A fracture can feel like a major setback, disrupting daily routines, mobility, and independence. However, with the right care and guidance, it doesn’t have to derail your life for long. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery, helping you rebuild strength, restore movement, and regain confidence. Whether it’s a slip on a rainy day, a sports injury, or a fragility fracture, here’s how physiotherapy can guide you to a fracture-free comeback.
Understanding Fractures: What Happens to Your Body?
A fracture is a break in the bone caused by trauma, overuse, or conditions like osteoporosis. Healing is a complex process that involves:
- Inflammation: Swelling and pain occur as the body starts repairing the injury.
- Bone Formation: New bone tissue forms around the fracture site to bridge the gap.
- Remodelling: Over time, this tissue strengthens and reshapes to restore normal bone structure.
While bones are naturally resilient, effective rehabilitation is essential to help them regain their full strength and function.
Fractures in the UK: The Hard Facts
- Osteoporosis causes bones to lose strength and break more easily.
- 3.5 million people in the UK are estimated to have osteoporosis.
- Half of women and 20% of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
- We reach our peak bone health at the age of 30, after which it naturally declines. This decline accelerates in women around menopause. However, osteoporosis and fractures are not an inevitable part of ageing.
- Every year in the UK, there are more than 500,000 fragility fractures—that’s one every minute, or 1,400 daily.
- The cost of fragility fractures to the NHS is estimated at £4.4 billion annually, including £1.1 billion for social care. Hip fractures alone account for around £2 billion of this sum.
- Short- and long-term outlooks for patients following hip fractures are generally poor. The one-year mortality rate is 18%-33%, with significant impacts on daily activities like shopping and walking.
- Around 20% of hip fracture patients enter long-term care within the first year after their injury.
- About half of all boys and a quarter of all girls will fracture a bone before adulthood.
These statistics highlight the importance of prevention and effective rehabilitation to reduce the personal and healthcare burden of fractures.
How Physiotherapy Supports Fracture Recovery
Physiotherapy is crucial throughout the recovery process, providing tailored interventions to address:
- Pain and Swelling: Techniques like manual therapy, gentle exercises, and ultrasound can ease discomfort.
- Mobility Issues: Early movement reduces stiffness and restores function to joints near the fracture.
- Muscle Weakness: Targeted exercises rebuild strength lost during immobilisation.
- Balance and Stability: Balance training helps prevent future falls and reduces re-injury risk.
Your Fracture Recovery Journey
- Initial Assessment: Your physiotherapist evaluates your condition, pain levels, and range of motion to develop a customised treatment plan.
- Gentle Mobilisation: Controlled exercises improve circulation, minimise stiffness, and promote healing.
- Strengthening and Functional Training: As healing progresses, strength and endurance exercises help restore daily function or support a return to sports.
- Education and Prevention: Your physiotherapist provides guidance on fall prevention, bone health, and lifestyle adjustments to avoid future fractures.
Fracture Prevention Tips
- Stay Active: Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, or dancing to strengthen bones and improve balance.
- Eat for Bone Health: Incorporate calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, leafy greens) and vitamin D (oily fish, fortified foods, or sunlight).
- Fall-Proof Your Environment: Declutter walkways, use non-slip mats, and ensure good lighting at home.
- Screen for Osteoporosis: If you’re over 50, regular bone density checks can catch early signs of osteoporosis.
Why Choose Home Physio Group?
At Home Physio Group, we understand that every recovery journey is unique. Our team of expert physiotherapists provides personalised care tailored to your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re recovering from a fracture, managing chronic pain, or enhancing your overall mobility, we’re here to support you.
What We Offer:
- Convenience: Receive professional physiotherapy in the comfort of your home.
- Personalised Plans: Tailored treatment to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
- Experienced Care: Our team specialises in delivering effective, patient-focused rehabilitation.
Take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you. Book an appointment today by calling 0330 335 1016 or filling out our online contact form. Let us help you embrace an active, pain-free life.