Post fracture rehabilitation

Over the last few weeks I have seen a number of patients for physiotherapy after a fracture. Some have had surgery and others with lower limb injuries have been placed in a boot or upper limb in a sling for conservative healing.

Gathering objective and subjective data for these patients really adds to the post fracture rehabilitation process so they can understand at what stage of rehabilitation they are.

Overview of the post fracture rehabilitation process

The journey to recovery after fracture is a crucial phase that requires careful planning and execution. This blog post will provide an overview of the rehabilitation process, highlight common challenges faced by patients, and explain how I use both objective and subjective data to personalise rehabilitation depending on what sports or activities the patient is aiming to return to and track athletes' progress.

Rehabilitation after fracture typically involves several key stages:

• Initial Recovery: This phase focuses on pain management and reducing swelling. Patients are encouraged to follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions and implement strategies such as regular ice and good nutrition to ensure healing.

• Range of Motion Exercises: First active phase of rehabilitation is gradually introducing gentle exercises and manual therapy to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness. If you have been immobilised in a boot or sling for a few weeks to allow the bone to heal soft tissues can become very tight and joints very stiff.

• Strength Training: As healing progresses, we begin strength training to rebuild muscle around the injured area. To start I will take some baseline measures to see how imbalanced and asymmetrical your muscular strengths are to give us a target to return to.

• Sport-Specific Training: For athletes, this phase focuses on exercises tailored to their specific sport, helping them regain their pre-injury performance levels and crucially strategies to prevent further issues with the area.

  
  

Common challenges in rehabilitation

Patients may face several challenges during their rehabilitation journey, including:

• Pain Management: Discomfort can hinder progress, making it essential to find effective pain relief strategies.

• Emotional and Psychological Barriers: Anxiety and frustration can arise due to recovery time, impacting motivation and adherence to the rehab program.

• Physical Limitations: Some patients may struggle with mobility and strength, making it difficult to perform rehabilitation exercises.

• Adherence to Protocols: Sticking to the prescribed rehabilitation plan can be challenging, especially when progress seems slow.

I do everything possible to minimise these challenges by sharing previous experiences from previous patients, tailoring the sessions to the individual and sharing all data to keep the patient informed of how they are progressing.

Personalising post fracture rehabilitation with data

If you hadn't guessed it by now I believe that a personalised approach is vital for effective rehabilitation. Both objective and subjective data to tailor our programs to each patients unique needs.

Objective Data

Objective data includes measurable metrics that help us assess progress, such as:

• Range of motion measurements

• Strength assessments using dynamometers

• Functional performance tests

This data allows us to track improvements over time and adjust rehabilitation protocols accordingly.

Subjective Data

Subjective data encompasses the athlete's personal experiences and perceptions, including:

• Pain levels reported on a scale

• Self-reported functionality and mobility

• Questionnaire assessments

By considering these factors, we can better understand the patients perspective, making it easier to address any concerns and enhance their motivation.

Conclusion

The rehabilitation process after fracture is multifaceted and can present various challenges. By using both objective and subjective data, I am committed to personalising rehabilitation programs that cater to the individual needs of each patient. This comprehensive approach not only helps in tracking progress but also ensures a smoother and more effective recovery journey.