Physiotherapy for Post-Fracture Rehabilitation

What is fracture rehabilitation?

Skeletal fractures of the upper and lower limbs are common across India from road traffic accidents, occupational falls, and domestic slips. While orthopaedic doctors align and stabilise the bone, comprehensive rehabilitation determines the quality of life after union. Extended immobilisation leads to muscle atrophy, bone demineralization, joint stiffness, and compensatory gait limps. Physiotherapy begins immediately with non-immobilised joint exercises and breathing techniques, progressing through gradual partial-to-full weight bearing confirmed by radiographic union, progressive resistance training, and proprioceptive balance exercises.

How physiotherapy helps

• Adjacent joint active range of motion drills
• Graded partial weight-bearing gait retraining
• Isometric muscle activation under cast cover
• Progressive resistance strength loading
• Balance and proprioceptive stability training

Common signs

• Marked joint stiffness and swelling after plaster cast removal or surgical fixation
• Profound muscle weakness and visible wasting in the injured limb
• Hesitation, apprehension, and pain when starting to bear weight through the healed bone
• Altered walking pattern, limping, and reliance on crutches, walkers, or canes
• Stiffness in joints above and below the fracture site due to weeks of inactivity

Clinical rehabilitation framework

Evidence-informed clinical progression and starter exercise targets for fracture rehabilitation.

Frequently asked questions

Related conditions & care

Colles FractureA Colles fracture is a complete fracture of the distal radius bone in the forearm with dorsal displacement of the wrist, typically sustained by falling onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). It is particularly common among older adults with underlying osteopenia or osteoporosis in India, frequently occurring from slips on wet bathroom tiles or unpaved streets. Following 4 to 6 weeks in a plaster cast or surgical fixation with a volar locking plate, patients invariably experience severe wrist joint stiffness, restricted forearm turning (pronation and supination), finger puffiness, and diminished grip power. Post-immobilization physiotherapy focuses on gentle passive and active joint mobilisations, edema reduction, tenosynovial gliding, and graded resistance training to safely restore independence in carrying groceries, preparing meals, and personal care.

Hip Fracture RehabilitationA hip fracture is usually repaired with surgery, and rehabilitation is what restores walking and independence afterwards. Activity and weight-bearing progress follows the surgeon's instructions. Starting early and continuing at home makes a real difference. Physiotherapy rebuilds strength and mobility step by step and includes fall prevention so it does not happen again.

Stress FractureA stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone caused by repeated loading rather than a single injury, and it is common in runners and athletes. A doctor and imaging are important to confirm the diagnosis and guide the management of the fracture itself. Physiotherapy then manages the load, addresses contributing training or biomechanical factors, and rebuilds strength, working alongside your doctor.

Knee OsteoarthritisKnee osteoarthritis affects the whole knee joint, including the cartilage, bone, and joint lining, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. It is common with age and more likely with previous injury or extra load on the joint, though symptoms do not always match what a scan shows. Physiotherapy is a first-line treatment: it strengthens the muscles that support the knee, eases pain, and helps you stay active and independent.

Clinical guides & articles for fracture rehabilitation

Evidence-informed articles, recovery timelines, and home care advice from our clinical library.