Post Fracture Physiotherapy
Post Fracture Physiotherapy
Post-fracture physiotherapy is mandatory to restore the bone to its optimum function and mobility. After an injury to the bone due to trauma or accidents, the bone is reduced depending on the severity of the fracture either by a cast treatment or open reduction surgery procedures. The bone is immobilized (plaster bandage or cast) for a few weeks for complete healing. Once the cast or bandage is removed, physiotherapy treatment should be started immediately to ensure further recovery of the fracture.
Why is it indicated post-fracture?
Physiotherapy post-fracture is mainly indicated for the following reasons.
- Pain relief
- To reduce stiffness of the affected joint and the soft tissues surrounding it.
- To regain muscle strength and function.
- It helps to reduce edema or swelling of the soft tissues at the injury site.
- In the case of a surgically treated fracture, physiotherapy helps reduce the scar adhesions and improves the mobility around the scar.
- To distress the negative impact of immobilization.
- To be functionally independent and regain confidence.
- To understand the basic weight-bearing restrictions for complete healing of fracture.
- To understand the necessity of aids like walkers, crutches, and canes for walking and climbing.
Stages of physiotherapy treatment
Usually, a fractured bone heals in 6 to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. Physiotherapy is generally recommended between four to eight weeks depending on the healing of the fractured bone. However, it varies by type of fracture, fracture location, and severity of damage to the surrounding structures of the bone.
Stage 1: Assessment and evaluation.
When the cast or plaster bandage is removed, the treating doctor will direct the patient to a physiotherapist for complete healing. On the first visit,
The physiotherapist will assess the patient based on the type of fracture, fractured site, the extent of swelling in the fractured site, and scar assessment in case of surgically treated fracture.
The physiotherapist will also include an assessment of
- Weight or gait of the patient(for lower extremity fractures)
- Strength
- Mobility
- Overall function
- Range of motion
- Pain
- Swelling
- Flexibility
Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will assess the further treatment starting from the initial phase of exercises.
Stage 2: Exercises and strengthening the muscle.
After the assessment, the physiotherapist will guide you to initial exercises to remove the stiffness. Other exercises like stretching will be taught and prescribed as a home exercise program. The physiotherapist will also teach how to use assisting devices like a walker and other devices to improve motion. Electric stimulation will be required in some fracture cases. The physiotherapy post-fracture will usually continue for a month depending on the improvement of the site. It is always better to continue your exercise protocol even after completion of physiotherapy sessions for a thorough healing of the fracture.
Don’t leave your fracture incomplete without proper physiotherapy. Complete your fracture healing with our physiotherapist at GLMC.
