Fractures are a common injury that can occur as a result of many reasons such as:
A fracture occurs when excessive stress or force is applied to a bone causing the breaking or snapping of that bone.
Fracture management is divided into two areas non-operative and operative management. Operative involves surgical management or closed reduction to realign the bone and hold it in position. No operative management involves the use of plaster or a moon boot to immobilise the bone and hold it in the ideal poison for healing to occur. The choice of management is dependent on the severity of the fracture, its cause and the goals for the patient.
Generally, when the non-operative options is chosen, fracture healing takes 6-8 weeks for
As Physiotherapist, we focus on 3 main phases of fracture management once a fracture is identified:
-Reduce: (usually done by a doctor or surgeon) – Place the fracture in an aligned position for ideal healing, this can be done via surgery or plaster
- Hold: Hold the fracture in this stable congruent position for healing, generally for around 6-8 weeks. Once again this can also be done through surgical pins or braces which may alter timeframes.
- Move: This is the part that primarily applies to physio. Once the cast is removed or the surgical site is healed it is important to move the injured site or limb but not overload it. A physiotherapist has the skills and ability to progressively load a patient through a program to improve joint ROM and improve the strength in a muscle or joint which may be stiff and weakened from the time spent in a cast for upwards of 6 weeks.
If you have sadly suffered a recent fracture to an arm, leg, wrist, ankle or a part of your spine, make sure you don’t skip the move phase of your rehabilitation. Book in with an OHL Physiotherapist to get back to your life, work, sport and/or hobbies with no lingering post-fracture symptoms. You can book online, via our website, or contact us on 9431 5955.
With winter sport re-commencing over the last months there is always an influx and increase in the presentations and discussions around concussion. Did you hear fresh guidelines on concussion hit the press this year? And yes there is changed in the management of this sport injury! So, what are the newest management guidelines and what does it mean if someone does suffer from a concussion?
Good food and fluid intake can be your biggest asset when it comes to performing at your best. Nutrition is vital to ensure you get the most out of your body – this means fuelling properly so you have the energy to last the game, recovering properly so your body can heal, and maintaining hydration for concentration, muscle coordination, and body temperature regulation.
Ready for some quick tips from an Accredited Practising Dietitian? Emily Drew is here to share some evidence-based tips for budding athletes!
Did you hear there has been a shift from the acronym from RICER to PEACE + LOVE in recent years. Learn more about this elevated acute treatment protocol in this 2minute read.