Post Fracture Rehab
What are fractures?
A fracture is a broken bone that can be a painful and debilitating injury that significantly limits mobility. Initial fracture management is typically immobilization and rest. After the immobilization phase, the next step in recovery is post fracture rehab.
Our therapists are trained to help you regain your function and support you on your journey back to wellness.
What are the types of fractures?
Fractures can occur in many different ways including but are not limited to:
1. Transverse Fracture
The break is in a straight line across the bone.
2. Stress Fracture
Small cracks that develop in a bone due to repetitive stress or overuse.
3. Greenstick Fracture
When the bone bends but doesn’t break completely.
4. Comminuted Fracture
The bone is shatterred into multiple pieces.
5. Compound Fracture
When the bone pierces the skin.
6. Impacted Fracture
The ends of the bone are driven into each other.
Why Post Fracture Rehab is important
Individualized Approach
No matter what type of fracture you have, post fracture rehab is essential to prevent compensations and ensure a successful recovery. During the assessment, your therapist will determine your limitations and create an individualized plan improve your strength, mobility and coordination.
Management Strategies
1. Post Fracture Management
Pain management: to increase comfort, reduce compensations, modulate the immune system, and improve quality of life.
Swelling and inflammation management: to speed up recovery times. Click here for more information regarding swelling and inflammation.
Wound care: guidance on safe management of surgical incisions and wounds to prevent infection.
2. Manual Therapy
Myofascial release: to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia around the location of fracture.
Joint mobilization: to increase range of motion and promote smooth joint movement and mobility.
3. Balance and Coordination Training
Balance and coordination are critical for maintaining functional mobility and preventing injuries in daily life. It is important for stable posture and controlled movement.
4. Exercise Therapy
To improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
Stretching: to prevent stiffening of muscles the location of fracture.
Range of motion: to maintain and improve joint mobility.
Strengthening: to improve the strength and stability as well as prevent muscle atrophy.
Home exercise program: individualized exercise prescription to restore optimal and balanced movement.
5. External Support
Taping and bracing: to support the affected area and decreased excessive movement.
6. Modalities
Acupuncture: use of thin needles to improve local and systemic function, regulate the nervous system, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Heat and cold therapy: to manage reduce pain and tension or control inflammation.
Electrostimulation: use of electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain.
Ultrasound: use of high-frequency sound waves to produce deep tissue heating to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
Laser therapy: to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
7. Education
To manage pain, prevent complications, and promote healing.