What is Fracture Rehabilitation? What should be observed after the patch is removed?

Specialized physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş, noting that rehabilitation after a fracture is divided into an immobilization period (rest period) and a post-immobilization period, made a statement about what to do during the rehabilitation period after the fracture tissue has healed.

How does the process go during the immobilization (rest) period?

Expert physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş, who gave information about the process in the immobilization (rest) period, said:

“While the fractured area rests, which is important during the immobilization period, work programs are prepared for all joints and muscles outside that area. When a muscle is at rest, it can atrophy (loss of mass). To avoid this, simple strength exercises can be performed on the surrounding muscles that do not compromise the connection of the bone, but train the muscles. Another side effect of immobilization is reduced range of motion of the joints. This applies to the joint to which the broken bone is attached as well as to the upper and lower joints of that area. Since the broken bone is placed in a cast during the immobilization process, simple range of motion exercises and stretches for the joint can be applied without compromising the connection of the bone, to prevent restriction of movement in an upper and lower joint, but not in that joint . Superficial massages can be used to promote circulation and cold applications can be used to eliminate edema. said.

What is the process like after immobilization?

Expert physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş, who gave information about the post-immobilization process, said:

“In the post-immobilization period; in other words, rehabilitation after cast removal is much more important. Joint limitations and muscle loss in strength and mass are much higher. Balance and coordination disorders can also arise from disuse, people create alternative movements instead of movements that they cannot do and wrong movement patterns are resolved through their use. The rehabilitation process is important to solve all these problems. When starting rehabilitation, it is first of all necessary to be sure of the connection of the broken tissue. This requires radiological evaluation. This evaluation is especially important for weight bearing and to determine the amount of load to be given in fractures of the lower extremities, such as the foot and leg. Again, this process of union will determine the duration of rest and brace use in vertebral fractures. Nerve damage may accompany the fracture, in this case the work of nerves and muscles should be evaluated by EMG, and treatments for this problem should be added to the examination if necessary. he said.

How does the treatment process work?

Specialized physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş, who gave information about the treatment process for fracture rehabilitation, continued her speech as follows:

Various pain-relieving electrotherapy agents can be used in the treatment program, mainly for the patient’s pain, sound waves (ultrasound) and cold applications to reduce swelling in the joint area and improve circulation, and electrical stimulations to increase muscle strength. Looking at the exercise programs, gradually increasing strength exercises (isometric, isotonic, resistance exercises) can be done to strengthen the muscles, active-assisted and then active movements to increase joint range of motion, and finally passive stretches can be done. Balance and coordination and stabilization exercises should be added to these exercises. Much more care should be taken in the rehabilitation program to be performed after vertebral fractures, and full integration of the fracture should be expected. Breathing exercises should be included in the exercise program, especially after vertebral and rib fractures. he said.