If you have had a fracture of any kind, you will need to regain your normal range of motion, mobility and strength, which is why physiotherapy plays such a vital role in your recovery.
At Home Physio Group we have treated and helped many people, both children and adults of all ages with different fractures. Not all fractures need surgery to fix them, but all fractures do require physiotherapy to help rehabilitate them and get their full function and strength back.
Starting a programme of physiotherapy is dependant on the type of fracture and seriousness of the injury. Seeing a physiotherapist can help speed up your recovery by reducing your swelling and pain and restore muscle function and normal range of motion.
If you need surgery to fix your fracture, your physiotherapy will start as early on as two to six weeks following surgery, dependant on the type of surgery you have had.
If you do not need surgery, and you have been put in a cast for immobilisation so that your bone can heal, your physiotherapy programme will start once the cast has been removed, at around six weeks after the injury. Physiotherapy is so important in your recovery, because being immobilised for so long will cause loss of motion, strength and decreased functional mobility.
When you see your physiotherapist for the first time, they will examine you carefully and assess your injury. Based on their findings, they will devise you a rehabilitation programme which will include exercises, massage, advice and education. There are a few key things your physio will look at on your first appointment:
- Gait – how you walk after the injury and any limitations you may have (if the fracture is of your lower limbs)
- Scar tissue – If surgery has been performed there will be scars that will need to be broken down
- Strength – building up your strength in the surrounding muscles so you get full use of your limb
- Pain – your physiotherapist will assess this and look of ways to help you manage your symptoms
- Range of motion – dependant on where the fracture is they will look at your range of motion, and give you specific targeted exercises to regain the function as soon as possible
Physiotherapy is vital for anyone who has had a fracture of any kind.
*EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY*
Let us help you help yourself, and call Home Physio Group on 0330 335 1016 to talk to our friendly and professional team.