Wrist Arthroscopy (Diagnostic) Starter Exercise Guide

1. Hand & Wrist Elevation and Swelling Control

What it helps: Controls the swelling that is the main cause of stiffness after hand and wrist surgery. A swollen hand cannot make a full fist, and fingers left stiff in the first weeks are much harder to free later than the wrist itself is.

How often: every hour while awake sets of 10 slow fists, daily.

1. Rest the hand higher than your heart. Sitting, prop it on pillows or on the back of a sofa; standing, rest it on the opposite shoulder; lying down, support the whole forearm on cushions.
2. With the hand up, slowly make a loose fist and open it fully, spreading the fingers.
3. Repeat the slow fist-and-open several times, then let the hand rest in the raised position.
4. Come back to it regularly through the day rather than doing one long session.

Tip: Above the heart is the part that matters. A hand resting on your lap or in a sling at waist height is not elevated, and this is the commonest reason swelling does not settle.

2. Wrist Range of Motion

What it helps: Keeps the wrist moving through its full range — preserving the bend, straighten, and side-to-side motion you use for everyday hand tasks.

How often: 2–3 sets of 10 each, daily.

1. Rest the forearm on a table, hand off the edge. Bend the wrist up, then down, through comfortable range.
2. Then move the hand side to side (toward the thumb, then the little finger).
3. Finally make slow circles. Keep the forearm still.

Tip: Smooth, comfortable motion — don't force the ends.

3. Finger Range of Motion

What it helps: Keeps the finger joints moving through their full range — preserving the bend and straighten you need to grip, pinch, and use your hands for everything.

How often: 2–3 sets of 10, daily (several times).

1. Open the hand wide, fingers straight.
2. Make a full fist, then open again.
3. Bend each finger one at a time toward the palm, then straighten.

Tip: Smooth, comfortable motion through the whole range.

4. Forearm Rotation

What it helps: Strengthens the muscles that rotate the forearm — the motion behind turning a key, a doorknob, or a screwdriver.

How often: 2–3 sets of 10–12 each way, most days.

1. Tuck the elbow at your side, bent 90°, holding a light weight or a hammer by the handle.
2. Slowly rotate the forearm to turn the palm up, then down, through comfortable range.
3. Keep the elbow pinned to your side.

Tip: Holding a hammer toward the head end adds gentle resistance — slide your grip to adjust.

5. Thumb Range of Motion

What it helps: Keeps the thumb's wide range — reaching, pinching, and opposing to the fingers — which is behind nearly every grip and pinch task the hand does.

How often: 2–3 sets of 8–10 each, daily.

1. Move the thumb out away from the palm, then back.
2. Touch the thumb tip to each fingertip in turn (opposition).
3. Make gentle circles with the thumb. Keep it comfortable.

Tip: Smooth, pain-free motion.

6. Elbow Range of Motion

What it helps: Keeps the elbow and forearm moving through their full range — preserving the bend, straighten, and rotation you use for everyday tasks.

How often: 2–3 sets of 10 each, daily.

1. Bend the elbow to bring your hand toward your shoulder, then slowly straighten it all the way.
2. With the elbow tucked at your side and bent 90°, turn your palm up, then down.
3. Move smoothly through comfortable range; don't force the ends.

Tip: Keep the upper arm still — the movement is at the elbow and forearm.

7. Gentle Neck Isometrics

What it helps: Strengthens the deep muscles that support and steady your neck without moving it — a safe, comfortable way to build the support that eases neck pain.

How often: 5 each direction sets of Hold 5–10 seconds, daily.

1. Sit tall with a gentle chin-tuck. Place your palm on your forehead.
2. Press your head lightly into your hand and your hand back into your head — a steady, comfortable push with NO movement of the neck.
3. Hold, relax, and repeat. Do the same with the hand on the back of the head, then each side.

Tip: Light pressure — about 20–30% effort. This is not a strength test.

8. Walking Program

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

How often: throughout the day.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tip: Use your assistive device as directed.

Recovery reading

• Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery
• Trigger Finger Surgery Recovery
• Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius) Recovery
• Hand Therapy & Swelling After Surgery
• All Hand & Wrist recovery guides