Rebuild After a Broken Bone
Restore full strength and mobility following bone fractures, including complex fractures.
Quick AnswerWhat is Post-Fracture Physiotherapy?
Restore full strength and mobility following bone fractures, including complex fractures.
- Evidence-based treatment
- Personalised recovery plan
- Non-surgical approach
- Expert physiotherapists
Introduction
Once a broken bone has healed or been surgically fixed, the rehabilitation process begins. Immobilization causes rapid muscle loss and joint stiffness that must be addressed.
Post-Fracture Physiotherapy is one of our specialized treatments under our Orthopedic Physiotherapy services.
Common Causes & Conditions
- Traumatic fractures (falls, accidents)
- Stress fractures from overuse
- Surgically fixed fractures (plates and screws - ORIF)
- Fractures managed in casts or boots
Symptoms to Watch For
- Profound joint stiffness after cast removal
- Visible muscle wasting (atrophy)
- Aching pain when starting to move the limb
- Hypersensitivity of the skin over the area
- Weakness and inability to bear weight
How It Helps
We safely mobilize the stiff joints, progressively load the bone to stimulate further strengthening (Wolff's Law), and rebuild the wasted muscles to restore full function.
Our Treatment Methods
Gentle joint mobilization to break down adhesions
Soft tissue massage for tight, immobilized muscles
Graduated weight-bearing exercises
Progressive resistance training
Desensitization techniques for sensitive skin
Who Benefits from Post-Fracture Physiotherapy?
- Individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain related to this condition
- Athletes looking to safely return to sport and improve performance
- Post-surgical patients requiring structured rehabilitation
- Office workers suffering from ergonomic or postural strain
- Seniors aiming to maintain mobility and independence
How Many Sessions Are Required?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition. Acute issues may resolve in 3-6 sessions, while chronic or post-surgical conditions typically require a longer, structured rehabilitation plan. Your physiotherapist will provide a clear timeline after your initial assessment.
Risks and Contraindications
- Severe osteoporosis or bone fragility (requires modified techniques)
- Active infections or unhealed open wounds in the treatment area
- Certain cardiovascular conditions (requires medical clearance)
- Acute inflammatory phases where rest is medically advised
Post-Fracture Physiotherapy vs Standard Care
While standard care often focuses merely on symptom relief through medication or rest, our specialized post-fracture physiotherapy targets the root biomechanical cause. We combine evidence-based interventions with active rehabilitation to not only eliminate pain but also prevent it from returning, ensuring a more sustainable and functional recovery.
Why Choose Us
We understand the delicate balance of pushing a healing bone enough to stimulate growth without overloading it, ensuring a safe and complete recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
My joint is incredibly stiff after being in a cast. Is this permanent?
No. Joint stiffness is the most common side effect of immobilization. With dedicated physiotherapy, we can typically restore normal or near-normal range of motion.
Is it safe to put weight on it?
We will strictly follow the weight-bearing guidelines provided by your orthopedic specialist, guiding you safely from non-weight-bearing to full weight-bearing.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
As part of our Post-Fracture Physiotherapy program, we regularly treat the following related conditions:
Related Treatments
Patients seeking Post-Fracture Physiotherapy often benefit from our comprehensive approach that includes these related treatments:
Ready to start?
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards recovery.