Physiotherapy for Broken Bones

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 40 percent of the injuries that require hospitalisation in Australia are due to falls that often lead to bone fractions. After a bone fracture, a bone graft may be required. This medical procedure can help heal the area around the fractured area. However, a bone fracture will still take a lot of time to heal, even if you use projection fibers to help you heal the fractured spot.

Besides, you will likely be confined to a splint or coast to reduce movement and promote fast healing. After your bone healing is complete, you will likely experience reduced muscle, stiff joints, and difficulty. Fortunately, physical therapy can help.

Importance of Physiotherapy for Bone Fracture Treatment

Most broken bones will heal within two months. But that is only half of the problem. Sadly, when enough stress is placed on the bone fracture through your body, there is usually a lot of other structures and soft tissues that get damaged during the process. In addition, with the common use of immobilization in plaster, you will likely have substantial muscle weakness and joint stiffness.

Moreover, it may also affect joints that are not related to bone fracture. For example, a fractured shoulder may cause a very stiff elbow or wrist because you will most likely keep your shoulder in a sling for a particular period.

Physiotherapy for Broken Bones

Your physical therapists will create an individualized treatment program exclusively for your need based upon your examination. The treatment of your broken bone may include hands-on treatment, mobilization, or massage. Your treatment plan may also include lots of home exercises and valuable advice. Also, your treatment will vary depending on your lifestyle, sex, age, work requirements, or sport.

As highly trained exercise prescribers, an experienced physical therapist will usually instruct you on certain exercises to perform at home to help in your rapid recovery. They will also provide great advice to help ease your pain, such as the right resting positions. Further, when a bone fracture requires the use of gait aids, a physical therapist advises on the right equipment depending on your condition.

When Should You Start Physiotherapy?

The right time to commence physiotherapy treatment usually depends on the location and the type of bone fracture. Usually, your physical therapist will attempt to prevent post-fracture and weakness in the muscles and adjacent joints during the first 6 weeks of your recovery. After the first 6 weeks, if X-rays show that you are not healing properly, your physical therapists can work on recovering the full joint range of muscle strength and motion that operate around the bone fracture area.

How Can We Help?

Please contact Movement 101 for advice specific to your bone fracture. You can make an appointment with us at any stage. This is particularly vital if your mobility is compromised or you believe you are not making progress in your recovery. Please feel free to contact us today so that we can begin the rehab process with you.

Learn more about how our Physiotherapists can help you.
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