Post-Fracture Rehabilitation

Recovering from a fracture can be a long and challenging journey. While the bone itself may heal with rest and immobilization, regaining strength, mobility, and functionality in the affected area requires expert rehabilitation. At ARK Physical Therapy, serving Plano and Frisco, Texas, we specialize in post-fracture rehabilitation to ensure that you recover fully, regain full function, and prevent future complications. Our personalized, evidence-based treatment programs are designed to help you return to your normal activities with confidence and ease.

What is Post-Fracture Rehabilitation?

Post-fracture rehabilitation refers to the comprehensive process of restoring function to a bone or joint after it has healed from a fracture. The goal is not only to heal the bone but to improve mobility, strength, and stability in the affected area. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, rehabilitation may involve physical therapy to address muscle weakness, joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and changes in movement patterns caused by the injury.

Common Types of Fractures That Require Rehabilitation

Fractures can occur in many areas of the body and may require different rehabilitation approaches, including:

  • Upper Limb Fractures: Fractures to the wrist, forearm, elbow, or shoulder
  • Lower Limb Fractures: Fractures to the ankle, tibia, femur, or pelvis
  • Spinal Fractures: Compression fractures or fractures to the vertebrae
  • Hand or Finger Fractures: Injuries to the bones in the hand or fingers, which may limit dexterity and function
  • Foot and Heel Fractures: Injuries to the bones in the foot, including the heel bone (calcaneus), which can affect walking and posture

How ARK Physical Therapy Treats Post-Fracture Rehabilitation

At ARK Physical Therapy, our team of experienced physical therapists designs individualized rehabilitation programs to help you recover fully and restore normal function after a fracture. Our goal is to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility while preventing complications and future injuries.

1. Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Planning

We start by evaluating your injury and assessing how it has affected your movement and daily activities. This includes:

  • Reviewing your medical history and the specifics of your fracture
  • Conducting a physical examination to assess range of motion, strength, and stability in the affected area
  • Identifying any movement patterns or compensations that have developed due to the injury

2. Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

We use a variety of advanced, evidence-based therapies to promote healing, restore mobility, and alleviate pain, such as:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize joints, reduce pain, and improve flexibility in the injured area.
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound: Non-invasive treatment using sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce swelling in the injured area.
  • Electrical Stimulation: Techniques like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) or NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support muscle activation.
  • Cryotherapy/Heat Therapy: Ice or heat application to reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and promote circulation.

3. Strengthening and Mobility Exercises

Once the bone has healed sufficiently, rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and flexibility. We provide:

  • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to rebuild muscle strength in the injured area and surrounding muscles to improve stability and function.
  • Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Gentle stretches and mobility exercises to restore flexibility and joint mobility in the affected area.
  • Functional Exercises: Activities designed to simulate real-life movements and prepare you for a return to normal activities.
  • Balance and Coordination Training: Improving stability and preventing falls by strengthening core and lower limb muscles.

4. Activity Modification and Ergonomics

As you progress in your recovery, we offer guidance on how to modify your daily activities to protect the healing bone and prevent further strain:

  • Posture and Movement Retraining: Techniques to restore proper posture and movement patterns to avoid overloading the healing area.
  • Work and Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for adjusting your work, home, and leisure activities to support recovery and avoid re-injury.
  • Ergonomics Education: If you have a physically demanding job, we provide ergonomic assessments and training to avoid straining the healing bone.

5. Gradual Return to Activities and Sports

For those who are athletes or physically active, our rehabilitation programs include strategies to help you return to sports and fitness activities safely:

  • Sport-Specific Rehab: Exercises to restore strength and mobility for your particular sport or physical activity.
  • Return-to-Work Conditioning: Preparing you for a safe return to physically demanding work, ensuring that your body is ready for lifting, bending, or other activities.
  • Gradual Load Progression: A structured plan for gradually increasing physical activity levels as strength and mobility improve.

Why Choose ARK Physical Therapy for Post-Fracture Rehabilitation?

  • Expert Physical Therapists: Our team is skilled in treating fractures and helping patients restore function after bone injuries.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: We create customized rehabilitation programs tailored to your specific injury, goals, and lifestyle.
  • Advanced Technology and Modalities: We use the latest evidence-based treatments to optimize recovery and reduce pain.
  • Comprehensive Care: From pain management to strength-building exercises, we offer a complete range of services to support your recovery.
  • Convenient Locations: Proudly serving the Plano and Frisco, Texas communities.

Benefits of Post-Fracture Rehabilitation

  • Improved strength, flexibility, and range of motion
  • Pain reduction and swelling management
  • Restored function and mobility in the affected area
  • Prevention of future injuries through proper conditioning and posture
  • Faster recovery time and a safe return to daily activities

If you’ve suffered a fracture, trust ARK Physical Therapy to help you recover fully and regain the strength and mobility you need to live life to the fullest.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your post-fracture rehabilitation. Proudly serving Plano and Frisco, Texas.