Limited Wrist Flexion
Elbow/Wrist - Mobility
Restricted wrist flexion can impair gripping and load transfer, often linked to forearm extensor stiffness or tendon sensitivity.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Extensor tightness and sensitized tissues reduce wrist flexion and load tolerance.
Clinical Rationale
Mobility plus graded loading helps restore functional range and strength.
Practical Solution
Restore wrist flexion mobility and gradually increase tendon load tolerance.
Common Compensations
- Elbow flexion substitution
- Shoulder movement to compensate
Progression
- Mobility and soft tissue work
- Pain-free isometrics
- Eccentric/concentric loading
Regression
Red Flags
- Acute swelling
- Neurological symptoms
Differential Diagnosis
- Carpal joint restriction
- Extensor tendinopathy
Related Patterns
Related Exercises
- forearm extensor stretch
- forearm extensor smr
- forearm pronation supination arom
Related Assessments
- wrist flexion rom assessment
Evidence
Level: limited
Evidence for exercise-based lateral elbow tendinopathy management is moderate; direct effects on flexion ROM are limited.
Sources:
- systematic review/meta-analysis: Comparison of Interventions for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis for Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Pain Outcome. (link)
- systematic review/meta-analysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia. (link)