Rehabilitation After Fractures: Regaining Strength and Mobility

Fracture management doesn’t end with the cast or surgery—it extends into the rehabilitation phase, which is essential for full recovery. Without proper rehab, patients may develop stiffness, muscle atrophy, and chronic pain, limiting their ability to return to normal activities.

Rehabilitation begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises as soon as the immobilization period ends. This is followed by progressive strengthening to restore muscle mass and endurance. Pain management, swelling control, and scar mobilization may also be part of the plan.

A physiotherapist tailors the program based on the location and severity of the fracture. Patient motivation and compliance greatly influence outcomes. In elderly patients, the focus also includes fall prevention and balance training to avoid future fractures.

Successful rehab enables individuals to regain independence, return to work, and improve quality of life. It is the bridge between healing and restored function, and should never be overlooked in comprehensive fracture care.