Post-Fracture Rehab
A fracture occurs when one of your bones either partially or completely breaks. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as trauma to the affected area, overuse, or a disease that causes the bones to weaken. The main symptom of a fracture is pain where the break has occurred, which may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, or deformity in severe cases.
It is necessary for a physician to diagnose a bone fracture, in order to determine the best course of treatment. It is likely that part of your treatment plan will include physical therapy, in order to relieve pain and regain function. If you have sustained a fracture, and you are looking for relief, contact Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute today to learn about our post-fracture rehab services.
Where do fractures occur?
It is possible for fractures to occur in almost any bone in your body. However, the most common areas that people sustain fractures include:
Shoulder Fractures
Fractures in the shoulder occur for a variety of reasons, but typically they are from a fall onto the shoulder itself. It is also common for fractures to occur in seniors due to osteoporosis, which is the thinning and weakening of bone.
The goal of fracture management is to provide a safe position for the bone to heal, while maintaining range of motion. It typically takes around 8 weeks for a fracture to completely heal, and as it does, strengthening can begin and you can start to progress back into your normal activities.
Physical therapy is a very important part of rehabilitation after a shoulder fracture. Whether you are young or old, our Lafayette physical therapists will work closely with you and your physician to make sure your fracture is protected while it heals. Treatment plans will help to gradually restore your range of motion, relieve pain, soothe aching muscles, and improve your strength.
The goal of post-fracture rehab is to help you return to your normal activities after the bone is completely healed. We will also address any underlying issues that may have led to the fracture, in order to prevent further injury in the future.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures in the low back typically occur in older individuals and those suffering from osteoporosis. However, compression fractures can also occur from a severe trauma, such as a harsh fall or an automobile accident that impacts the bones of the spine.
The goal of managing compression fractures is to stabilize broken pieces of bone so they do not move around and give the bones time to heal. Dealing with a compression fracture can be quite painful, and it may cause difficulties with walking or standing up/sitting down.
Our Lafayette physical therapists will work with your physician’s protocols for compression fractures recovery. Based on your individual needs, we work with you to gently rehabilitate your spinal movement and strength. At Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute, our team has extensive training and experience in helping patients with compression fractures, and we will help relieve your pain and improve your function so you can get back to normal activities as soon as possible.
Wrist and Forearm Fractures
Fractures in the wrist and forearm area are common with falls, as the tendency during a fall is to try and catch yourself. These fractures occur in the “radius” and “ulnar” bones of the forearm, near the wrist.
Two common fractures are called Colles’ fracture and Smith’s fracture. Colles’ fractures typically occur from falls onto an outstretched hand and Smith’s fractures occur from falling backward onto an outstretched hand.
Another common fracture of the wrist and hand is the Scaphoid fracture, which is a small bone in the hand. The scaphoid bone connects with the radius bone of the forearm. Scaphoid fractures are more difficult to heal due to poor circulation to the bone itself.
It is common for surgical intervention to be needed for these types of fractures. During the healing phase (typically in a cast or following surgery), the fingers, wrist, and elbow become very stiff. Range of motion and strength are also greatly decreased or lost altogether.
Physical therapy is very important in the rehabilitative process to help you regain your normal range of motion, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and regain function of your wrist or forearm.
Physical therapy is gentle and will help you quickly resolve your pain while working with your doctor to follow protocol and restore your function. With physical therapy, you can make a complete recovery quickly and safely.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
There are many bones that can be fractured in the ankle and foot. Common fractures in these areas include avulsion fractures, metatarsal bone fractures, and calcaneal fractures. These fractures are typically immobilized with casting or bracing. In severe cases, surgery may be required to align and stabilize the bone with pins or plates.
After being immobile for a period of time (whether from casting or surgery), the ankle and foot joints will become stiff. This loss of motion in the joint causes discomfort and decreased muscle strength.
Working with one of our Lafayette physical therapists will allow for a smooth rehabilitation process post-fracture. This will help relieve your pain and regain your function. You will work closely with our physical therapist and your primary physician to improve your range of motion, strength, and stability, as well as your walking and running ability. With physical therapy treatments, you can get back to your normal life much quicker.
Contact Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute today:
Have you been diagnosed with one of the fractures listed above? If so, contact our Lafayette physical therapy office today. We’ll provide you with the best rehabilitation plan for your needs, so you can reclaim your life and move the fractured body part comfortably once again. Don’t let the pain of recovery hold you back – recover faster with Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute!
