Fractured your finger? Don’t just “tough it out” — even minor finger breaks can cause long-term stiffness if left untreated. In this blog, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about finger fractures, how physio plays a crucial role in recovery, and share a real success story from our clinic. Keep reading — your hand health depends on it.
What Is a Finger Fracture?
A finger fracture is a break in one or more of the small bones (phalanges) that make up your fingers. Each finger has three bones (except the thumb, which has two), and fractures can occur from sporting injuries, falls, crush incidents, or even slamming your hand in a car door.
Depending on the type and location of the finger fracture, treatment varies — but physiotherapy is almost always essential once the bone starts healing.
Common Causes of Finger Fractures
- Sports injuries (e.g. catching a fast ball awkwardly in cricket or footy)
- Falls, particularly onto an outstretched hand
- Crush injuries, like getting your finger caught in a door or under equipment
- Direct trauma, such as during a punch or hitting something
- Workplace accidents, especially in trades or factory environments
These injuries can happen in an instant — but the consequences can linger for months without proper care.
Signs You’ve Fractured a Finger
Some symptoms are obvious. Others, not so much. If you’ve had a hand injury, watch for:
- Intense pain, especially when trying to move the finger
- Swelling or bruising
- A bent or crooked appearance
- Difficulty making a fist
- Numbness or tingling
- Reduced grip strength
Even if you can move the finger a little, don’t assume it’s just a sprain — small fractures can be deceptively painful and may still need splinting and rehab.
Types of Finger Fractures
There are several types of finger fractures, including:
- Stable fractures – bones stay aligned and usually require a splint
- Unstable/displaced fractures – bone ends don’t line up and may need surgery
- Comminuted fractures – the bone breaks into multiple pieces
- Intra-articular fractures – the break extends into the joint, risking arthritis
Each type affects healing time and rehab strategy — which is where your physio comes in.
Medical Treatment First, Then Physio
The first step is always medical imaging — usually an X-ray — to confirm the fracture. From there, treatment may involve:
- Splinting or casting – keep in mind that fingers can stiffen up much easier than other joints, so often splints or casting is often only kept on for 4 weeks before aggressive physiotherapy begins.
- Buddy taping (strapping the finger fracture to a neighbour)
- Surgery with pins or screws (for unstable fractures)
But once the bone starts healing, it’s time for physiotherapy. This is where many people go wrong — they take the splint off and try to “get back to normal” without guidance. Unfortunately, that often leads to stiffness, weakness, or even re-injury.
If you have had surgery, read our blog on Post Surgery Rehab!
How Physiotherapy Helps Finger Fracture Recovery
Rehab for a Finger Fracture isn’t just about regaining motion — it’s about restoring full hand function so you can type, grip, lift, play sport, and do all the things you used to do.
1. Restoring Movement
After immobilisation, your joints and tendons can get stiff. We use:
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Joint mobilisations
- Stretching of adjacent tissues
2. Reducing Swelling
Swelling can limit movement and delay healing. Physios help with:
- Compression techniques
- Elevation advice
- Massage and lymphatic drainage
3. Strengthening Muscles
Muscle weakness is common after a fracture. We prescribe:
- Graded grip strengthening (using putty, balls, or hand trainers)
- Finger extension exercises
- Wrist and forearm stability work
4. Scar Management (if surgery was involved)
Scar tissue can limit tendon glide. Techniques include:
- Soft tissue release
- Silicone gel and taping
- Desensitisation exercises
5. Return to Work or Sport
We’ll help you regain:
- Dexterity and fine motor control
- Speed and power (if needed)
- Confidence in your hand’s ability
How Long Does Finger Fracture Rehab Take?
It varies depending on the type of fracture, age, general health, and how soon rehab begins. Most people need 6–10 weeks of rehab, though more complex injuries can take longer.
The key is to avoid rushing or ignoring pain, and to follow a guided program. Your finger is involved in nearly everything you do — it’s worth giving it the time and care it needs.
Real Patient Example – James’ Journey Back to Work
James, a 42-year-old carpenter, came to us after breaking his index finger in a workplace accident involving a nail gun. He was treated in hospital with a splint and told to avoid work for at least 6 weeks.
He initially thought once the splint was off, he’d be “good to go”. But three weeks later, he still couldn’t fully bend or straighten the finger, and gripping tools was painful.
James came to our clinic after his GP referred him for physio. We started him on a custom hand therapy program that included:
- Soft tissue work to reduce stiffness
- Joint mobilisation of the MCP and PIP joints
- Grip-strengthening using therapy putty
- Functional exercises involving simulated tool use
Within four weeks, he was able to return to modified duties, and by week eight, he’d regained full grip strength and dexterity.
Today, he’s back on the tools full-time and still does occasional hand exercises to maintain strength.
Don’t Ignore the Little Things
You’d be surprised how often people brush off finger fractures as “just a little crack”. But left untreated, even minor injuries can lead to long-term issues like:
- Stiffness and reduced range
- Chronic pain
- Grip weakness
- Joint arthritis
That’s why early physio is so important — not just for healing, but for restoring full function and preventing complications.
What Happens During Your First Physio Appointment?
When you come in, your physiotherapist will:
- Review your imaging and surgical notes (if any)
- Assess joint mobility, swelling, pain, and grip strength
- Set realistic goals based on your lifestyle
- Create a custom rehab program
- Start hands-on treatment and exercises straight away
We’ll also give you advice about returning to work, sport, or hobbies, and help you navigate the mental side of recovery if frustration sets in (it often does!).
Can You Prevent Finger Fractures?
Not always — accidents happen. But there are ways to reduce your risk:
- Use protective equipment (like gloves in sport or trades)
- Strengthen your grip and forearm muscles
- Improve reaction time and coordination with hand drills
- Be mindful of finger placement in high-risk activities
- For athletes — tape fingers during contact sports if you’ve had past injuries
When to See a Physio
You should book in for physio:
- Once your doctor or surgeon gives the green light (usually 2–4 weeks after injury)
- If you’ve had the splint off but feel stiff or weak
- If your hand just doesn’t “feel right” even months after injury
- If you’re struggling with work tasks or sport
Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. The earlier you start, the better your long-term outcome.
Final Thoughts
Finger fractures may seem small, but their impact on daily life is anything but. Whether you’ve had a sporting injury, work accident, or just a clumsy moment, the right physiotherapy approach can help you power through the pain and regain full function.
At our clinic, we’ve helped countless patients — just like James — avoid surgery, return to work faster, and get their grip strength back with confidence.
Need Help with Your Finger Injury?
Give us a call today on 9806 3077, or book online — just CLICK HERE.