what type of movement is this called in the wrist arm

"Wrist Action: Identify This Movement"

By Daniel MillerDecember 21, 2025

When you move your wrist and arm in a specific way, you're performing one of several types of wrist and arm movements. These movements are crucial for various daily activities and are often used in sports, dance, and other physical endeavors. Let's explore the most common types of wrist and arm movements, their functions, and how they're classified.

Understanding Wrist and Arm Movements

The wrist and arm are complex structures composed of multiple joints and bones. The wrist is made up of eight carpal bones, and the arm consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna. These structures allow for a wide range of movements, which can be categorized into several types.

Flexion and Extension

Flexion and extension are the most basic types of wrist and arm movements. Flexion involves bending the wrist or arm, while extension straightens it. In flexion, the palm faces downwards, and in extension, the palm faces upwards. These movements are essential for tasks like shaking hands, waving, or pushing and pulling objects.

three different views of the arm and wrist, with instructions on how to fix it

the instructions on how to do an exercise with dumbs and rubber grips for one hand

Radial and Ulnar Deviation

Radial and ulnar deviation are movements that occur at the wrist joint. Radial deviation involves moving the wrist towards the thumb side (radial side), while ulnar deviation moves the wrist towards the little finger side (ulnar side). These movements are crucial for gripping objects of different sizes and shapes, such as holding a pen or a hammer.

Supination and Pronation

Supination and pronation are movements that occur at the radioulnar joint, where the radius and ulna meet. Supination involves rotating the palm upwards, as if you're presenting your palm to someone. Pronation, on the other hand, rotates the palm downwards, as if you're preparing to hit something with your fist. These movements are important for tasks like holding a steering wheel or a hammer.

a woman sitting on the floor holding up a sign that says wrist warm ups to stay out of pain

Jan 19 - image guided injections in left arm

Rotation

Rotation is another type of wrist and arm movement that involves turning the forearm inwards or outwards. This movement occurs at the radioulnar joint and is crucial for tasks like turning a doorknob or twisting a lid off a jar.

Comparison of Wrist and Arm Movements

Here's a table comparing the different types of wrist and arm movements:

Movement Type	Description	Primary Joint Involved
Flexion	Bending the wrist or arm	Wrist and elbow joints
Extension	Straightening the wrist or arm	Wrist and elbow joints
Radial Deviation	Moving the wrist towards the thumb side	Wrist joint
Ulnar Deviation	Moving the wrist towards the little finger side	Wrist joint
Supination	Rotating the palm upwards	Radioulnar joint
Pronation	Rotating the palm downwards	Radioulnar joint
Rotation	Turning the forearm inwards or outwards	Radioulnar joint

Understanding these wrist and arm movements is crucial for various fields, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, and even in daily life for maintaining wrist and arm health. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort in your wrist or arm, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.