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How Can Physical Therapy Help Following a Fracture?

How our results-driven PT solutions are the right way to heal from a fracture.

If you’ve ever experienced a fracture, you know the pain and distress it can cause. Often referred to as a “broken bone”, fractures can inhibit your ability to move and cause long-lasting symptoms if not treated correctly.

If you have recently suffered a fracture or are dealing with symptoms from an old injury, you may want to consider physical therapy. Our physical therapists at Aspen Rehabilitation in Coral Springs can help you regain strength, functional mobility, and your normal range of motion after a fracture.

Call us today to get started!

What is a bone fracture?

A bone fracture, also known as a broken bone, occurs when a bone is subjected to a force that causes it to break or split. Young children and the elderly are most at-risk for bone fractures, however, this type of injury can affect anyone of any age.

Falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and other traumas typically cause fractures. However, some medical conditions and repetitive forces can increase your chance of sustaining certain types of fractures.

What are the symptoms of a fracture?

Fractures will typically cause pain right away as the injury occurs. Symptoms usually worsen with movement and, in some cases, can be visibly noticeable. Common signs of a fracture include:

  • Swelling, bruising or bleeding
  • Intense pain
  • Inhibited mobility
  • Inability to move a limb or put weight on the affected area

In more severe cases you may experience the following:

  • Numbness and tingling
  • Broken skin
  • Visible bone protruding

How our physical therapists can help

Our PTs can assist in resuming normal function following your fracture, which usually occurs after the cast is removed and you can begin mobilizing the affected area. At this point, you may still need to follow weight-bearing precautions or lifting restrictions, so consult with your healthcare provider first to understand your limitations.

During your initial session, your physical therapist will perform an examination and assessment. He or she will collect details about your medical history, current symptoms, and recovery goals which will help to determine your treatment plan.

During treatment, your therapist will focus on improving your:

  • Range of motion
  • Pain
  • Flexibility
  • Function/mobility
  • Strength
  • Swelling/inflammation

Treatments & what to expect

Following a fracture or surgery, our physical therapists at Aspen Rehabilitation in Coral Springs will perform rehabilitative exercises to restore normal range of motion, strength, and functional mobility. Your physical therapist may recommend the following exercises and techniques:

  • Education: Your care plan will likely incorporate patient education, which will teach you to succeed with daily tasks during recovery. For example, a fracture in your lower extremity may lead to trouble walking up and down stairs, getting out of a vehicle, or getting dressed in the morning. Some physical therapists may also provide assistive devices, like crutches, canes or a walker, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
  • Stretching exercises: Stretching helps to restore movement by targeting your muscles and joints. It’s also an effective way to ease tension and alleviate pain.
  • Manual therapy: In manual therapy, your PT will use their hands to apply pressure on muscle tissue and joints. Therapeutic massage can reduce pain, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.
  • Strengthening regime: Strengthening exercises help build muscle mass and bone density that may have been lost as a result of your injury. A proper strengthening regime can help you return to full activity following recovery.
  • Scar management (postoperative): If surgery was required for your injury, scar management may be necessary. This technique helps to elongate a scar and keep the skin supple by increasing the pressure, temperature, and blood flow to the area.

Request an appointment today!

Our therapists at Aspen Rehabilitation in Coral Springs can help you overcome pain and set you up with a rehabilitation plan that really works. If you or anyone you know has experienced a bone fracture, our team is here to provide the best treatment so you can recover safely and quickly. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

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