For the healing of the bone tissue after the fracture, the broken bone is taken to rest with plaster or operation applications. As a result of this inactivity, various problems occur, especially in the muscles and joints. The aim of fracture rehabilitation is to bring the affected areas (such as muscles, ligaments, soft tissues, joints) to the functional level they were before the fracture.
Noting that post-fracture rehabilitation is divided into immobilization (rest) period and post-immobilization period, Leyla Altıntaş, Specialist Physiotherapist from Therapy Sport Center Physical Therapy Center, made a statement about what to do during the rehabilitation period after the fracture tissue heals.
How does the process progress 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 is resting, 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). In order to prevent this from happening, simple strength exercises can be performed on the surrounding muscles that will not endanger the union of the bone, but will work the muscles. Another side effect of immobilization is decreased range of motion of the joints. This applies both to the joint to which the broken bone is attached and to the upper and lower joints of that region. Since the broken bone will be in the plaster application during the immobilization process, simple joint range of motion exercises and stretching exercises can be applied without compromising the union of the bone, in order to avoid limitation of motion in an upper and lower joint, but not in that joint. Superficial massages can be applied to increase circulation, and cold applications can be applied to eliminate edema. said.
How does the process progress 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 plaster removal is much more important. Joint limitations and muscle loss in strength and mass are much higher. Balance and coordination disorders may also occur due to disuse, people create alternative movements instead of movements they cannot do and wrong movement patterns due to using them are settled. The rehabilitation process is important in order to eliminate all these problems. When starting the rehabilitation, first of all, it is necessary to be sure of the union of the broken tissue. This requires radiological evaluation. This evaluation is especially important in order to provide weight bearing and to determine the amount of load to be given in lower extremity fractures such as foot and leg. Again, this process of union will determine the duration of rest and corset use in spinal fractures. Nerve injury may accompany the fracture, in this case, the work of nerves and muscles should be evaluated with EMG, and treatments for this problem should be added to the study when necessary. he said.
How does the process progress in the treatment program?
Specialist Physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş, who gave information about the fracture rehabilitation treatment process, continued her speech as follows:
In the treatment program, various pain reliever electrotherapy agents can be used primarily for the patient's pain, sound waves (ultrasound) and cold applications to reduce swelling in the joint area and increase circulation, and electrical stimulations to increase muscle strength. If we look at the exercise programs, gradually increasing strength exercises (isometric, isotonic, resistance exercises) to strengthen the muscles, active assisted and then active movements to increase the range of motion of the joints, and finally passive stretching exercises can be done. Balance and coordination and stabilization exercises must be added to these exercises. Much more care should be taken in the rehabilitation program to be carried out after spinal fractures, and full union of the fracture should be expected. Breathing exercises should be included in the exercise program, especially after spinal and rib fractures. he said.