Fracture rehabilitation physiotherapy Brisbane southside.

What is Fracture Rehabilitation?
Fracture rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of recovering from a broken bone (fracture). Proper rehabilitation helps improve the healing process, restore function, and minimise long-term complications.

What are the goals of Fracture Rehabilitation?

1. Healing: Promoting the natural healing process of the fractured bone.
2. Restoration of Function: Restoring the affected limb or area to its pre-injury level of function.
3. Pain Management: Minimising pain and discomfort during the recovery process.
4. Prevention of Complications: Reducing the risk of complications such as stiffness, muscle atrophy, and joint contractures.
5. Return to Normal Activities: Facilitating a safe return to daily activities, work, and sports.

What are the stages of Fracture Rehabilitation?
1. Acute Stage (Immediate Post-Injury):

• Immobilisation: Often involves casting, splinting, or surgery, depending on the fracture's severity.
• Pain Management: Medications and modalities like ice or TENS may be used.
• Protection: Avoidance of weight-bearing or movement per the doctor's instructions.

2. Subacute Stage (Early Healing):

• Gradual Mobility: Controlled, limited movement to prevent complications.
• Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.
• Pain Control: Continuation of pain management techniques.

3. Recovery Stage (Intermediate Healing):

• Progressive Exercises: Focused on strength, flexibility, and function.
• Weight-Bearing: Gradual reintroduction of weight-bearing activities.
• Occupational Therapy: If needed, to regain daily living skills.

4. Functional Stage (Advanced Healing):

• Advanced Exercises: Focused on returning to normal activities, including sports.
• Continued Monitoring: Regular check-ups to assess progress.
• Goal Achievement: Working toward full recovery and return to pre-injury level of function.

How can physiotherapy help with Fracture Rehabilitation?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in fracture rehabilitation by helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and function after a fracture. Here's how physiotherapy can assist in the rehabilitation process:

1. Pain Management: Physiotherapists can employ various techniques, including manual therapy, modalities like heat or cold therapy, and therapeutic exercises to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the fracture.
2. Restoring Range of Motion: After a fracture, joints and muscles can become stiff due to immobility. Physiotherapists use gentle stretching and range of motion exercises to gradually restore flexibility and mobility in the affected area.
3. Strength Training: Muscles surrounding the fracture site often weaken during immobilisation. Physiotherapy involves progressive resistance exercises to rebuild muscle strength, enhance stability, and support the healing process.
4. Balance and Coordination: Fractures can affect balance and coordination. Physiotherapists work on exercises to improve these skills, reducing the risk of falls and further injury.
5. Weight-Bearing Progression: For fractures involving the lower limbs, physiotherapists help individuals transition from non-weight bearing to partial weight bearing and eventually full weight bearing through a structured program. This ensures safe and gradual reintegration of the limb for daily activities.
6. Functional Training: Physiotherapists tailor exercises to specific functional goals, such as getting dressed, climbing stairs, or returning to sports. This ensures that individuals can regain the ability to perform essential daily tasks and return to their usual activities.
7. Orthopaedic Devices and Assistive Devices: Physiotherapists can recommend and instruct the use of orthopaedic devices like braces, splints, or assistive devices such as crutches or canes to support mobility during rehabilitation.
8. Education and Home Exercise Programs: Physiotherapists provide education on proper body mechanics, posture, and techniques to prevent re-injury. They also design home exercise programs that individuals can follow between therapy sessions to enhance their progress.
9. Monitoring Progress: Regular assessment and monitoring of progress are essential components of physiotherapy. Adjustments to the rehabilitation program can be made as needed to ensure optimal recovery.
10. Psychological Support: Coping with a fracture and the associated challenges can be emotionally taxing. Physiotherapists often offer psychological support and motivation to help individuals stay focused and positive throughout the rehabilitation process.
11. Preventing Complications: Physiotherapists help prevent complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and contractures, which can occur if rehabilitation is not properly managed.
12. Customisation: Every fracture is unique, and physiotherapy programs are tailored to individual needs, considering factors like the type and location of the fracture, age, overall health, and personal goals.

Physiotherapy is an integral part of fracture rehabilitation that focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals recovering from fractures. By working closely with a skilled physiotherapist and following a customised rehabilitation plan, individuals can optimise their recovery and regain their pre-injury level of function.
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If you or a loved one has questions about fracture rehabilitation and how our physiotherapists might be able to help please call us on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected]. We would love to work with you!

BOOK YOUR INITIAL physiotherapy APPOINTMENT here

Who to book in with:

Yulia Khasyanova
Physiotherapist.​

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist.

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Emma Cameron
Physiotherapist and Exercise Scientist.

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