which will further complicate your recovery. Your physical therapy will center around ambulating with your non-weight bearing arm. Alternative ambulation devices such as a platform walker or hemiwalker may be introduced by your physical therapist, or PT, and she will train you to walk using these devices.
Therapy with Cast
As your orthopedic doctor allows, you will be able to participate in limited range of motion exercise while in your cast. Your therapist will perform range of motion exercises to your shoulder and your hand. You should not complete these activities on your own unless you or your caregiver have been trained how to properly perform them.
Increased Range of Motion
After reviewing sequential X rays, your surgeon will determine when your bones have healed enough to remove the cast. Once the cast is removed, your therapist will perform passive range of motion to your hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. Some forearm exercises will include elbow flexion and extension, forearm supination, or palms-up, transitioning into pronation, or palms-down. Your hand and wrist exercises will often be combined because the wrist and hand share many muscles and tendons to complete their movements. As you progress, your therapist will train you in completing active range of motion on your own.
Stengthening
Once your doctor allows weight bearing, you may begin strengthening exercises. Your therapist will train you in weighted exercises for elbow flexion and extension and pronation and supination using sequentially heavier dumbbells. Additionally, your hand strength can be improved with a variety of "theraputty" exercises, wherein you will manipulate putty into the shapes of a snake or small balls.
