Wrist Sprain Treatment in New Jersey

Clifton Physical Therapy
Wrist Sprain Treatment in New Jersey

What Is a Wrist Sprain?

A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in your wrist—the tough bands of tissue connecting your hand and arm bones—stretch or tear. These ligaments, including the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments along the sides of the wrist and the lunotriquetral and scapholunate ligaments inside the joint, provide stability for normal wrist movement.

Sprains often happen after sudden falls, when you instinctively put your hand down to break the impact. Hyperextending the wrist, twisting it forcefully, or sustaining a direct blow can overstretch or tear these ligaments, weakening the joint.

What Causes a Sprained Wrist?

A wrist sprain can happen to anyone at any time, but certain activities increase the risk. Common causes include:

  • Slipping or tripping and landing on your hand

  • Sports injuries, especially in basketball, baseball, gymnastics, skiing, or skateboarding

  • Sudden twisting or extreme pressure on the wrist

  • Direct impacts to the wrist

Wrist sprains are classified into three grades based on severity:

  • Grade I (Mild): Ligaments are stretched but not torn

  • Grade II (Moderate): Ligaments partially torn, causing some loss of function

  • Grade III (Severe): Complete ligament tear, often leading to significant loss of motion and stability

Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain

Wrist sprains can cause a range of symptoms depending on their severity:

  • Pain and tenderness

  • Swelling and warmth around the joint

  • Bruising

  • Popping or tearing sensations

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Weakness in the wrist

Even a mild sprain can hide more serious ligament damage, which is why proper assessment and treatment are crucial.

How to Know if You Sprained Your Wrist

A proper diagnosis is essential for effective recovery. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our team evaluates your wrist through a detailed physical exam and, if necessary, uses imaging such as:

  • X-rays to rule out fractures

  • MRI scans for detailed ligament assessment

  • Arthrograms for specialized imaging

  • Arthroscopy in rare cases requiring a minimally invasive look inside the joint

Treatment Options for Wrist Sprains

Treatment for a wrist sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains (Grade I) often improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, commonly referred to as R.I.C.E. Moderate to severe sprains (Grade II and III) may require additional support, such as a wrist brace or splint, to limit movement while the ligaments heal.

In some cases, especially with complete ligament tears, surgery may be necessary to restore full function. However, most wrist sprains can be treated effectively without surgery when managed promptly and properly.

Physical Therapy for Wrist Sprains

Physical therapy is a key part of recovery for any grade of wrist sprain. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our licensed therapists in New Jersey focus on:

  • Range-of-Motion Exercises

  • Strengthening Exercises

  • Stretching and Mobilization

  • Functional Training

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from a wrist sprain varies based on the grade of the injury:

  • Grade I: Typically 1–3 weeks

  • Grade II: Usually 3–6 weeks

  • Grade III: May take several months, especially if surgery is required

Patients are encouraged to monitor pain levels and avoid activities that risk reinjury. Athletes, for instance, often start with low-impact exercises like stationary biking or light running before returning to their sport. Regular physical therapy sessions help restore strength, stability, and confidence in wrist function.

Physical Therapy Exercises for a Sprained Wrist

Proper exercises can help speed up recovery from a wrist sprain and reduce the risk of future injuries. Always consult your orthopedic doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercises.

1. Wrist Flexion Stretch

Sit with your arm extended and palm facing up. Gently pull your hand back toward you until you feel a stretch along your forearm and wrist. Hold for 15–30 seconds, release slowly, and repeat several times.

2. Wrist Extension

This exercise strengthens the muscles around your wrist:

  1. Place your forearm flat on a table, palm facing down, with your wrist hanging off the edge.

  2. Hold a light weight, like a water bottle or can, and slowly lift your wrist upward.

  3. Lower it back down gradually. Repeat five times.

3. Grip Strengthening

A strong grip supports overall wrist function. Two easy options are:

  • Rubber Band Exercise (Place a rubber band around your fingers, then spread them apart and hold for 3–5 seconds. Release and repeat.)

  • Tennis Ball Squeeze (Squeeze a tennis ball as hard as possible for 15 seconds, then relax for 15 seconds. Repeat three times, several times per day.)

4. Ulnar Deviation Exercise

This targets the side muscles of the wrist:

  1. Stand straight with arms at your sides.

  2. Hold a small weight and bend your wrist toward your pinky, then back toward your thumb.

  3. Hold each position for three seconds and repeat 5–10 times.

5. Wrist Circles

This movement improves flexibility and range of motion:

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and interlock your fingers, raising your hands to shoulder level.

  2. Slowly rotate your wrists in a circular motion, clockwise and counterclockwise.

  3. Repeat five times in each direction.

Safety Tip: A sprained wrist is delicate. Stop any exercise immediately if you feel pain, and apply ice for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling. Overloading a healing wrist can slow recovery or worsen the injury.

When to See a Doctor for a Sprained Wrist

While many wrist sprains improve with rest and home care, certain signs mean you should seek professional medical attention. See a doctor if you notice:

  • Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with rest or ice

  • Significant swelling or bruising that appears quickly

  • Inability to move your wrist or hand normally

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your fingers

  • A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury

  • Symptoms that don’t improve within a few days

Prompt evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may order X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging to check for fractures or severe ligament injuries.

 

Call us at (973)-241-1338 to book your appointment today.

What others are saying

"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino

All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins

"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta

"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando


Clifton Physical Therapy


✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338


Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012