Fracture

Recovering from a Bone Fracture

Did you know chiropractic care can help as you heal and recover from a bone fracture? Once the initial injury is healed and the bone has full integrity again, we will work on the soft tissues. When determining your treatment plan we take into account:

 

  1. Which bone(s) were affected
  2. Age of the patient
  3. Mechanism or how the injury happened 
  4. Location of the fracture within the bone
  5. Length of time the joints were immobilized
  6. Any lingering pain or motion limitations

 

We then address the symptoms and dysfunction left behind. Because there is such a wide variety in the answers to these questions, the treatments can vary significantly. It’s extremely important to have a good understanding of where the fracture is within the bone as treatment can vary depending on if the fracture was within the middle of a bone, or if it went through the joint line. 

 

A typical post fracture treatment plan can include:

 

  1. Mobility Exercises
  2. Passive Mobilization by the Chiropractor
  3. Soft tissue therapy 
  4. Stretches
  5. Strength Training and Muscle work

 

It is almost always a combination of these treatments that achieves the best results for patients. Each step is important in its own way. As Chiropractors we can assess the integrity of the joint motion and muscles around the affected joint, which helps guide the passive and active treatment. Then the patient has the responsibility of continuing to progress in their exercises and mobility work to get the best results possible. The aggressiveness of the treatment plan is dependent on both the severity of the injury and the patient’s goals. If the patient is a high level athlete looking to get back to sport as quickly as possible, we may take a more aggressive approach with the rehab plan to help them achieve that goal. 

 

Overall the most important aspect of recovery is following the guidelines set forth by the fracture clinic. Once the cast or immobilization has been removed, then it’s time to put in the work to get back to your baseline. 

 

Wondering what you can do after you get casted? Start to use the muscles and joints in the area when possible. Pay attention to any pain or limitations you may continue to feel. It’s important to relay that information to any practitioners you may seek treatment from. Knowing when you feel the symptoms, what motions aggravate the symptoms and what it feels like. This information can help your practitioner determine what tissues may be continuing to cause your symptoms and help you get the best treatment possible.

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