sprained wrist training

Question
my son is 6 1/2 and sprained his wrist last week. Of course it had to be his right wrist which he throws and bats with.I was wondering what I should do to help it heal and train so that he doesn't miss too much of the season as well as strengthen it to be able to play like normal again. thanks!

Answer
Dear Kelly,

Thanks for the question.  A sprained wrist on a 6 1/2 year old is usually pretty easy to heal up.  I happen to also be a chiropractor and have over 8 years of experience as the treating doctor for a NCAA university athletic department.  First of all you should let him rest for about 4-5 days.  This means no throwing or hitting.  He can run and catch all you want.  Next, apply cold packs daily 2-3 times for the 4-5 days. This will help with any inflammation in the tissues and allow healing to occur.  Make him responsible for this.  He will feel like a big leaguer going to the training room.  Last, tape the wrist when he returns to play.  Use underwrap under the tape so it doesn't hurt to pull it off and just tape around the wrist like a wrist band.  Not too tight, but snug enough to limit hyperextension (bending back).  This will provide support to the wrist and ensure that he does not re-injure it.

Let me know if he has any further problems.

Coach Boss