A bone fracture, or broken bone, can be a painful and debilitating injury, limiting your ability to perform daily activities and participate in the things you love. At Precision Rehab, Occupational, Physical & Hand Therapy, P.L.L.C., we provide specialized physical therapy programs designed to guide you through every stage of fracture healing. Our goal is to promote optimal bone recovery, restore strength and mobility, reduce pain, and help you return to your active lifestyle safely and effectively.
Understanding Bone Fractures
A bone fracture occurs when a force applied to a bone is stronger than the bone itself, causing it to break. Fractures can range from a hairline crack to a complete break, and can be caused by:
- Trauma: Falls, sports injuries, car accidents.
- Stress: Repetitive stress on a bone, often seen in athletes.
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones due to bone density loss, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Once a fracture is diagnosed and stabilized (e.g., with a cast, brace, or surgery), physical therapy becomes a crucial component of the rehabilitation process.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Fracture Rehabilitation
At Precision Rehab, Occupational, Physical & Hand Therapy, P.L.L.C., our physical therapists work closely with your orthopedic surgeon or physician to ensure a seamless and effective recovery. Our individualized treatment plans are tailored to the specific type and location of your fracture, your personal healing rate, and your functional goals. Our rehabilitation process typically involves several phases:
Phase 1: Immobilization and Early Healing (While in a Cast/Brace)
If recommended, this initial phase focuses on protecting the healing bone and preventing secondary complications. Treatment may include:
- Pain Management: Gentle modalities to control swelling and discomfort in the affected area and surrounding regions.
- Maintaining Mobility: Exercises for joints not affected by the cast/brace to prevent stiffness (e.g., shoulder exercises if you have a wrist fracture).
- Circulation Promotion: Education on exercises and positioning to maintain healthy blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Education: Guidance on how to move safely, protect the fracture, and manage your daily activities.
Phase 2: Regaining Motion and Early Strengthening (After Immobilization)
Once your cast or brace is removed, or if you had surgical fixation, this phase focuses on carefully restoring movement and initiating strengthening. This is a critical time for careful progression to avoid re-injury while maximizing recovery.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle, progressive exercises to restore movement to the stiff joints affected by the fracture and immobilization.
- Manual Therapy: Soft tissue mobilization to address stiffness in muscles and ligaments around the fracture site, and gentle joint mobilizations to improve mobility.
- Initial Strengthening: Very light, controlled exercises to begin reactivating muscles that may have weakened during immobilization.
- Swelling and Scar Management: Techniques to reduce persistent swelling and manage scar tissue if surgery was involved.
Phase 3: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Restoration
As bone healing progresses and range of motion improves, the focus shifts to building strength and returning to functional activities.
- Progressive Resistance Exercises: Gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises to rebuild muscle strength, endurance, and power around the affected joint.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: Especially important for lower extremity fractures, improving your body's awareness in space to prevent falls.
- Gait Training: If the fracture affects walking, we will work on re-educating your walking pattern, stride, and safety.
- Advanced Manual Therapy: More intensive techniques to address any remaining stiffness or muscle imbalances.
Phase 4: Return to Activity and Prevention
The final phase prepares you for a safe return to your desired activities, whether it's work, sports, or hobbies.
- Activity-Specific Training: Tailoring exercises and drills to mimic the movements required for your specific activities.
- Plyometrics and Agility Training: For athletes, gradually reintroducing high-impact or rapid movements.
- Prevention Strategies: Education on proper body mechanics, strengthening continued home exercises, and strategies to minimize the risk of future fractures.
Why Choose Precision Rehab, Occupational, Physical & Hand Therapy, P.L.L.C. for Fracture Rehabilitation?
- Expertise in Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Our therapists have extensive experience in managing all types of bone fractures.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every program is specifically designed for your fracture type, healing stage, and individual goals.
- Collaborative Care: We work closely with your doctors to ensure a coordinated and effective recovery.
- Advanced Modalities: We utilize a range of therapeutic techniques and equipment to optimize healing and pain relief.
- Emphasis on Education: Empowering you with the knowledge to actively participate in your recovery and prevent re-injury.
Don't leave your fracture recovery to chance. Optimize your healing and regain your strength with the expert care at Precision Rehab, Occupational, Physical & Hand Therapy, P.L.L.C. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and begin your journey back to full function.