Physiotherapy in fracture management
➧Role and functions of physiotherapy
Role and Responsibility:
The role of physiotherapy in fracture management is so valuable that none can boast of a 100% recovery without the attention and care by a physiotherapist.
. Objective of physiotherapy
The objective is to restore to the maximum the function and the efficiency of the injured musculoskeletal complex along with other adjacent joints of the affected limb and to maintain or improve the functional capacity of the unaffected parts of the body.
Fracture or joint dislocation two main stages:
(1) Immobilization:
(a) Reduction of the fracture either by conservative or surgical approach
(b) Retention of the reduction
(2) Mobilization:
It is required when the joints adjacent to the fractured bone get stiff and painful because of prolonged immobilization.
➦Physiotherapeutic management of fractures
Return of normal to near-normal function following correct and timely management of a fracture is possible by simple methods of physiotherapy. But the physiotherapist faces a challenge in regaining the functional independence in a patient with complicated multiple fractures, mismanaged fractures, nonunions and fractures where surgery is contraindicated.
1. Management of a fracture: It could be surgical or conservative
2. Site of involvement: The body segment, e.g., upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk and their sub segments https://telegram.me/aedahamlibrary
3. Type of fracture: Simple, compound, comminuted
4. Associated problems: A fracture may be associated with joint complications, and injuries to the soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.
A physiotherapist has not only to use professional skill but also has to modify the procedures of physiotherapy to suit each stage of healing of the fracture
To achieve early success one has to consider the patient’s physical status, age, level of cooperation, ability to understand and above all the occupational demands.
The ability to motivate the patient to actively perform the movements is vital.
➧Role and functions of physiotherapy
Role and Responsibility:
The role of physiotherapy in fracture management is so valuable that none can boast of a 100% recovery without the attention and care by a physiotherapist.
. Objective of physiotherapy
The objective is to restore to the maximum the function and the efficiency of the injured musculoskeletal complex along with other adjacent joints of the affected limb and to maintain or improve the functional capacity of the unaffected parts of the body.
Fracture or joint dislocation two main stages:
(1) Immobilization:
(a) Reduction of the fracture either by conservative or surgical approach
(b) Retention of the reduction
(2) Mobilization:
It is required when the joints adjacent to the fractured bone get stiff and painful because of prolonged immobilization.
➦Physiotherapeutic management of fractures
Return of normal to near-normal function following correct and timely management of a fracture is possible by simple methods of physiotherapy. But the physiotherapist faces a challenge in regaining the functional independence in a patient with complicated multiple fractures, mismanaged fractures, nonunions and fractures where surgery is contraindicated.
1. Management of a fracture: It could be surgical or conservative
2. Site of involvement: The body segment, e.g., upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk and their sub segments https://telegram.me/aedahamlibrary
3. Type of fracture: Simple, compound, comminuted
4. Associated problems: A fracture may be associated with joint complications, and injuries to the soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.
A physiotherapist has not only to use professional skill but also has to modify the procedures of physiotherapy to suit each stage of healing of the fracture
To achieve early success one has to consider the patient’s physical status, age, level of cooperation, ability to understand and above all the occupational demands.
The ability to motivate the patient to actively perform the movements is vital.
➦Progressive Exercise during Various Stages of the
Healing of Fracture
➦Principal functions of a physiotherapist
1. Identification of the nature of injury: If a fracture is suspected, refer to the consultant, and if it is only a soft tissue injury treat by appropriate measures.
2. Physical assessment: This should be done systematically to assess the nature and extent of the disability. Identify the possible complications to the joint, muscle, tendon and nerves. Other complications like adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), venous thrombosis, soft tissue and bone infections and pressure sores should be prevented by appropriate measures.
3. Confirm the diagnosis by interpretations of the findings of physical examination and investigations, e.g., radiographs.
4. Identification of associated diseases in which physiotherapy or any of its modalities are contraindicated.
5. Plan the procedures of physiotherapy on an individual basis.
6. Reviewing patient’s response to the therapy: The therapeutic programme may be modified, if necessary.
7. At discharge, advise for regular home exercise with emphasis on the prevention of recurrence and for reporting for follow-up at regular intervals.
8. Review the patient at home or at work and offer guidance. Once the fracture is reduced, the physiotherapist has to take the major responsibility of restoring normal to near-normal functional self-sufficiency of the fractured limb as well as the whole body
1. Identification of the nature of injury: If a fracture is suspected, refer to the consultant, and if it is only a soft tissue injury treat by appropriate measures.
2. Physical assessment: This should be done systematically to assess the nature and extent of the disability. Identify the possible complications to the joint, muscle, tendon and nerves. Other complications like adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), venous thrombosis, soft tissue and bone infections and pressure sores should be prevented by appropriate measures.
3. Confirm the diagnosis by interpretations of the findings of physical examination and investigations, e.g., radiographs.
4. Identification of associated diseases in which physiotherapy or any of its modalities are contraindicated.
5. Plan the procedures of physiotherapy on an individual basis.
6. Reviewing patient’s response to the therapy: The therapeutic programme may be modified, if necessary.
7. At discharge, advise for regular home exercise with emphasis on the prevention of recurrence and for reporting for follow-up at regular intervals.
8. Review the patient at home or at work and offer guidance. Once the fracture is reduced, the physiotherapist has to take the major responsibility of restoring normal to near-normal functional self-sufficiency of the fractured limb as well as the whole body
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