"The more I do, the more I can do": perspectives on how performing daily activities and occupations influences recovery after surgical repair of a distal radius fracture

Purpose The study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences about how engaging in daily activities and occupations influenced recovery in the first eight weeks after surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture. Methods Twenty-one adults completed an online activity and exercise log then participated in a semi-structured interview between weeks 6 and 8 postoperatively. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Daily activities and occupations were highly influential in facilitating recovery of movement and function of the operated limb. Five themes provided an understanding of how occupation operated to promote recovery. Occupation was (i) a primary driver of the rehabilitative process, providing an impetus for recovery, (ii) offered ready-to-hand challenges for opportunistic, automatic movement, (iii) invited intentional use of the affected wrist, (iv) habituated the wrist to movement through repetition and confidence-building, and (iv) drew on psychosocial resources to enable reengagement with life activities and roles. Conclusions Incorporating the performance of graded, modified activities during the early weeks of rehabilitation creates opportunities for wrist movement, enhances wellbeing, and assists in the habituation of wrist movement. Activities and occupations can be used as a therapeutic strategy to promote recovery from surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture.