POST FRACTURE REHABILITATION
Most fractured (broken) bones will heal in usually six weeks. But that is only half of the problem.Unfortunately when you have enough stress placed through your body to fracture a bone there’s usually a lot of other soft tissues and structures that have been damaged in the process. Add to that the common use of immobilisation in plaster, you’ll have joint stiffness and considerable muscle weakness.This may even effect joints that don’t seem related to the break. For example, a fractured shoulder may result in a very stiff elbow or wrist just because you were keeping your shoulder in a sling for a few weeks.
WHEN SHOULD YOU COMMENCE PHYSIOTHERAPY?
This varies depending on your type and location of fracture. If you are consulting an Orthopaedic Surgeon, please be guided by their expertise.
Typically, your physiotherapist will attempt to prevent post-fracture stiffness and weakness in the adjacent joints and muscles during the first six weeks while your fracture is healing. After six weeks or later if X-rays show poor healing, your physiotherapist can work on regaining full joint range of motion and muscle strength that operate near or over the fracture site.
