So what do physical therapy and rehab entail after a fracture?
A broken bone requires swift medical attention to ensure proper healing and alignment of the bone.
After a fracture, your bone will be set, orreduced, by a healthcare provider.
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Reduction of the bone can be done manually.
Often after fracture, the bone needs to be stabilized or immobilized to ensure proper healing.
This is usually accomplished using a cast.
Check with your healthcare provider to ensure that you understand what is expected of you in regard to immobilization.
You may encounter a physical therapist at different times in the continuum of care after suffering a fracture.
Be sure to ask questions if you have any.
In the hospital, your physical therapist may teach youhow to apply and remove the sling.
Your physical therapist can help you master using your assistive equipment in your home environment.
If you break your leg or ankle, your healthcare provider may have specificweight-bearing restrictionsthat you must follow.
Lifting restrictions may be in place after an arm or shoulder fracture.
At your house, your physical therapist can also assess your home environment.
He or she can make recommendations to make minor adjustments to allow you to move safely around your home.
Your first visit with your physical therapist will usually involve an evaluation and assessment.
Your therapist will likely take measurements of body parts around the fracture site.
Immobilization may cause loss of motion and strength and decreased functional mobility.
Physical therapy after fracture can also help you improve your functional mobility.
If you have had surgery to reduce the fractured bone, you may have surgical scar tissue.
Scar massage and mobilization can help reduce scar adhesions and improve mobility around the scar.
Exercises to improve range of motion and strength may also be started.
Particular focus should be placed on the fractured area and the joints around the fracture.
Speak with your healthcare provider and physical therapist to learn the correct exercises for your specific condition.
How Long Should PT Last?
Everyone’s fracture is different, and everyone heals at different rates.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the loss may be temporary or permanent.
Working to gain mobility and strength after a fracture should be your main goal after a fracture.
Physical therapy can help you return to optimum functional mobility as quickly as possible.
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