Colles wrist fracture: physical therapy during recovery, per MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus’s aftercare article on Colles wrist fracture says, “You will need physical therapy.” This page quotes MedlinePlus only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’s Colles wrist fracture - aftercare article (review date 6/4/2025).
What a Colles fracture is
MedlinePlus states: “A Colles fracture is a break in the radius close to the wrist.” It also notes that osteoporosis is a major risk factor for wrist fractures (paraphrased).
Moving other joints
MedlinePlus states: “Exercising your fingers, elbow, and shoulder is important. It can help keep them from losing their function.”
Physical therapy
MedlinePlus states: “You will need physical therapy.” It adds: “You should start working with a physical therapist as soon as your provider recommends it. The work may seem hard and at times painful. But doing the exercises you are given will speed your recovery.”
On recovery: “It can take anywhere from a few months to a year for your wrist to fully recover its function.”
What the page read does not say
The MedlinePlus aftercare article read names physical therapy; it does not name occupational therapy or hand therapy. Certified hand therapists are covered on hand therapy.
What this page does not do
It does not repeat MedlinePlus’s splint and cast time ranges, pain-medicine details, or warning signs. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.