Physical Therapy for Recovery from the 8 Types of Fractures

Fractures are common injuries that can significantly impact mobility and daily life. Based on the causes of fracture and the kind of injury that you have suffered, you need to seek expert care and a comprehensive treatment plan that will be specially tailored to meet your unique needs.

In your journey of recovery from fracture, physical therapy is important as it reduces pain, restores mobility, and promotes healing. It also helps in decreasing inflammation and stiffness and helps regain muscle strength. Some exercises and techniques can improve flexibility and provide a better range of motion to regain normal functioning soon. At Aashlok Hospital, we offer exceptional orthopaedic and rehabilitation services that can offer a holistic approach to recovery.

In this article, we will discuss 8 types of fractures, the importance of physical therapy for fracture recovery, and how it helps recover from different types of fractures.

Classification of 8 Types of Fractures

There are 8 types of fractures. They are as listed below:

1. Greenstick fracture: This refers to an incomplete break. In this condition, one part of the bone is broken, which causes the other side to bend.
2. Transverse fracture: This kind of break occurs in a straight line across the bone.
3. Spiral fracture: This kind of break spirals around the bone and is mostly common in case of a twisting injury.
4. Oblique fracture: This kind of break occurs diagonally across the bone.
5. Compression fracture: In this kind of fracture, the bone is completely crushed, which causes the broken bone to appear flatter and wider.
6. Comminuted fracture: In this kind of fracture, the bone is broken into three or more pieces, and the pieces are present at the site of the fracture.
7. Segmental fracture: As the name suggests, this kind of fracture refers to a condition in which the same bone is broken in two places. The is a floating piece of bone present at the fracture site.
8. Avulsion fracture: In this condition, a bone is broken near the site of a ligament or tendon. The ligament or tendon pulls off a small fragment of the bone.

When you consult a doctor, make sure that you elaborate on the causes of fracture for the most accurate diagnosis and classification.

How Does Physical Therapy Help Recovery from Fractures?

After you suffer a fracture, you may have to undergo physical therapy to make sure you can return to normal functioning quickly. Here are some of the ways in which physical therapy helps you provide relief from or recover from the 8 types of fractures:

1. Decreased inflammation and swelling: Techniques of physical therapy like gentle exercise or lymphatic drainage can help reduce swelling and inflammation that can occur after a fracture. This helps improve the flow of blood to the injured place and accelerate healing.
2. Pain management: Fractures are accompanied by severe pain. Physical therapy, like gentle exercises and modalities like hot and cold therapy, can help with effective pain management.
3. Increased range of motion: After a fracture, it is important to induce immobilization for effective bone healing. This may then lead to stiffness and reduced mobility. Physical therapy helps restore the range of motion by increasing mobility. This, however, is done without laying much stress on the healing bone.
4. Improved muscle strength: After a bone fracture, the adjacent muscles also tend to become weak due to immobilization. There are a number of exercises that help rebuild muscle strength around the injured area while also promoting healing.
5. Improved flexibility: While you are recovering from a bone fracture, the role of flexibility exercises is paramount. There are exercises that help maintain and improve the elasticity of muscles and tendons around the injured area. This is extremely essential for preventing stiffness and making sure that the full range of motion is regained.

Different Techniques of Physical Therapy that Help Recover from Fractures

While some exercises help strengthen the bones, others enable muscle strengthening. Listed below are some exercises that are specially tailored for the different stages of recovery from any of the 8 types of fractures:

Initial Stages

You can practice these exercises in the starting days of your recovery from bone fractures. You should, however, not lift any weight during this phase.

• Isometric exercises: These exercises help tense the muscles without actually moving the joint. Some exercises include placing an immovable object below the feet and pressing it against the object. This helps rebuild muscle strength without laying any pressure on the healing bone.
• Quadricep sets: For this, you will have to tighten the thigh muscles while keeping your legs straight. This helps maintain muscle mass without placing any weight on the legs.
• Ankle pumps: If your fracture is not very severe and you want to engage in physical activity that will promote circulation and maintain muscle mass, ankle pumps and gentle circular movements can help.

