Fracture Treatment – Manchester

 

A fracture refers to a break in a bone. This can occur in any part of your body; and can be a complete or partial fracture.

Although are bones are very rigid and resistant to impact sometimes a big blow, a fall, or illness can make us more vulnerable to a break.

There are many types of fractures, for example:

• Open, compound fracture – exposed bone from the skin. The bone may or may not be visible in this type of wound.
  
• Stable fracture – broken ends of the bone are perfectly lined up and there is barely any displacement.
  
• Transverse fracture – horizontal fracture line.
  
• Oblique fracture – angled pattern fracture.
  
• Comminuted fracture – shattering of the bone in to 3 or more pieces.
  

Fracture Facts

• Pain often subsides quite a bit before the full bone has healed.
  
• The most common fracture is the collar bone (clavicle).
  
• The second most common fracture is the arm.
  
• Smoking causes your bones to become more frail and more susceptible to fractures.
  
• The most painful bone to fracture is your femur.
  
• The most common ways to fracture a bone are: on the monkey bars, trampolines, scooters, snowboarding and in sport.
  
• The most common month to get a fracture is in May.
  

Fracture Causes

Fractures can be caused by multiple reasons but the most common causes are:

• Trauma, for example:
  
  • Motor vehicle
    
  • A fall
    
  • Tackle during sports
    
• Osteoporosis
  
• Overuse  – leads to stress fractures
  

Fracture Symptoms

Usually when you have a fracture you know right away as it can be excruciating pain but depending on the mechanism of injury you may not always be sure. Some of the symptoms are:

• Pain
  
• Swelling
  
• Tenderness around the injury
  
• Discoloration
  
• Deformity
  
• Numbness or tingling
  

 

Fracture Treatment

Physiotherapy

Most people only seek assistance from a Physiotherapist after the period of immobilisation has passed, but you should seek help before that to make sure the muscles around the area stay active and are ready for the post immobilisation rehabilitation phase.

At Total Restore Physiotherapy, we have seen many fractures occur during sporting events and have always been eager to help those who suffer get back on their feet as soon as possible. We provide you with the right tools to recover during or post-casting or post-surgery.

Some of the techniques we may use to help you recover are:

• Advice & education
  
• Observation analysis, gait analysis, functional movement
  
• Pain relief with:
  
  • Manual therapy;
    
    • Mobilisations
      
    • Deep/Soft tissue release
      
  • Ultrasound;
    
  • Acupuncture;
    
  • Heat/cold therapy
    
• Increase range of motion and strength
  
  • Individualised exercise program
    
• Balance
  
• Fall prevention
  
• Prevention advice and programs for your condition to not worsen over time
  

Self-Help Advice

Fractures usually take a while to heal; they can take weeks or even several months depending on the severity of the fracture. However, pain usually subsides a while before the fracture is completely healed.

During this period of recovery you will lose muscle mass, strength, and mobility, so  it is really important to try and prevent this from happening too much by staying active and following the doctors/physiotherapists orders.

Some things you can do on your own:

• After casting, don’t stop, STAY active with regular low intensity exercise
  
  • Weight bearing or partial weight bearing exercises (e.g. walking with or without aids)
    
  • Move the joints around the fracture
    
• Hydrotherapy
  
• Work on your balance IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
  
• Eat healthy food rich in calcium and vitamin D
  
• Take calcium supplements and Vitamin D tablets
  
• STOP smoking
  
• Reduce your alcohol intake
  
• Use hot and cold treatments – Hot baths when feeling stiff and achy and cold packs when inflammation occurs
  
• Avoid heavy lifting
  
• Monitor the swelling and discoloration
  
• Seek help from your Physiotherapist and follow direction
  

Get In Touch

If you have broken a bone and need support with your fracture treatment to get you back to your best quickly, then call us on 0161 833 3008  to book an appointment.