Pelvic Fracture Fixation Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Pelvic Fracture Fixation: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic fracture fixation involves surgically stabilising fractures in the pelvis using plates, screws, or other devices. Recovery requires careful guidance to restore mobility, strength, and function while protecting the healing bones. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we specialise in post-operative care with personalised plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your recovery journey.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Pelvic Fracture Fixation?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery by:

• Restoring mobility: Helping you regain the ability to walk and perform daily tasks.
• Rebuilding strength: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles supporting the pelvis.
• Managing pain and stiffness: Therapies reduce discomfort and promote flexibility.
• Preventing complications: Guided rehab minimises risks of joint stiffness, weakness, and imbalance.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
In the first few weeks after surgery, the focus is on protecting the repair and addressing early symptoms:

• Pain and swelling management: Ice, compression, and medication as directed by your medical team.
• Immobilisation: Depending on the fracture, partial weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing may be necessary.
• Preventing stiffness: Gentle movement exercises are introduced under professional guidance.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists offer a range of therapies to enhance healing:
Manual Therapy

• Joint mobilisation: Gentle techniques to maintain flexibility in surrounding joints, such as the hips and spine.
• Scar tissue management: Specific techniques improve mobility and prevent adhesions at the surgical site.

Taping and Bracing

• Stabilisation support: Braces or taping may be recommended for additional support during the early stages.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise swelling.
• Cryotherapy: Ice therapy reduces inflammation and eases discomfort.

Dry Needling or Acupuncture

• Muscle tension relief: Targets compensating muscles to reduce tightness.
• Pain reduction: Stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain relievers.

Education and Advice

• Weight-bearing progression: Guidance on when and how to safely start weight-bearing activities.
• Activity modification: Advice on sitting, standing, and movement strategies during healing.
• Postural adjustments: Correcting posture to prevent strain on the pelvis and spine.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Pelvic Fracture Fixation?

• Follow weight-bearing restrictions: Your physiotherapist will guide you on gradual progression.
• Avoid high-impact activities: Running, jumping, or heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared.
• Adhere to sitting and standing guidelines: Specific postures may help reduce strain on the pelvis.
• Protect surgical repairs: Avoid twisting movements or heavy loads during the early recovery phase.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery varies based on the severity of the fracture and individual factors:

• 0–6 weeks: Focus on pain management, gentle mobility exercises, and protected weight-bearing.
• 6–12 weeks: Begin strength training and gradual weight-bearing activities.
• 3–6 months: Progress to functional exercises and dynamic movement.
• 6–12 months: Full recovery and return to high-impact activities, depending on progress.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Pelvic Fracture Fixation?
Strengthening key muscles ensures stability and functional recovery:

• Hip flexors and extensors: Aid in walking and pelvic control.
• Gluteal muscles: Enhance hip stability and lower limb strength.
• Core muscles: Provide crucial support for the pelvis and spine.
• Quadriceps and hamstrings: Support walking and dynamic movement.

What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation programs will progress through different stages:

• Early stages: Ankle pumps, gentle leg lifts, and assisted range-of-motion exercises.
• Mid-stages: Glute bridges, mini squats, and resistance band exercises.
• Later stages: Weight-bearing functional training, Clinical Pilates, and balance exercises.

How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is a valuable addition to rehabilitation, focusing on:

• Core activation: Supporting the pelvis and reducing stress on surrounding joints.
• Controlled movements: Ensuring safe and progressive recovery.
• Postural alignment: Helping prevent compensatory movement patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Fracture Fixation Rehabilitation
How long after pelvic fracture fixation can I walk?

• 0–6 weeks: Typically non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing with crutches.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual progression to full weight-bearing as guided by your physiotherapist.

How painful is pelvic fracture fixation recovery?

• Post-surgery discomfort: Common in the early stages but managed with medication and physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation soreness: Normal during exercises but subsides as strength improves.

How to sleep after pelvic fracture fixation?

• Optimal positions: Lying on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your uninjured side with support.
• Avoid twisting: Use pillows to keep the pelvis stable.

When can I stop elevating my leg?

• First 2 weeks: Regular elevation helps reduce swelling.
• Afterward: Elevate as needed, especially after exercises or prolonged activity.

Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
Our experienced physiotherapists are here to guide you through each phase of recovery with a personalised plan. Contact us today to begin your journey toward full mobility and strength!

Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]

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Who to book in with

Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist.

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