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Wrist and Forearm Therapy

Broken Wrist – Colles’ Fracture TREATMENT SYDNEY

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Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’ve injured or are experiencing severe pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness with your wrist, you’ve come to the right place.
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REFERRAL

•Within 24 hours
•Urgent care required

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Thermoplastic Wrist water proof cast/orthosis. 6 weeks of protection followed by wrist core strengthening program. Re-Xray after 6 weeks

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WHAT IS BROKEN WRIST - DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES?

Also referred to as Colles’ or Smith’s fracture, Broken Wrist – Distal Radial Fracture is often associated with the shortening of the radius. If the fracture occurs close to the wrist, this can alter the alignment of the joint, causing pain and loss of function.
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SYMPTOMS OF BROKEN WRIST

If a wrist is broken, it may show signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Severe pain that might worsen when gripping or squeezing or moving your hand or wrist
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Obvious deformity, such as a bent wrist or protruding bone
Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.
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Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.
At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and broken wrist injuries.
  • No Referral Needed
  • Nonsurgical treatment prioritised where possible
  • Working with athletes of all kinds
Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

BROKEN WRIST COLLES' FRACTURE TREATMENT

A broken wrist (Colles’ Fracture) can be painful and complicated.  Our Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists offer an Urgent Care service for anyone who suspects they may have a Colles’ Fracture or Broken Wrist. Our Hand Therapists will assess your injury, review your xray or CT imaging and thoroughly assess your broken wrist to determine the appropriate course of rehabilitation, fabricate a custom thermoplastic splint/cast, and, when clinically appropriate, commence a home exercise plan, such as range of motion and strengthening exercises.
No two broken wrists or Colles’ Fracture injuries are the same and there is no ‘recipe’. At Action Rehab our Hand Therapists will tailor the treatment to the patient. We don’t use off-the-shelf splints, instead we use our thermoplastic splints/casts that are light weight and water resistant.
A water proof splint/cast is usually used for several weeks full time before a graded range of motion and strengthening is commenced following a repeat xray.  Your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist will help you to return to function.
Conservative Approach
A Broken Wrist or Colles’ Fracture that is stable and un displaced can be treated without surgery.  Your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab can assess the Broken Wrist (Colles’ Fracture) and advise on the most appropriate treatment to help you return to sport, work, and function as soon as possible.
Surgical Approach
When there is displacement or the Broken Wrist Colles’ Fracture cannot be stabilised following manipulation then surgery may be required.  The Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in treating post surgical Broken Wrists.  It is important that you seek Hand Therapy following your wrist surgery in order to limit your post operative complications, increase your function and return to sport or work sooner.
See below the two treatment approaches for a patient who has broken wrist.

Fig 1: Basic Treatment

Traditionally a plaster cast POP is used to treat a stable Colles’ Fracture or Broken Wrist.  These need to be kept out of the water and patients find them difficult to keep on for 6 weeks.

Fig 2: Action Rehab Treatment

A waterproof, supporting, light weight, custom made thermoplastic “cast” or orthosis is fabricated by your Hand Therapist.  These can be made to prevent removal and provide circumferential support.

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The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR COLLES' FRACTURE BROKEN WRIST

Colles’ Fracture or a Broken Wrist is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right hand Therapist starts with them being able to read your X-rays and then fabricate the right brace for you. The therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing and reading X-rays.

Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Colles’ Fracture or Broken Wrist treatment.

Known for providing treatment for Colles’ Fracture or Broken Wrist treatment and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.
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BROKEN WRIST FAQS

How common is broken wrist - distal radial fracture?

Colles’ Fracture or a Broken wrist is the most common fracture of the arm or wrist.  A Broken Wrist or Colles’ Fracture is most common in women over 50 years of age.

Broken wrist is caused by a fall on an outstretched hand.  It is common in ball sports such as tennis.

Surgery is often indicated following a Colles’ Fracture or a Broken Wrist but careful assessment is required. Action Rehab therapists can assess the X-ray and can advise if your Broken Wrist injury needs surgery.

Broken wrist can be a serious injury. You should always see a Hand Therapist if you have a Broken Wrist injury because they are much more complicated than you think.