Specialista in Ortopedia Pediatrica
After wrist cast
Home Exercise Program
Not every exercise listed here is suitable for every child: the selection is individual and is defined during the consultation.

1.Wrist and finger mobility recovery
After immobilization, wrist and fingers are stiff
Perform all movements SLOWLY and PAIN-FREE. WRIST: flexion (bend forward), extension (bend back), radial/ulnar deviation (bend sideways), full circles. FINGERS: completely open and close hand, touch thumb to each finger. Start with small movements and gradually increase.
10 reps per movement, 3-4 times daily
2.Forearm stretch (flexors/extensors)
Forearm muscles shorten during immobilization
FLEXORS (inner forearm): arm straight forward, palm up. With other hand, gently pull fingers downward. EXTENSORS (outer forearm): arm straight, palm down. Gently pull fingers toward body. Both stretches should be gentle, pain-free.
3 × 20-30 seconds each direction, twice daily
3.Progressive strengthening
Gradually recover hand and forearm strength
STRESS BALL: squeeze 5 seconds, relax. Start with soft ball, progress to harder. BAND: wrist movements (up/down, lateral) against light resistance. Progress increasing resistance ONLY when movement is complete and pain-free.
3 × 15 reps per exercise, 1-2 times daily
RED FLAGS - When to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop the exercises immediately and contact the specialist (or go to the emergency department if severe) if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
- Fever, redness or warmth of the joint, or inability to bear weight
In case of doubt, always prefer a check-up over continuing the exercises.
Before You Start
Who is this guide for?
Children who had wrist/hand cast removed. Recovery of mobility and strength is progressive.
What you need
Clear floor space, mat or soft surface, comfortable clothing. Some exercises may require resistance bands or supports.
Suggested frequency
Multiple times daily (4-6 times), few minutes per session. Frequency more important than duration.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Performing exercises too quickly without control
- •Pushing beyond the pain threshold
- •Skipping days or doing occasional very long sessions
- •Not warming up before strengthening exercises
⚠️ Red flags — when to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop exercises immediately and contact the specialist if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
Detailed Exercises
- 1
Wrist and finger mobility recovery
After immobilization, wrist and fingers are stiff

Perform all movements SLOWLY and PAIN-FREE. WRIST: flexion (bend forward), extension (bend back), radial/ulnar deviation (bend sideways), full circles. FINGERS: completely open and close hand, touch thumb to each finger. Start with small movements and gradually increase.
10 reps per movement, 3-4 times daily - 2
Forearm stretch (flexors/extensors)
Forearm muscles shorten during immobilization

FLEXORS (inner forearm): arm straight forward, palm up. With other hand, gently pull fingers downward. EXTENSORS (outer forearm): arm straight, palm down. Gently pull fingers toward body. Both stretches should be gentle, pain-free.
3 × 20-30 seconds each direction, twice daily - 3
Progressive strengthening
Gradually recover hand and forearm strength

STRESS BALL: squeeze 5 seconds, relax. Start with soft ball, progress to harder. BAND: wrist movements (up/down, lateral) against light resistance. Progress increasing resistance ONLY when movement is complete and pain-free.
3 × 15 reps per exercise, 1-2 times daily