Intermediate Stage

Partial weight-bearing is allowed during this phase.

• Resistance band exercises: You can use a resistance band for arm pulls or leg presses. This can help rebuild strength in a controlled manner.
• Seated leg extensions: When you are sitting, extend your leg at the knee. Lower the leg back down slowly. This can help strengthen your quadriceps without you having to bear full weight.
• Pool exercises: Aquatic therapy can help you recover from your fracture by facilitating resistance training and reducing the need for weight bearing. You can use floating devices and perform leg lifts and arm swings, thereby building strength.

Advanced stage

By the time you reach this stage, you will be fully prepared to bear weight, as your bones will become strong enough to bear more stress. You can now perform conventional weight-bearing exercises like squats, leg presses, and so on. This will help build endurance and improve muscle strength.

• Lunges: Lunges help to improve the strength of the complete lower body and improve its stability and balance.
• Step up: This exercise will focus on the muscles of your buttocks and your thighs. This makes sure that your muscles are prepared for regular use.
• Bicep curls: If you have suffered a fracture in any part of your upper body, you can perform bicep curls using dumbbells or resistance bands. This can help regain arm strength.

No matter which phase of the recovery journey you are in, it is always important to consult an orthopaedic expert before you start something new to propel recovery. Get in touch with our orthopaedic doctors at Aashlok Hospital and seek professional advice to avoid any mishap.

Exercises Recommended in Response to Different Fractures

You can perform the following exercises for different kinds of fractures. However, make sure you consult an orthopaedic doctor from Aashlok Hospital before you start exercising.

• Wrist fracture: Perform exercises that can help decrease the stiffness and improve your range of motion. However, it is advisable to ensure that the exercise does not put stress on your wrist. Once you are comfortable performing two sets of wrist curls without any kind of discomfort, try exercising with a weight band.
• Shoulder fracture: If you are trying to recover from a shoulder fracture, you can perform rolls, shrugs, and arm circles to enhance the strength of your shoulder. However, do not slouch. Make sure that you maintain a good posture, as poor posture can weaken the shoulder muscles.
• Hip or pelvis fracture: Try performing leg lifts or stretches that can lay stress on your hips. You can also walk as much as you can; it can improve posture and stability. Swimming is also a good way to recover from a pelvis or hip fracture.
• Ankle fracture: To recover from an ankle fracture, perform exercises like ankle circles, point-and-flex stretches, etc., that can improve the range of motion.

Conclusion

Recovery from a fracture is a complex and pretty time-consuming process. It takes tremendous patience, personalized care, and unwavering support to ensure quick recovery from fracture. Hope this article gives you all the information about the types of fractures and treatments that can help recover from them.

Looking for a reliable place where you can discuss your concerns? Aashlok Hospital excels in all the elements that are required for a quick and seamless recovery. Our team of orthopaedic specialists works closely with patients, analyzes their condition thoroughly, and tailors recovery programs especially suited to their needs.

FAQs

How Does Physical Therapy Help in Recovering from Bone Fractures?

Physical therapy helps in recovering from bone fractures by improving mobility and range of motion, reducing inflammation, enhancing muscle strength, reducing swelling, and managing pain.

What Exercises Are Recommended for Different Types of Fractures?

Based on the kind and causes of fracture you have suffered and the phase of recovery you are in, there are different physical exercises. An orthopaedic expert from Aashlok Hospital can help you decide if you should use weight, whether you should lay stress on the joints, and so on.

What Techniques Are Used in Physical Therapy for Stress Fractures?

Different physical therapies like gradual weight-bearing exercises, strengthening activities, and adequate rest can help rebuild muscle and bone strength. Other techniques like balance training and stretching can help aid recovery.

Can Physical Therapy Help Restore Mobility After a Complex Fracture?

Yes, physical therapy can help restore mobility after your limbs have been immobile for a long time after a complex fracture. Speak to your doctor to determine which exercises can help improve your range of motion.