Post Fracture
Healing and Strength: Physiotherapy After Fracture
Suffering a fracture can be a challenging and painful experience, but the journey to recovery doesn’t end with the removal of the cast or the completion of surgery. In fact, it’s only the beginning. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in post-fracture rehabilitation, helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and function while reducing pain and minimising the risk of complications.
The Road to Recovery:
Fractures vary widely in severity, location, and complexity, but they all share a common goal: to heal properly and restore normal function to the affected limb or body part. While bones have a remarkable ability to regenerate and repair themselves, they require the right conditions and stimuli to do so effectively. This is where physiotherapy comes into play.
- Early Mobilisation: In the initial stages of healing, immobilisation may be necessary to stabilise the fracture and promote alignment. However, prolonged immobilisation can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapists facilitate early mobilisation through gentle exercises, passive range of motion techniques, and weight-bearing activities as tolerated, helping to prevent complications such as joint contractures and muscle atrophy.
- Pain Management: Fractures are often accompanied by pain and inflammation, which can hinder rehabilitation efforts. Physiotherapists employ various modalities to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and promote tissue healing, allowing individuals to participate more fully in their rehabilitation program.
- Progressive Loading: As healing progresses, physiotherapists gradually introduce progressive loading exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the fracture site and improve bone density. This may involve resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, and functional movements tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals.
- Joint Mobilisation and Manual Therapy: Stiffness and loss of joint mobility are common after immobilisation or prolonged disuse following a fracture. Physiotherapists utilise hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and stretching exercises to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and restore normal movement patterns.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: Fractures, especially those involving the lower extremities, can disrupt balance and proprioception (the sense of joint position). Physiotherapists incorporate balance exercises, proprioceptive drills, and functional training to improve stability, coordination, and proprioceptive awareness, reducing the risk of falls and re-injury.
The Importance of Individualised Care:
No two fractures are alike, and rehabilitation programs must be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments, monitor progress closely, and adjust treatment plans accordingly to optimise outcomes and facilitate a safe return to pre-injury function.
Fracture rehabilitation is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and expert guidance. Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in this journey, providing the necessary support, interventions, and encouragement to help individuals recover from their injuries and regain independence. If you’ve recently experienced a fracture, don’t hesitate to contact one of our qualified physiotherapist at Physio Elements to guide you on the path to healing and strength.