Is Physiotherapy Necessary After Fracture?

It is well known that an active lifestyle is necessary for a healthy body and mind. Unfortunately, human bodies are fragile and susceptible to injury while performing intensive activities such as sports. Even just slipping and falling can lead to a severe damage if you are unlucky with your fall.

A bone fracture is one of those nasty injuries that you may experience, leaving that area of your body very weak, even after initial treatment. This is where physiotherapy comes in.

Physical Therapy After Fracture

Initially, depending on the fracture type, you will have a doctor stabilize or immobilize the bone to facilitate the healing process. This is usually achieved through various means, such as steel plates and screws and casts made from plaster, slings, and splints. Afte afterbegins the process of physiotherapy that will aim to restore the function level of the bone and the surrounding muscles.

Why Is Physiotherapy Important After Fracture?

Depending on the nature of the injury, it may prevent you from putting pressure on that body part and avoid any meaningful use for a very long time. During this period of inactivity, during which the bone heals, your muscles remain unused.

This can lead to loss of strength and range of motion, impaired balance and awareness, and pain and swelling. Even after your fracture has healed, you will still suffer from an inability to complete tasks as you could have before easily.

The process of physiotherapy is essential in restoring normal function in the quickest manner possible.

When To Start Physiotherapy After Fracture?

Physiotherapy should start immediately after the fracture treatment. You should be directed to a physiotherapist who will be able to evaluate your situation and figure out the best approach for a speedy recovery.

This may include teaching you how to walk with assistive tools such as canes or crutches and explaining how much weight you can safely put on the injured body. They will also talk about instructing what should be done to restore strength and range of motion in the shortest period possible.

How Can Physical Therapy Help You?

Recovering after a fracture can be a stressful period. Here are some of the ways physical therapy will be able to help you recover.

Report Any Associated Injuries

Under the attentive care of a physical therapist, you will be examined to determine what inhibits your strength or range of motion. This is important because these issues may appear despite not having any substantial physical impacts.

They may also be a consequence of certain diseases. Having a physical therapist examine you will allow them to discover such issues and provide treatment. 

Reinstate Movement in the Affected Joint(S) 

As previously stated, immobilising your bones will prevent movement and can affect joints. Because of that, your physical therapist can provide multiple forms of treatment. These may include massages and manipulation of the joints to help relieve pain, stress, and tension.

In other cases where exerting a lot of force onto the joints is not recommended, swimming in a pool can be an alternative to maintain body strength.

Increase Muscle Strength

Immobilization of the bone leads to loss of muscle strength as well. During the recovery period, you may be provided with exercises and activities by your physical therapist to regain your lost power.

During the period of immobilization, these exercises may be limited not to hinder the healing of the fracture. After the fracture is healed, a rigorous training routine may be recommended to restore muscle ability quickly.

Support You in Reaching Your Physical or Sporting Goals

Physical therapists are experts in physical, emotional, and psychological evaluations. They can help you get on track to finally getting fit. Besides helping you recover a physical th, a therapist can help you achieve your desired athletic goals. 

Why Do Some Fractures Take Longer Than Others To Heal?

Fractures can happen in any bone and can take many shapes. Some fractures can take weeks while others months to heal fully. This depends on the severity of the fracture. A minor fracture is far easier to treat and will naturally heal quicker.

On the other hand, there are extreme scenarios. For example, an open fracture will pierce the skin and will have the bone sticking out. This type of injury also has an increased infection risk, making the recovery process all the more difficult.

There is also a scenario where the fractured bone has broken into many little pieces and requires intense surgical intervention. More extensive and more severe fractures take significantly longer to heal. 

FAQs

When Can I Start Strengthening After a Fracture?

This depends on the fracture type and is determined by your physical therapist. In some cases, strengthening can begin soon after the initial immobilization of the bone. In other instances where a cast is applied, or pressure is not allowed to be exerted on the bone, the strengthening process can only begin further down the line when the form is removed or the fracture is healed.

Is Physical Therapy Needed After a Broken Leg?

Physical therapy is almost always recommended after a fracture. If not properly treated, the bone may grow back together in an unusual position which may cause more issues down the line. It may also leave a visibly deformed spot. Physical therapy will ensure that the leg can recover properly and reach its whole function level.

How Long Is Physical Therapy for a Broken Arm?

Once again, it depends on the type of fracture. In extreme situations, you may have to stay at the hospital for an extended duration and receive therapy there. Afterwards, you will also have to continue it at home. Sometimes, you will have to meet with your physical therapist regularly. These sessions can often be between 30 to 60 minutes and may be necessary throughout recovery.