Physiotherapy for Fractures in London
Fractures
After a fracture, it’s normal to feel a bit slower, stiffer, or less steady, but recovery doesn’t stop when the cast comes off. Healing is just the beginning. With Physit’s at-home physiotherapy, you get expert, hands-on care to help rebuild strength and restore range of motion, leaving you in tip-top shape.
What Is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, and they are actually quite common, especially after a fall or bump, or in bones that have become a bit weaker over time.
Fractures can happen in just about any part of the body, but some of the most common areas include the wrist, hip, ankle, shoulder, or even the spine (vertebrae). Some breaks are small and clean, while others are more complex, but all of them take time, care, and support to heal properly.
The bone itself often mends within several weeks, but that’s only part of the story. After a fracture, the surrounding muscles, joints, and soft tissues can become stiff, weak, or out of sync, especially when you’ve been resting or using a brace or cast.
That’s where physiotherapy can make a world of difference. With specialised movement, gentle strengthening, and the right support, you can gain back your strength, improve your mobility, and reduce the risk of long-term discomfort and future health problems.
Healing the bone is just step one. Getting you moving again is where the real recovery begins.
Common Symptoms and Challenges After a Fracture
Even after the bone itself starts to heal, it’s completely normal to feel that things aren’t quite back to how they were before your injury. You might notice things like:
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness around the area where the fracture occurred
- Stiffness or reduced movement in nearby joints, especially if you’ve been in a cast, sling, or boot
- Muscle weakness or imbalance, often from not using the limb or shifting how you move to avoid pain
- Loss of confidence when walking or putting weight on the affected area, especially after a fall
- Fatigue or feeling unsteady when getting back to everyday tasks, like walking outdoors or walking up and down the stairs
These symptoms can make familiar, everyday things, like dressing, cooking, washing, or heading out for a walk, feel awkward, tiring, or even a bit risky. That’s why customised, at-home physiotherapy can make such a big difference. It’s not only about healing the injury. It’s about rehabilitating the affected area back to — if not beyond — its original functionality, so you aren’t just healed; you’re capable, confident, and ready to move again.
What Increases the Risk of Fractures, or Slow Down Recovery?
Some fractures are hard to avoid, like a trip, a slip, or just landing the wrong way. But certain factors can make your bones more vulnerable to breaks, or make your recovery take a little longer than expected. Here are some of the most important factors to be aware of:
- Osteoporosis or reduced bone density: When bones are thinner or more brittle, they’re more likely to fracture even with a small fall or bump.
- History of falls or balance issues: If your balance feels off or you’ve had a fall before, you may be more likely to experience another.
- Previous fractures or joint surgeries: Old injuries can sometimes leave nearby muscles weaker or joints less stable, increasing the risk of future problems.
- Reduced activity levels or long periods of rest: When we move less, our muscles get weaker, our joints stiffen, and our coordination can falter, all of which make recovery slower and harder.
- Poor posture or muscle weakness: Misalignment or weak muscles can change how your weight is distributed across the body, increasing the stress on your bones and joints.
- Age-related changes: Over time, our bones naturally lose some density, and the systems that help us stay balanced or keep us able to react quickly can slow down, which can make injuries more common and can make recovering from an injury more challenging.
What Causes Fractures?
Fractures can happen in an instant, and often when you least expect them. A sudden fall, a slip on a step, or even an awkward twist while reaching or carrying something can be enough to cause a fracture, especially if the bone is already weak or under stress.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Falls or sudden impact injuries: This is one of the leading causes of fractures, especially in the wrist, hip, or shoulder. Even a short-distance fall can cause a break if the landing is awkward or the bone is already vulnerable.
- Twisting or awkward movements during everyday tasks: Sometimes it’s not a fall at all, just a quick turn, step, or reach that puts unexpected force on a joint or limb.
- Underlying conditions like osteoporosis: Bones that are affected by osteoporosis are thinner and more fragile, which means they’re more likely to fracture even during regular daily movement.
- Previous injuries that have weakened the area: A bone that’s already been through a fracture or surgery may not be as strong or flexible as it once was, making it more prone to reinjury.
How Physit Supports Fracture Recovery
Healing a fracture takes more than time—it takes the right kind of support to help you feel strong, steady, and confident again. That’s why Physit brings expert physiotherapy directly to your home, so you can recover where you feel most comfortable, without the added strain and hassle of travelling to a clinic.
We take the time to thoroughly understand your needs, your pace, and your goals, so we can tailor our treatment plans appropriately. Whether you’re just out of a cast, feeling hesitant on your feet, or are ready to rebuild your strength, we’re with you every step of the way.
Here’s a look at what your treatment may include.
- Gentle, progressive exercises: We start slowly and build up, helping you regain strength, improve your flexibility, and gain back your balance without overdoing it.
- Hands-on therapy: We use specialised techniques to ease stiffness, reduce discomfort, and support healing in both the muscles and joints around the injury.
- Gait and mobility training: Whether it’s walking indoors, dealing with stairs, or heading outside with a greater level of confidence, we’ll help you move safely and feel steady while doing it.
- Pacing and daily routine guidance: We give you practical advice on when to rest, how to ease back into activities, and what to avoid while you’re healing.
- Personalised care plans: We regularly monitor your progress and adapt your treatment to match your level and speed of recovery. This way, nothing feels rushed, and nothing is left behind.
At Physit, we know that recovery isn’t only focused on getting back on your feet, it’s also about feeling like yourself again. Our care is designed to give you the independence to do what you love for a long time to come.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Fractures
1. When should I start physiotherapy after a fracture?
Physiotherapy usually begins once your doctor or consultant confirms it’s safe to move the area. This is often shortly after a cast or sling comes off. In some cases, gentle movement can start even earlier, depending on the type of fracture you have. Starting physio at the right time can help reduce any stiffness, boost circulation, and make recovery smoother.
2. Can physiotherapy help after the cast or boot comes off?
Absolutely! Once the support comes off, it’s very common to feel weak, stiff, or unsure about using the limb again. Physiotherapy helps you safely regain your strength, rebuild flexibility, and feel more confident in all of your movements, so you can more comfortably return to your everyday tasks.
3. Will I get back to how I was before the fracture?
That’s always the goal, and it can depend on what types of movement you were doing before the fracture. Depending on your goals, you may require a longer physiotherapy programme. Most people can return to their usual routines and activities with the right support, though the length of time required for recovery can vary.
Your Physit physiotherapist will create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs, tracks your progress, and adjusts everything as you improve, giving you the best chance to regain your independence at your own pace.
4. Do I need a referral to start fracture rehab with Physit?
No referral needed. You can book directly with Physit, and we’ll come to your home for a full assessment. From there, we’ll guide you through a recovery plan that’s personalised, hands-on, and focused on getting you back to moving comfortably and safely.
From Fracture to Full Strength, We’ll Help Guide You
Recovering from a fracture takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just out of a cast or are still feeling unsure on your feet, Physit is here to support you on your rehabilitation journey.. We’ll help you gain back fully functional movement, rebuild strength, and feel more confident with each step, all at a pace that feels right for you.
