Hip Fractures Physiotherapy Brisbane southside.
What is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture refers to a break that occurs in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) where the bone angles toward the hip joint. It is a common injury, especially in elderly individuals with weakened bones.
What causes a Hip Fracture?
What are the different types of Hip Fractures?
What are the symptoms of a Hip Fracture?
How is a Hip Fracture diagnosed?
How is a Hip Fracture prevented?
How can physiotherapy help with a Hip Fracture?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation process following a hip fracture. Here's how it can help:
If you or a loved one has questions about Hip Fractures 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!
A hip fracture refers to a break that occurs in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) where the bone angles toward the hip joint. It is a common injury, especially in elderly individuals with weakened bones.
What causes a Hip Fracture?
- Osteoporosis: This is the most common cause, where the bones become brittle and fragile.
- Falls: Especially sideways falls or falls from a height.
- Impact: Direct impact from accidents can cause hip fractures in any age group.
- Cancer: Bone cancer or metastatic cancer can weaken the bone and lead to fractures.
What are the different types of Hip Fractures?
- Intracapsular Fracture: The break occurs within the capsule of the hip joint.
- Intertrochanteric Fracture: The fracture is located between the neck of the femur and a lower bony prominence called the lesser trochanter.
- Subtrochanteric Fracture: The fracture is in the femur just below the lesser trochanter.
What are the symptoms of a Hip Fracture?
- Severe pain in the hip or groin.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
- Stiffness, bruising, and swelling in and around the hip area.
- The affected leg may appear shorter than the non-injured leg.
- The affected leg may turn outward or be in an abnormal position.
How is a Hip Fracture diagnosed?
- Physical Examination: To assess pain, swelling, and deformity.
- X-rays: To confirm the presence and exact location of the fracture.
- MRI or CT Scan: These may be used if the fracture is not visible on X-rays.
How is a Hip Fracture prevented?
- Fall Prevention Measures: Clearing obstacles, using nonslip mats, and installing grab bars.
- Bone Strengthening: Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercises.
- Medication Review: Ensuring that medications do not increase the risk of falls.
- Regular Check-ups: For osteoporosis screening and management.
How can physiotherapy help with a Hip Fracture?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation process following a hip fracture. Here's how it can help:
- Pain Management: Physiotherapy techniques can help manage pain, which is essential for enabling the patient to participate in rehabilitation exercises.
- Improving Mobility: Physiotherapists work to improve mobility in the hip joint, which is often severely limited after a fracture. This includes exercises that promote range of motion and flexibility.
- Strengthening Muscles: After a hip fracture, the muscles around the hip and the core muscles may become weak. A physiotherapist will guide through specific exercises to strengthen these muscles, which is vital for stability and preventing future falls.
- Balance and Coordination Training: Balance can be significantly affected after a hip fracture. Physiotherapy includes balance and coordination exercises to reduce the risk of falls, which is particularly important for the elderly.
- Gait Training: Learning to walk again, often with the aid of assistive devices such as walkers or canes, is a key part of rehabilitation. A physiotherapist will assist with gait training to ensure the correct walking technique is used, reducing the risk of additional injury.
- Functional Training: This involves training to perform daily activities safely and independently, which can include getting in and out of bed, climbing stairs, and other activities of daily living.
- Education and Support: Physiotherapists provide education on the healing process, expected recovery timeline, and ways to prevent future injuries. This psychological and educational support is crucial for patient confidence and adherence to the rehabilitation plan.
- Postural Education: Teaching proper postural techniques is essential to prevent undue stress on the healing hip and other body parts.
- Reducing the Risk of Complications: Effective physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of complications associated with hip fractures, such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and muscle atrophy.
- Personalised Rehabilitation Plan: Every individual's situation is unique, and physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation plans that cater to the specific needs and goals of each patient.
If you or a loved one has questions about Hip Fractures 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!
