Fractures

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.

A physician must diagnose a bone fracture, to determine the best course of treatment. Part of your treatment plan will likely include physiotherapy, to relieve pain and regain function. If you have sustained a fracture, and you are looking for relief, contact ProActive Physiotherapy today to learn about our post-fracture rehab services.

Where do fractures occur?

Fractures can occur in almost any bone in your body. However, the most common areas where people sustain fractures include:

Shoulder Fractures

Fractures in the shoulder may occur for a variety of reasons. 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.

Physiotherapy is a very important part of rehabilitation after a shoulder fracture. Whether you are young or old, our Edmonton, AB physiotherapists 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, 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 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 the 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 Edmonton, AB physiotherapists 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 ProActive Physiotherapy, 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.

Physiotherapy is very important in the rehabilitative process to help you regain your normal range of motion, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and regain the function of your wrist or forearm.

Physiotherapy is gentle and will help you quickly resolve your pain while working with your doctor to follow protocol and restore your function.  With physiotherapy, you can make a complete recovery quickly and safely.

Foot and Ankle Fractures

Many bones 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 some 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 Edmonton, AB physiotherapists 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 physiotherapist and your primary physician to improve your range of motion. You will also improve your strength, and stability, as well as your walking and running ability. With physiotherapy treatments, you can get back to your normal life much quicker.

Your Questions About Fracture Rehabilitation Answered

Does my fracture require physiotherapy?

Any procedure of this nature benefits from post-surgical physiotherapy. This includes but is certainly not limited to hip or knee replacement, broken bones, heart surgery, repaired ACLs or MCLs, carpal tunnel syndrome, back surgery, and more.

Does fracture rehabilitation hurt?

You will experience mild discomfort at times. However, physiotherapy will not hurt you or cause you pain. The discomfort you feel outweighs the pain of the compromised area.

Is it safe to do exercise therapy after surgery?

After a set amount of healing time, it is not only safe but recommended to rehab the affected area. Only work with licensed professionals to ensure your treatment is carried out safely.

Do I have to come in for several appointments?

Your course of treatment combines in-clinic visits with easy exercises you can also do at home.

Is fracture rehabilitation covered by my insurance?

We direct bill, so with your plan and employee number we can quickly tell you if your health benefit plan covers this type of physiotherapy. Most major insurance companies do provide coverage for post-op recovery, and our fee schedule reflects high value for our clients that do not have coverage.

How do I get the best fracture rehabilitation in Edmonton?

We are happy to accept referrals and self-directed appointments. As a leading physiotherapy clinic in south Edmonton, your restored mobility after a fracture is just a few steps away. Contact us today to learn more.

Contact ProActive Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic today:

Have you been diagnosed with one of the fractures listed above? If so, contact our Edmonton, AB physiotherapy 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 ProActive Physiotherapy!